The Col. Adams

The libel in this case was filed to recover salvage against the vessel, freight, and cargo, all of which were attached. The vessel and cargo were owned by separate owners, who appeared separately, filed separate claims, and gave separate bonds for their respective interests. The claimants of the cargo, in their answer, demanded that, in the event of the libelant’s recovery, the amount of recovery should be apportioned upon the cargo, vessel, and freight. By consent, the action was referred to a commissioner “to hear and determine the whole issue, subject to exceptions upon his report.” At the…