1 Ct. Cl. 260 | Ct. Cl. | 1865
delivered the opinion of the Court.
This suit is founded upon three drafts, or bills of exchange, drawn on the Secretary of the Interior by Adam Johnston, a sub-Indian agent in California. They were in favor of John C. Frémont, dated, respectively, on the l'lth day of November, 1851, and by him indorsed in blank. Two were for the sum of $5,000 each, and one for the sum of $10,000. They were payable three days after sight. Being presented to the Secretary of the Interior, he declined to accept them, and thereupon they were protested.
The evidence taken in the case shows that these drafts were given by Johnston to Frémont for cattle and flour purchased from him for the use of the Indians; and the original contract is set out in the petition, and made the foundation of claim, as well as the bills or drafts.
It is admitted by the counsel for the claimants that Johnston had no authority to draw these bills so as to charge the United States.
This view being decisive of the case, we have not felt called upon to consider it further.