Samuel Freeman Miller

“ A master and crew abandon a vessel for the safety of their lives; he does not contemplate returning to use his own exertions, but the master hardly ever abandons a vessel on the coast without the intention, if he can obtain assistance, to save his vessel. ”

“ The only question of any doubt in the case arises on his right to interfere at all to save the vessel. The libellants deny this right on two grounds: 1st, that she was safe where she was; and, 2dly, that the master of the Laura was distinctly informed by the master of the Savory, that he was going ashore to get a tug to relieve her.
1. In regard to the condition of the vessel at the time the Laura took her in tow, we are of opinion that it justified the belief that her condition was one of great peril and that she would sink in a short time if left alone. ”

“ Notes
↑ L'Esperance, 1 Dodson, 46.↑ Olcott, 78.↑ 1 Swabey, 208.
This work is in the public domain in the United States because it is a work of the United States federal government (see 17 U.S.C. 105) . ”