Abandoned at the Docks: The Crew of the Bark Northwest Sues for Wages

In the District Court of the Third Judicial District of Washington Territory, held at Seattle in King County, on the 25th day of March, 1880, a libel has been filed by F. Parker, Edward Hughes, J. T. Young, Ah Moor, Henry Fohlier, Wm. Wahlquist, James Hanson, F. Gatlasson, Gust Seaberg, Seth Savory, A. Nisen, Andrew Erichson, and Robert Fall, late mariners on board the American Bark 'Northwest,' of which J. W. Farnham was Master. The libelants claim that on December 9, 1879, at the port of San Francisco, they shipped into the service of the bark for a voyage to Port Madison to load cargo and return to San Francisco. The voyage was terminated at Port Madison and the men were discharged, but they allege that their earned wages, along with compensation for food, lodging, and return expenses, remain unpaid. The amounts range from roughly $50 to $156 per man. United States Marshal Charles Hopkins has issued a public notice for all interested parties to appear before the District Court in Seattle on the first Monday of May to interpose their claims, as the sailors seek to have the vessel, her tackle, and apparel condemned and sold to satisfy these debts.