2 Cow. 129 | Court for the Trial of Impeachments and Correction of Errors | 1823
The appellant commenced an action in the Supreme Court, against the respondents, to recover the consideration stipulated to be paid for a title to certain lands in the state of Indiana. The contract contains two distinct covenants ; the one for the 'payment of $4400, for the title—the other for the payment of an annuity of $1000, for a coal mine supposed to be on the premises.
Suit at law.
Prayer of bill
The bill prays - that the appellant1 maybe compelled to surrender the agreement to be cancelled, that it may be declared null and void, as having been obtained by deceit and fraud, and for an injunction to restrain the respondents from proceeding in a suit at law, and for general relief.
Decree
In does not appear from the case, whether an injunction was- granted in the action for the purchase money ; but in ■the- appellant’s points it is stated, that an injunction was issued by one of the Masters in Chancery, and not dissolved by the Chancellor; In the decree no notice is taken 'of the-suit at law. It directs that the- appellant be perpetually enjoined from suing or prosecuting any action or suit at law, for the recovery of the annuity, or any part thereof.
There is nothing in the decree relating to the $4400 j and, for aught that appears; there is no impediment in the way of a recovery to that extent. This, I presume, is the cause- why the- Chancellor does not vacate the contract, but applies the powers of the Court to operate upon the annuity only. In this view, it was proper to leave the title to the land in the representatives of Fulton.
The point.
The question then is, whether the contract respecting the annuity was entered into -on the part of Fulton, in conscv
As it is very evident the inducement of Fulton to contract was a belief in the existence of a valuable coal mine, if it shall appear that he relied on a state of facts disclosed by the appellant, which are found to be untrue, I apprehend' it is not material whether the intent- was fraudulent, or the representation proceeded from misapprehension or mistake. On the argument, I understood the counsel to say that the contract being executed, it could not be set aside unless for fraud. It will be conceded, that every kind of a mistake is not relievable in equity; as where the fact, from its nature, was doubtful, or at the time of the agreement equally unknown to both parties: but they are relievable where there is express evidence of the intention of the parties. Thus, in Gee v. Spencer, (1 Vern. 32,) a release was set aside by reason of the misapprehension of the party. (18 Vin. 370. Mildmay v. Hungerford, 2 Vern. 243. 1 Fon. 106.)
Intent need, not be fraudulent.
Mistake wE set aside agreement.
In Gillespie v. Moon, (2 John. Ch. 596,) the Chancellor observes, “ I have looked into most, if not all of the cases on this branch of equity jurisdiction, and it appears to me to. be established, and on great and essential grounds of justice, that relief can be had against any deed or contract in writing, founded in mistake or fraud. The mistake may be shown by parol proof, and relief granted to the injured party, whether he sets up the mistake affirmatively, by bill, or as a defence.” Also, in Bingham v. Bingham, (1 Ves. 127,) an" agreement was made for the sale of an estate. The plaintiff was relieved on the ground of mistake. It was held, that although no fraud appeared, and the defendant apprehended he had a right, yet there was a plain mistake, such as the Court was' warranted to relieve against, and not suffer the defendant to run away with the money, in consideration of the sale of an estate to which he had no right. It may be laid down as a general proposition, that to rectify mistakes is the peculiar province of a Court of Chancery. (1 Ves. Jun. 445.) Indeed, a contrary doctrine would strike at the root of fair dealing, if the party making a false representation might allege it was not done fraudulently. To
Obligation to arbitrate inapplicable.
¡The contract recites, that the appellant did discover a coal mine, on the bank of the Ohio river, which is embraced within a tract of land, particularly described, containing 1040 acres. It prescribes the manner in which Fulton was to be relieved from the payment of the annuity, should the mine become exhausted, after faithfully and scientifically working the same, according to the plan and manner of working coal mines in Europe. In the argument it was contended, that relief must be sought under this provision. The answer to the objection is, that the clause has reference to a different state of facts. It takes for granted, that the contract cannot be invalidated by reason of a fraud, or any other equitable ground, existing at the time of its inception. It does not relate to a deficiency of coal, at the commencement of the operations, but is intended to guard and protect the party against a future failure. That contingency h as not happened. The respondents say, “ We are not bound to incur great and unnecessary expense in working the mine, without the prospect of remuneration. We are absolved from this, inasmuch as there is no coal mine on the bank of the river, answering the description given by the appellant.” If this be true, it must be evident that the clause relied on has nothing to do with the question now before the Court. The respondents seek relief on distinct grounds of equity. They allege that they have been deceived, and drawn in to make the contract, by false representations. If they have succeeded in this respect, the contract must necessarily fall, so far as regards the annuity. The cause then resolves itself into a question of fact—Is there a coal mine on the bank of the river, within the boundaries of the land as described? and if so, was it fairly and truly represented in the appellant’s letter of the 23d Nov. 1813 ?
Description which led to contract.
The description is certainly given in glowing colors. I think a purchaser would not be considered very sanguine, in believing the acquisition to be a mine of wealth. The appellant
If a mine, it was easy to prove it.
James McDonald, Jun., says he is acquainted with the tract of land mentioned—he lives five miles from it—that there is a bank of coal in the bed of the river—in some seasons it is covered throughout the year with water; and is always covered, except in very low water—the water rises from 35 to 40 feet—the coal mine could not be worked, but at very great expense.
Proof. M’Donald’a evidence
It is scarcely credible, if there had been a valuable coal mine on the bank, it should be unknown to these witnesses-; both of whom have assisted ill raising coal from the bed of the river.
Rector’s ei i. deuce.
Elias Rector, a witness for t-he appellant, says- he went down the river in 1809; He believes there is a coal mine there—that- he and the appellant, with other men, did take out of the mine some of the coal—that the coal was not found in the bed of the river, nor- was it a- deposit. Nor thing is said about the quantity of coal taken, or- with what ease it was obtained. The smallest quantity- would satisfy, the words of the deposition. Why not support the description of the appellant, if' it could- be done consistently with truth ? It is very clear to my mind, that the representation-given by Rector would not have been deemed satisfactory to, Fulton, or any other purchaser. It has but little resemblance to the letter of the appellant.
White’s evidence.
Thomas C. White, another witness for the-appellant, says, he has been in the state of Indiana, and- knows- the land— he has passed over it twice in travelling, for the purpose of viewing the tracts, at the request of the appellant—he discovered a bed of coal, on which men were at work—it appeared to extend, on the surface of the bank, for about 30 or 40 yards—it was evident it constituted a part of the land— he cannot say how much coal may be produced from the land, but from the circumstance of there being much coal in the neighborhood, and from the appearance and extent of the bed, he supposed it would yield a great quantity.
From the statement of this witness, I think it maybe inferred,, that he was not a resident. He merely says, he has been in Indiana, and was sent by the appellant to view the tract. The question again forcibly returns, why not examine some of the persons who had worked the mine, and who knew something about the large quantity of coal that had been sent down the river % It can scarcely be presumed,they had, all disappeared. White, indeed, says he was told that a steam-boat had been seen at the bank, taking coal on board,
I do not consider Latrobe’s testimony material, as to the representations upon which the contract was made. He says that Fulton intimated, that possibly the situation of the mine might be such as to render it impracticable to work it, except when the waters of the Ohio were low. The witness suggested that shafts might be sunk at some distance from the river, to obviate the difficulty. Admitting that Fulton was apprised of the great rise of the river, the material inquiry is, was the mine on the bank, and if so, does the proof warrant the description given by the appellant 1 I think it does not. In my opinion, the testimony of the respondents greatly preponderates, and fully supports the Chancellor’s decree.
Latrobe’s evdence.
Some suggestions were made as to awarding an issue to try the fact I have been considering. Wherever there are doubts regarding facts, an issue is proper; but the Chancellor has a right to take upon himself the decision of every fact put in issue upon the record. The propriety of an order for an issue, is a question depending on the nature and force of the testimony. Where, from the nature of the question, or from the testimony already given, it appears that farther light may be obtained, it would be proper to require further proof; but if the evidence be satisfactory, or decisive in favor of either party, the rights of such party ought not again to be hazarded before another tribunal. (1 Mad. 365. 1 John. Cas. 500.)
When issue tobe awarded
I am of opinionTthat the decree of the Chancellor be affirmed. ■/.
Sutherland, J.- concurred.
Bowker, Bowne, Bronson, Clark, Dudley, Earll, Green, Hathaway, Hunter, King, Lefferts, Mallory, M’Intyre, Ogden, Redfield, Stranham, and Thorn, Senators, concurred.
Savage, Ch. Justice, (after stating the testimony of the witnesses.) I cannot view this transaction in the same light with the late Chancellor. If there ever was a fraudulent in
The result of the proof stated.
Fulton was to work the mine
But did not.
By the contract, Fulton was to have commenced working the mine in June, 1814, or as soon as convenient thereafter; and if the coal failed, then the salary or annuity was to cease. It does not appear that Fulton ever took any measures to fulfil this part of the contract, or that any measures for this purpose were adopted by his representative after his death.
There should be full and positive proof of fraud or mistake.
This contract was deliberately entered into, and ought not to be set aside, either for fraud, or mistake, unless upon full and positive proof. In my judgment, the proof on the part of the respondents does not at all support the allega
I am of opinion, therefore, that the decree of his Honor the Chancellor, perpetually enjoining the appellant from prosecuting at law, for the recovery of the annuity, and compelling him to pay costs, should be reversed.
The existence of the coal mine, being the only point in controversy, which admits of doubt; this being strenuously asserted on one side, and as strenuously denied on the other; as the proofs are conflicting in relation to it, and as the decision of facts properly belongs to a jury; and both parties aver that they have further testimony on that subject, not now before the Court, I am further of opinion, that the Chancellor should be directed to award an issue to determine that fact.
Should have been an issue
Burt, Cramer, Lynde, Wheeler, and Wooster, Senators, concurred.
A majority of the Court being of opinion, that the decree should be affirmed: It was thereupon ordered, adjudged and decreed, that the decree of the Court of Chancery, made in this cause, be affirmed, with costs to be taxed, and that the record, &c.
For affirmance, 19. For reversal, £.