18 Barb. 212 | N.Y. Sup. Ct. | 1854
The evidence on the first trial of this case was substantially the same as on the recent trial thereof,- in respect to loss of services by the plaintiff. Upon the motion to set aside the nonsuit granted on the first trial, we held, as to the point of loss of services, that pregnancy and the birth of a child were not essential to the right of action, and that it was sufficient if illness of the daughter, whereby she was unable to labor, had been produced by shame for the seduction. (15 Barb. 279.) In addition to the references in the opinion then delivered, in support of the first branch of this doctrine, I cite Briggs v. Evans, (5 Iredell, 16,) Sedg. on Dam. 2d ed. 543. The question now presented, in regard to loss of services, is whether, if the illness and consequent inability to serve were produced by exposure of the seduction, and would not have occurred but for the exposure, it was a loss which would sustain the action. It is claimed on the part of the defendant that he
The instruction to the jury that they might, on the question
In my opinion, no substantial error in the admission or rejection of evidence which calls for a new trial was committed. .The testimony given of the defendant’s declarations, as to the pecuniary circumstances of his father, on the plaintiff being permitted to prove the pecuniary circumstances of the defendant, was not within the offer and decision made, and the defendant should have moved to have it stricken out if he desired to object to it. Besides, it was but a repetition of what the witness had before stated without objection. No evidence of the defendant’s pecuniary circumstances was given. In respect to the offer to prove by Mrs. Belden that the plaintiff was told that the character of Miles, who was in the habit of visiting at the plaintiff’s house frequently, was bad in regard to chastity, I think the evidence was admissible, but that it is apparent no harm was done by its rejection. The defendant was permitted to go fully into proof by that witness and others as to the reputation of Miles, and his intimacy at the plaintiff’s house, and as to the knowledge of the plaintiff of his bad character. There was no proof of any association or conversation at any time prior to the seduction complained of, between him and the daughter, nor of any immoral or improper act on his part at the plaintiff’s house.
The damages appear to be high, but not so excessive as to indicate passion, partiality, prejudice, or corruption, on the part of the jury. (5 Cowen, 106.)
Motion for a new trial denied.
Johnson, T. R. Strong and Welles, Justices.]