Gibbons v. Ogden · ¶86

If; theft, it were even true, that the Bellona and the Stoudiiiger were employed exclusively in the conveyance of passengers between New-York and New-Jersey, it would not follow that this occupation did not constitute a part of the coasting trade of the United States, and was not protected by the license annexéd to the answer. But we cannot perceive how the occupation of these vessels can be. drawn into question, in the case before the Court. The laws of New-Yofk, which grant the exclusive privilege set up by the respondent, take no notice of the employment of vessels, and relate Only to the principle by which they are pror pelled. Those.laws do not inquire whether vessels are engaged in transporting men or merchandise, but whether they áre moved by steam or wind. If by the former, the waters of New-York arc closed against them, though their cargoes be dutiable goods, which the laws of…

U. S. Reports, bound volume
U. S. Reports, volume 22, at 1 (Library of Congress) · transcription: Caselaw Access Project
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