We are to keep in mind that Herrick stands in no better situation, in this case, than Smyth, his vendor. The jury have found that the purchase of the land by the defendant was induced by false and deceitful representations on the part of Smyth, and that the plaintiff either had notice of the fraud, or that there was such a secret trust and confidence between him and his vendor, as to exclude him from the position of an honest purchaser without notice. We are to consider the case then as if it were between Smyth and the defendant. From the depositions which are referred to in the report of the Judge it abundantly appears that the most gross misrepresentations were used by Smyth, in relation to the growth and quality of the timber on the land ; that, according to his representations, there was a fine growth, more than sufficient to pay for the land, and that the timber had not been destroyed or injured by fire ; — and that, being pressed by the purchaser on that point, he continued his asseverations that the land had not been burnt over, adding, “ if it had it is no sale.” The proof is, that the land had all been burnt over once and the greater part of it twice, excepting some low wet places where there was no timber save only a few cedars ; and that the timber had all been cut off or blown down and decayed on the ground. The jury have found that Smyth knew that these representations were false, at the time he made them. The land was at a distance from the parties, and the defendant relied upon the representations of Smyth as to the timber; and for the correctness of those representations, especially that no injury had been sustained by fire, he must be held answerable.
On ascertaining the deception that had béen practised upon him, the defendant offered to return the deed, and requested Smyth to return that portion of the consideration which he had received. Smyth not only declined to do this, but taking the carriage, which is the subject of this action, from the possession of the defendant, carried it away —■ the defendant resisting him and
