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6 F. Cas. 133

Collins v. Nickerson

Massachusetts District Court

Decided February 15, 1846

Massachusetts District Court · decided 1846-02-15

In admiralty. This was a libel for wages, promoted by Collins, a seaman of the brig Bell Marshal, against the owner, Nickerson. It appeared that the libellant had demanded his wages, upon obtaining his discharge, four days after the arrival of the vessel in port; but the respondent refused to pay him, relying upon the statute restricting seamen from libelling the vessel, until the expiration of ten days.

Decided 1846-02-15

SPRAGUE, District Judge.

¶1The first question is, was this suit brought prematurely? In The Commerce [Case No. 3,054], I expressed the opinion that the statute of 1790 (2d Sess.) c. 29, § 6 [1 Stat. 133], did not affect the right of a seaman to proceed in personam for his wages, but only postponed his right to process against the vessel, for ten days. I have seen no reason to change that opinion. A seaman is entitled to his wages immediately upon the completion of his service; and if payment be refused, he may proceed at once to enforce it by a suit in personam.

¶2The second question, namely, whether a proctor who has commenced a suit for a seaman, upon a just claim, may proceed in it merely for costs, after a clandestine settlement with his client, has been several times decided by this court in the affirmative. The Planet [Case No. 11,204]; Brooks v. Snell [Id. 1,961]; Angell v. Bennett [Id. 387].

¶3Decree for costs against the respondent.

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