Ward Hunt

“ The fifteenth article provides that 'if two ships, one of which is a sailing ship and the other a steamship, are proceeding in such directions as to involve risk of collision, the steamship shall keep out of the way of the sailing ship.' It has been repeatedly held under this article, that the sailing vessel must hold its course, and rely upon the steamship to avoid a collision. This is not only the right of the sailer, but it is its duty; and the steamer is bound to believe that the sailer will so act, and may manage its own vessel upon that supposition. ”

“ We have already said that she was not bound to take any steps to avoid a collision until danger of a collision should have been apparent; and we think there was no reason for apprehension until the ship light was seen closing in upon her. It is not the law that a steamer must change her course or must slacken her speed the instant she comes in sight of another vessel, no matter in what direction it may be. ”

“ If she should bear westerly, she would meet the 'Meisel;' if easterly, she would encounter the second vessel; and, if she continued her course without variation, she would be upon the third supposed vessel. It would be the plain duty of the propeller under these circumstances, in compliance with the sixteenth article, to slacken her speed, to stop and reverse if necessary, and wait until time should point out the safe course to be pursued. It would be a case involving risk of collision. ”