Stone v. Ketland , 1 Wash. C. C. 142 ( 1804 )

WASHINGTON, Circuit Justice

(charging jury), laid down the rule, that a man who undertook to navigate a ship, was pledged to his owners, and he and they to all the world who might be affected, for his skill, care, and attention. That it was not sufficient for him to say he had exercised his best judgment; but in case any person sustained an injury from him, he was bound to show that he possessed and had exercised the judgment of a skilful and careful commander. That the signal, as understood at sea, was a justification for the Washington, in departing from her course, and bearing down to the schooner, if, in the opinion of the jury, the custom was sufficiently proved. That it was for the jury to say, whether, in doing so, the captain had conducted himself with skill and care; whether he manoeuvred as he ought to have done, and in due time; if not, the defendants were liable. That the acknowledgments of the captain, were to be considered as evidence corroborating the opinions of the defendant’s witnesses, that Captain Williamson had acted properly, and that the accident was inevitable, and nothing farther.

Jury found for the defendant