Chisholm v. The J. L. Pendergast

The libelant, as master of the bark J. L. Pendergast, claims a lien upon the vessel for his wages, under the British merchants’ shipping act, on the ground that she was run as a British vessel, and owned by a British subject, residing in Quebec, where the bark was registered. James F. Pendergast held a mortgage upon the vessel, and was in reality in possession, and running her for his own account, but acted ostensibly as “agent for the owners.” The libel-ant knew her British registry; engaged as captain with Mr. Pendergast, in New York, supposing her, as he testified, to be in fact owned by…