Pratt v. Reed, 60 U.S. 359 (1856)
U.S. Supreme Court
Pratt v. Reed, 60 U.S. 19 How. 359 359 (1856)
Pratt v. Reed
60 U.S. (19 How.) 359
Syllabus
In order to create a maritime lien for supplies furnished to a vessel, there must be a necessity for the supplies themselves, and also that they could be obtained only by a credit upon the vessel.
Hence, where a running account for coal was kept with a vessel trading upon the lakes, the master of which was also the owner, it does not appear that the coal could be procured only by creating a lien upon the vessel.
In a contest, therefore, between a libellant for supplies and mortgagees of the vessel, the latter are entitled to the proceeds of sale of the boat.
This is under the general admiralty law. No opinion is expressed as to the effect of the local laws of the states.
The case is explained in the opinion of the Court.