Coffin v. The Progresso

This is an action in rem to enforce a lien for mate’s wages against the steamer formerly known as the- “Wells City,” now known as the “Progresso.” It is defended with the object, it is understood, of obtaining a decision upon a question of admiralty jurisdiction. The defense set up in the answer is that the steamer, while a British vessel registered under the name of “Wells City,” was sunk in the harbor of New York, and was abandoned by her owner, and her register as a British vessel duly closed; that she was raised by the underwriters, and sold' to the claimant, with the purpose to procure…