The Chasca

This libel was filed to recover damages for the non-delivery and loss of about 200 tons of nitrate of soda, part of a cargo of about 900 tons, or 6,546 bags, which were shipped at Pisagua, Chili, on board the bark Chasca, bound for Hampton Boads and orders, in June, 1883. The bark was chartered to the libelants under a charter of affreightment that exempted her from liability for losses by perils of the seas. The question litigated was whether the loss of the nitrate is to be ascribed to perils of the sea, or to insufficient or improper dunnage.

The bark sailed from Pisagua on June 21st. About…