Spreckels v. The State of California

On the afternoon of January 3, 1890, Messrs. Goodall & Perkins received a telegraphic dispatch from the first officer of the steamer State of California, dated “Bowen’s Landing, via Walhalla,” informing them that the steamer had broken her shaft, that her rudder was di,sallied, and that assistance was required to tow her into port. The steamer was then three days overdue, and her non-arrival had given rise to serious apprehensions for her safety. Her value, with her cargo and freight, was about $300,000. She also had on board 130 passengers. On receiving this dispatch, Ex-Gov. Perkins…