Middlebrook v. United States

Both the plaintiff and the intervenor seek to recover the value of the S. S. Fenimore which, while in the Government service under a charter contract and engaged in transporting-supplies to its Battle Fleet, was totally destroyed by fire and explosion.

The findings of fact show that the Hu*dson Navigation Company, being in possession of the S. S. Fenimore, chartered the vessel to the defendant. 'Subsequently receivers were appointed for said company by a court order. In succession, these receivers died and a new receiver was appointed 'who, since the commencement of this action by one of the…