56 Barb. 395 | N.Y. Sup. Ct. | 1868
The facts, as found by the referee, are fully, supported by the testimony, and although we have a larg'e array of points and authorities on the part of the appellant, two questions only are really before us: 1st. Whether under the complaint in this case the plaintiff could be permitted to prove, against objection, that he demanded the cattle of the defendant before he brought the action; and, 2d. Whether, after having made such proof, he was entitled to judgment. The questions are substantially the same; because, if the proof was properly given under the pleadings, then the fact proved by it was properly established, for the purposes of the trial and decision; and these questions are quite too simple and too clear to need much discussion.
There is no necessity, in a complaint for the unlawful detention of personal property, under the Code, to allege'
Even if the complaint were defective in not stating a demand and refusal, there being no demurrer, it was competent for the court to admit the evidence of it on the trial. (White v. Spencer, 14 N. Y. Rep. 247. Reynolds v. Lounsbury, 6 Hill, 534.)
Two other points taken by the defendant may be worth a.passing notice. The first is, that the case shows that the defendant took the cattle in Lewis county, and that therefore the action should be brought in that county instead of Jefferson county. It is enough to say that the case shows that the defendant wrongfully- detained the cattle in Jefferson county, and that they were replevied there by the sheriff. The other point raised is that the defendant, on the 18th of October, informed the plaintiff that he might come and get the cattle if they were his. This clearly constituted no defense; especially as the defendant, when the plaintiff afterwards sent after and demanded them, refused them to him.
The judgment should be affirmed.
Foster, Multin and Morgrn, Justices.]