11 Ala. 187 | Ala. | 1847
The reformation of written agreements, when, by mistake, they express more or less than the parties intended, is now a well established branch'.of equity jurisdiction, but if the proofs are doubtful and unsatisfactory, and the mistake is not entirely plain, equity will withhold relief on the ground that the written paper -ought to be treated as a full and correct expression of the intent, until the contrary is established beyond reasonable controversy. [1 Story’s Eq. § 152, and cases there cited.]
If, as the counsel for the defendant supposes, the proof in this cause established the contract to be, that the complainant was to warrant the then condition of the slave,-it would admit of serious question, whether his mistaken impression that such a contract would not cover a constitutional defect subsequently developed, would be admitted to qualify the legal import of his agreement; but as we understand the evidence, no such inference is warranted. - Those present when the sale was made, are positive and precise in declaring the (contrac.t was, the slave should not be warranted sound, and ,the reason was then given by the'seller, why he would-not
Decree affirmed.