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1 N.H. 190

Hill v. Page

Superior Court of New Hampshire

Decided September 15, 1818

Superior Court of New Hampshire · decided 1818-09-15

REPORT of referees upon a rule of reference, into which the parties had entered before a justice of the peace, under the provisions of the statute of June 21, 1797. The demand annexed to the submission was as follows : “ 1818. Taylor Page to S. Hill, Dr. “ To amount demanded in damages to be “ exhibited on trial, - - - - $500. “ Errors excepted, >5?.

Decided 1818-09-15

Richardson. C. J.,

¶1delivered the opinion of the court.

¶2The statute requires the person or persons making the demand, to make out'a particular statement thereof under his or their hands. The statement need not have all the technical precision of a declaration. It is sufficient if it distinctly shows on what ground and for what cause the demand is made, so that the court can see that neither a frivolous nor an illegal claim was made the ground of the proceedings. In the case of Skillings vs. Coolidge et al., 14 Mass. Rep. 43, it was very properly decided, that when the claim was, “To balance due this day, as per accounts exhibited referees, flo'000,” it was sufficiently particular, because a balance of accounts was evidently the ground of the claim. But in Jones vs. Hacker, 5 Mass. Rep. 264, where the demand was, ““ Ephaim Jones demands of Jeremiah Hacker $250,” it was held not to be sufficiently particular. In the case now before us it does not appear on what ground the damages were demanded. For aught that appears, they might have been claimed for the breach of an illegal contract; and we are of opinion that no judgment can be rendered upon the report.

¶3Report rejected.

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