State v. Orleans Navigation Co.

By the court:

Preston, J.

The Bayou St. John was a navigable stream previous to the cession of Louisiana to the United States. The Spanish Governor, the Baron Carondelet, excavated the basin and canal to connect the navigation of the bayou with the rear of the city. Both were of smaller dimensions than at present, yet they were used by the small schooners on the lakes.

On the 3d of July, 1805, the Governor and Legislative Council of the Territory of Orleans, incorporated “ The Orleans Navigation Company.” By the 9th section of the charter it was provided, that, “ As soon as the company shall…