9 Rob. 193 | La. | 1844
This suit is brought on three notes, drawn to the order of the plaintiff, by Sarah Y. Tew, the wife of William M. Tew, from whom she is separated in estate, and by Wiley B. Grayson. These notes are dated the 1st of May, 1840, and purport to bear interest at ten per cent per annum from the 1st of April, 1840, if not punctually paid at maturity. One of the notes is for #325, and became due on the 1st of April, 1841 ; and the two others, which are for #675 each, became due, the one on the 1st of April, 1841, and the other on the 1st of April, 1842. Sarah Y. Tew, whose husband was made a party to this suit, suffered a judgment by default to go against her; while her co-defendant pleaded the general issue, and the want of an amicable demand. There was a final judgment entered up against both, from which they appealed. i(
It is urged by the appellants’ counsel that the judgment of the lower court must be reversed as to Sarah Y. Tew, because the judgment by default given against her could not be made final, the plaintiff having failed to have her authorized to appear and defend the suit. The notes sued on were given by Sarah Y. Tew, for the purchase money of some personal property and slaves, which she bought at the sale of the estate surrendered by her husband to his creditors. The plaintiff, ,in our opinion, did all that he was legally bound to do, when, in compliance with article 118 of the Code of Practice, he brought the present suit against both the defendant Sarah, and her husband Wm. M. Tew. If the latter, after having been made a party defen
The judgment appealed from gives interest at the rate of ten per cent per annum on the three notes, from the 1st of April, 1840. This back interest we are called upon by the appellants’ counsel to disallow, as illegal and usurious, under the decision we made at the last term of this court, in the case of Griffin v. His Creditors. 6 Robinson, 216. We have no reason to be dissatisfied with the opinion then expressed, and will not here repeat the reasons on which it is based. On the two notes of $675 each, given for the purchase of slaves, we will allow legal interest from their maturity, pursuant to article 2531 of the Civil Code.
It is, therefore, ordered and' adjudged, that the judgment 'of the District Court be reversed, so far as it allows an interest of ten per cent on the notes sued on,-from the 1st of April, 1840; and it is further ordered, that the plaintiff recover interest at