A Crippling Debt: The Maritime Fight for Justice

In the District Court for the Third Judicial District of Washington Territory, holding terms at Seattle, Robert Johnson vs. Bark Cambridge and A. McIntyre. Whereas a libel has been filed by Robert Johnson against the American bark called the Cambridge, her tackle, apparel, and furniture, alleging that on the 12th of June, 1876, at Port Blakely, Kitsap County, Washington Territory, A. McIntyre, master of said vessel, did ship and hire the libellant to serve as an able seaman for the period of six months at $30 per month. On August 12, 1876, the libellant was terribly injured whereby his right hand was crushed and permanently disabled, rendering him incapable of ever following his occupation as a seaman. This injury was caused by the gross and wanton negligence and carelessness of the said A. McIntyre. No part of his wages have been paid except $70, and the libellant claims $140 for the balance of his wages and $3,000 for damages. The U.S. Marshal for Washington Territory gives public notice to all persons claiming the said bark that they must appear before the District Court at Seattle on the 30th of January, 1877, to intervene their claims.