Joseph Rucker Lamar

“ Plumley v. United States
Argued: December 9, 1912. --- Decided: January 6, 1913
In October, 1888, P. H. McLaughlin & Company contracted to build the Naval Observatory in Washington for $307,811. After most of the work had been done, the contract was forfeited for failure to make satisfactory progress. 37 Ct. Cl. 150. The government advertised for bids to complete the work. After examining the contract and documents Plumley agreed to complete the building in accordance with the McLaughlin contract, and 'duly authorized changes' by June 1st, 1892, for the sum of $25,840. ”

“ Having finished the work, he sued the government for damages by delay and for extra work amounting to $12,813. The court rendered judgment in his favor for $502 insurance paid during the period he was delayed in finishing the work. All of the other items were disallowed. Both parties appealed. ”