“This was an action of trespass for seizing, taking, and carrying away, and converting to the defendant’s use, a certain vessel, the property of the plaintiff, called the Hiram. Plea not guilty, with leave to justify. The case, as proved at the trial, was as follows: The plaintiff purchased the Hiram from one De Silver, in February 1819, and obtained a bill of sale of her, which, with her coasting license, was on board at the time of the alleged trespass. The plaintiff hired the Hiram to one Hand, but for how long a time, or upon what terms, did not appear. Hand hired her to John Keene for $10 a month, but he expected to keep her during the season. John Keene, being thus possessed of this vessel, left Philadelphia with one Courtney, on board, to assist him in navigating her, and in taking oysters.”