The R. Lenahan, Jr.

HAZEL, District Judge.

We are concerned herein with four libels in rem, separately filed by cargo owners and owners of barges to recover damages sustained on November 16, 1926, at Fonda, N. Y., arising from the alleged negligent tow-age of the tug Carlotta and resulting in grounding of the barges R. Lenahan, Jr., laden with 600 tons of pig iron, and John J. Ryan, laden with 20,000 bushels of wheat. The tow, starting at Buffalo, went eastward on the Erie Barge Canal destined to Waterford, N. Y., closely coupled in tandem, the Lenahan being ahead boat, and the Ryan, having a Gillies steering…