Dudley v. Camden & Philadelphia Ferry Co.

The opinion of the court was delivered by

Van Syckel, J.

In April, 1877, the plaintiff drove his horses and carriage upon the defendants’ ferry boat, at Philadelphia, for the purpose of crossing over to Camden. Before the boat left the slip, the horses became frightened, and ran over the bow of the boat into the river. The horses were drowned, and the carriage and harness damaged. This action is brought to recover compensation for the loss.

A ferryman is not chargeable as a common carrier, for the *26absolute safety of property regained by a passenger in his own custody and under his own control.

In…