2 Wis. 148 | Wis. | 1853
By the Court,
The same principle is involved in this case, as that decided by this court in Cooper vs. Blood, (ante 62). We held, in the latter case, that where a copy of the note was endorsed
" The object of the declaration is, to apprize the defendant of the precise matter of complaint against him. That which truly accomplishes this function indicating with sufficient certainty the facts to be proved in its support, whatever may be its form, is in reality, and should be held tobe, the declaration. The common counts, without the note, do not inform the defendant of the precise cause of action, when the suit is brought on the note solely ; but when a copy of the note is endorsed with a statement, that the note is the only cause of action, the requisite preci
In no philosophical view can we confound the office of the declaration, with the mere forms which have heen, and are in current use. That must he considered the declaration, which states the cause of action, and whatever form the legislature may prescribe in which such statement may he made, when it is so made, it becomes the substance, essence and quality of the declaration itself. Nor, should the office of the note served with the declaration under the statute, he confounded with that of a hill of particulars. The latter does not become evidence ; it constitutes none of facts to support the declaration ; it is no part of the promise on which the count is based ; it is neither the contract, nor the evidence of it. Hence it is well liolden, that it does not form a part of the count, nor become a part of the record.
Holding, therefore, that the copy of the note endorsed and served with the declaration, became and was a part of it, the note was admissible in evidence, and advantage of the nonjoinder shoidd have been taken by plea in abatement.
The judgment of the court below is reversed, and the cause remanded for a new trial.