November 10, 1975
Page 35668
By Mr. MUSKIE:
S. 2640. A bill for the relief of William F. Mussenden, sole surviving descendant of the owners of the firm of Larrabee & Allen of Bath, Maine. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce legislation today that would satisfy a long outstanding claim against the Department of the Navy for work done on a wooden double-ended gunboat called the Iosco.
Construction of the Iosco began in 1862 when the firm of Larrabee & Allen of Bath, Maine, contracted for work on the hull with the Department of the Navy. During the next 6 months, the Navy ordered several alterations and additions which added to the original contract price of $75,000. Subsequently, the vessel was delivered to an independent contractor in Boston called the Globe Iron Works so that the engine could be installed. Because of the numerous delays, the completed Iosco was delivered to Navy officials in 1864, almost a year after the contracted date.
While the firm of Larrabee & Allen received some compensation for the additional work required, it was never paid for the total costs incurred.
In March 1865, the Senate passed a resolution requesting the Secretary of the Navy to organize a board to review all Civil War claims. This board, headed by Commodore Thomas O. Selfridge, determined, after receiving testimony by a member of this Maine firm, that an unpaid balance of $11,708.97 was due.
Several relief bills were introduced in the Congress over the years, and in 1890, both Houses acted favorably on legislation that conferred jurisdiction on the claim to the U.S. Court of Claims. This body confirmed the findings of the Selfridge Board and recommended to the Congress that the outstanding balance of $11,708.97 be paid. However, settlement of the claim was never made.
The firm of Larrabee & Allen is no longer in existence, and failure to receive funds due from work on the Iosco contributed to its demise. The firm's surviving member, William F. Mussenden of Bath, Maine, is seeking rectification and final settlement of the claim which Larrabee & Allen were never able to achieve.
Mr. President, I am hopeful for prompt action on this bill and that the findings and recommendations of the Selfridge Board and the U.S. Court of Claims will be recognized and implemented.