Steamboat James Battle v. Waring

Tbe courts of this State can proceed by admiralty process to enforce tbe collection of such debts only as, under our statutes, constitute a lien on tbe vessel. Tbe only debts of this class are those for work done on, or materials supplied tbe vessel, and for tbe wages of tbe officers, laborers, and crew. — Code, § 2692. Tbe most favorable view, for tbe appellee, which can be taken of tbe case, is to consider him as having advanced or loaned money to tbe master of tbe boat, which tbe latter was at liberty to apply, and which be did apply, in paying tbe wages of tbe crew, and other debts which,…