¶1The defense is that the seaman is not entitled to the small balance claimed, because he had not been discharged from the vessel, and that leaving without being discharged forfeited the wages due. On the other hand, it was in evidence that tbs seaman was sick, and'unable to be on board ship. It would be hard and unjust, the court contended, to hold him to a literal performance. His sickness is an excuse, and therefore the balance of wages must be decreed, with costs.
2 F. Cas. 937
Barron v. Locke
Decided July 1, 1864
United States District Court · decided 1864-07-01
In admiralty. Libel by Barron against Locke, master of the schooner George ¡3. Jones, for seaman’s wages. Libellant’s counsel objected to evidence by respondent on the ground that no written answer had been filed, claiming right to do so under the rules of the supreme court, mtde under Act •Cong. [Aug. 23,] 1842, [section 6, 5 Stat. 5Í8.] “The rules of the supreme court were not intended,” THE COURT said, “to change the rules of the district courts as to seaman’s wages.
[Decree for iibellant · Decided 1864-07-01