UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT DECISIONS ON-LINE

Where a libel was filed in personam, against the owners of a steamboat in California, by their general agent or broker, for the balance of an account for money paid, laid out, and expended in paying for supplies, repairs, and advertising of the steamboat, together with commissions on the disbursements, the libel was properly dismissed for want of jurisdiction.

There was nothing in the case to bring it within the class of maritime contracts; nor does the local law of California, which authorizes an attachment of vessels for supplies or repairs, extend to the balance of accounts between agent and principal, who have never dealt on the credit, pledge, or security of the vessel.

The case is sufficiently stated in the opinion of the Court.