Gibbons v. Ogden · ¶93

This act demonstrates the opinion of Congress, that steam boats, may be enrolled and licensed, in common with vessels using sails. They are, of course, entitled to the same privileges,, and can no more be restrained from navigating watersj and entering ports which are free to such vessels, than if they were wafted on their voyage by the winds, instead of being propelled by the agency of fire. The one element may be as legitimately used as the other, for every commercial purpose authorized by the laws of the Union; and the act of a State inhibiting the use of either to any vessel having a license under the act of Congress, comes, we think, in direct collision with that act.

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