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4 E.D. Smith 75

Thomas v. Mills

New York Court of Common Pleas

Decided February 15, 1855

New York Court of Common Pleas · decided 1855-02-15

The “North Star,” running from New York to Aspinwall, and the “ Uncle Sam,” running from Panama to San Francisco, constituted the “Independent Line” of California steamships. One Cross was the common agent of both steamers and the proprietor of the first, while the defendant was the proprietor of the second.

Decided 1855-02-15

¶1*77By the Court.

Ingraham, First J.

¶2We are of opinion that the defendant, being interested in one of the vessels or steamers forming the line, and undertaking, by the endorsement on the tickets, to secure to the plaintiff a passage throughout on both steamers, assumed the responsibility of guaranteeing to the plaintiff that such passage was seemed to him ; and on a failure of either steamer to cany the plaintiff, the defendant became liable to him for the damages sustained.

¶3Interest in one of the steamers was sufficient to show benefit to the defendant from the contract, so as to prevent its being void for want of consideration.

¶4The declaration of the plaintiff in the presence of the defendant, that he had been put off the steamer because his ticket was not good, the conduct of the defendant in not denying such statement, but proposing a settlement, and offering to pay part of the plaintiff’s board and other arrangements, was sufficient evidence to go to a jury or be submitted to the court, and would sustain a finding in the plaintiff’s favor on that point.

¶5The plaintiff, if entitled to recover at all, was at least entitled to what he paid for the ticket and interest, as they were of no value to him after he was put out of the steamer.

¶6The evidence shows the payment to the 'defendant of one hundred dollars for the ticket. It does not appear what the plaintiff paid for it, but the presumption is, he paid what Ross handed to the defendant.

¶7If so, the judgment is for more than the sum paid, and should be reduced to $100, and interest ($1) from 20th February, 1854, and affirmed for that sum, with costs in the court below, and without costs to either party on appeal.

¶8Adjudged accordingly.

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