45 Barb. 214 | N.Y. Sup. Ct. | 1866
The counsel for the defendant offered to prove that the plaintiff requested him to sign the note as surety for James; that he declined, stating that the note was to run a year, and he thought the plaintiff would not collect it when due, as she would from a stranger. That the plaintiff then promised that if Hall would sign the note she would collect it promptly when it should become due, if it was not paid ; and further, that she would not dispose of the note. That he, Hall, answered that he would sign the note if she would collect it promptly, when due, and he would sign it on no other condition; that the plaintiff again assented, and agreed to such condition, upon which Hall signed the note. This offered evidence was objected to, upon the grounds: 1. That any verbal agreement or understanding was merged in the note; 2. That it contradicts the contents-of the note. The objection was sustained, and the' defendants excepted.
Ho rule of evidence is better settled than that which rejects oral evidence to contradict or vary the written contract between the parties, or the legal effect of -the written instru
The witness Wright stated that he was acquainted with James Thompson’s pecuniary circumstances, and had been, for several years, and that he was not responsible. “Was he able to j3av his debts, in December, 1855, in the usual course of trade?’’ This question was objected to, and the objection was overruled, and the defendant excepted. The answer was: “Ho sir; so far as I know, I know he was not.” The witness then proceeded to state numerous facts, touching the. property of James, and his indebtedness, showing a very full and intimate acquaintance with the ¿ondition of James, and his utter insolvency. In my opinion no error was committed in receiving this evidence. I do not understand the question as calling for the opinion of the witness, simply. In form, i-t called for a fact; was James able to pay his debts, in the usual course of trade ? . If the witness knew the fact, there certainly could be no' objection to his stating it. He answered, “Ho sir; so far as I know, I know he was not;” and then stated the facts fully.
The referee found that at the time the surety requested the plaintiff to proceed and collect the note by action, the principal debtor - was insolvent and unable to pay his debts, the gross amount of his indebtedness being considerably greater than the whole value of his property, and that he at all times thereafter so continued insolvent. The evidence fully sustained this finding ; and according to Herrick v. Borst) (4
It is a general rule that mere indulgence on the part of the creditor, and neglect to prosecute the principal, will not discharge the surety. (Schroeppell v. Shaw, 3 N. Y. Rep. 446. Fulton v. Matthews, 15 John. 433.)
I think the judgment in this case must be affirmed.
Judgment affirmed.
Grover, Daniels and Marvin, Justices.]