18 Tex. 418 | Tex. | 1857
Under what rules and restrictions account books containing original entries ought to be admitted in evidence in proof of the delivery of goods therein charged, has been the subject of much discussion, and some diversity of opinion. (1 Cow. & H. Notes to Phil. Ev, 297, n. 201, p. 318.) But under more or less restrictions they have generally been received. In England a party’s own shop books containing original entries made by his clerk, have been admitted in evidence. The books must have been kept for the purpose ; and “ the entries must have been made contemporaneous -with the “ delivery of the goods, and by a person whose duty it was for “ the time being to make them. In such cases, the books are held “ admissible as evidence of the delivery of the goods therein “ charged, where the nature of the subject is such as not to render “ better evidence attainable.” (Greenl. Ev. Sec. 117 and note.) “ In the United States, (says Mr. Greenleaf,) this principle has “ been carried farther, and extended to entries made by the “ party himself in his own shop books. Though this evidence “ has sometimes been said to be admitted contrary to the rules “ of the common law, yet in general its admission will be found “ to be in perfect harmony with those rules, the entry being &d- “ mitted only where it was evidently contemporoneous with the “ fact, and part of the res gestae. Being the act of the party
Reversed and remanded.