THE FRANCES, 12 U.S. 358 (1814)

U.S. Supreme Court

THE FRANCES, 12 U.S. 358 (1814)

Mar. 12, 1814

THIS was likewise a case of goods by the Frances, condemned in the Circuit Court of Rhode Island. They were claimed by Duncan Kennedy, an American citizen, who appealed to this Court.

The case was submitted to the Court without argument.

Saturday, March 12th. Absent. LIVINGSTON, J.

MARSHALL, Ch. J. delivered the opinion of the Court as follows:

Duncan Kennedy, surviving partner of the house of George Stayley & Co. merchants of New York, claims eight boxes of merchandize, part of the cargo of the ship Frances, as his property.

Page 12 U.S. 358, 359

The invoice is headed

'Glasgow, 8th July, 1812.

'Messrs. George Stayley & Co.

'Receive from James Smith.'

A letter from James Smith to George Stayley & Co. in speaking of the goods, terms them 'our goods,' and does not, in any manner, indicate that they are the goods of Stayley & Co. He concludes his letter with saying, 'As it is to be hoped the trade will now open, 'I shall expect your instructions saying what goods 'are best suited for the market.'

The bill of lading is filled up with the name of George Stayley & Co. ' on account and risk as per invoice.'

There are several letters from George Stayley, in Glasgow, to his father; but none of them indicate an opinion that the property of the goods was in George Stayley & Co:

The sentence, condemning these goods, must be affirmed.