The engagement of the indorser oí a promissory note, is only a conditional liability to pay the same if due demand is made on the maker, and due notice given to the indorser. In the present case, it is conceded by the plaintiff, that no demand was made and no notice was given to the
It seems to us that the knowledge of this latter fact was material. Knowledge of the want of due notice to him that tire note had not been paid, is only knowledge of a part of the facts. This might well be so, and yet the proper demand on the maker have been made. The omission to give notice to the indorser was one species of loches, and the neglect to make a proper demand on the maker another and different one. It has been held by this court that a waiver of the right to notice, by the indorser of a promissory note, does not excuse the indorsee from demanding payment of the maker at the maturity of the note. Berkshire Bank v. Jones, 6 Mass. 524. See to the same effect, Drinkwater v. Tebbetts, 5 Shepley, 16; Lane v. Seward, 2 Appleton, 98; 1 Parsons on Contracts, 232. The grounds of the rule are stated thus by Professor Parsons: “ Though the party may not wish for notice of the nonpayment, he may still claim that payment should be demanded.” It might well happen that upon proper presentment and demand of payment of the maker, the same might have been paid, when, in the absence of such demand, payment might have been neglected.
New trial granted.
