Powhatan Steamboat Company v. Appomattox Railroad Company

THIS case was brought up by writ of error from the Circuit Court of the United States for the eastern district of Virginia.

The nature of the case and rulings of the court below are fully explained in the opinion of the court.

It was argued by Mr. Schley, upon a brief submitted by himself and Mr. Jaynes, for the plaintiffs in error, and by Mr. Robinson for the defendants.

The arguments upon both sides contained examinations of the cases in this country and England with respect to the operation of Sunday laws; but the opinion of the court being that this case does not come within the scope of the Virginia code, the insertion of these arguments is not considered necessary. It will be seen that the court consider the transaction between the two companies as having been closed by the reception of the goods by the railroad company; after which period it became their duty to keep them safely, which did not amount to a violation of the Virginia code.

Mr. Justice CLIFFORD delivered the opinion of the court.