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2 Hall 345

Corlies v. Gardner

The Superior Court of New York City

Decided October 15, 1829

The Superior Court of New York City · decided 1829-10-15

<p>The plaintiffs, (auctioneers,) sold to the defendants a quahtity of goods, by auction, to be paid for in an approved endorsed noto, at six months. The plaintiffs having delivered the goods, demanded the note, which being refused, they immediately commenced an action for goods sold and delivered. The defendants contended that the action should have been special, for the non-delivery of the notes, and that indebitatus assumpsit would not lie until the credit had expired.</p> <p>Held that the sale and delivery of the goods were conditional, and that the plaintiffs upon the non-compliance with the conditions of sale, by the defendants, might reclaim their goods, or treat the sale as an absolute one, without credit, and bring their action for the price without delay.</p>

Decided 1829-10-15

Oakley, J.

¶1It is no doubt the general rule, that when goods are sold upon a special agreement, which continues executory, no general indebitatus assumpsit will lie. In the present case, however, it is clear from the evidence, that the sale was, in truth, considered a cash sale, unless the buyer should give’ an endorsed note, at six months. The credit which he was to have, was on con dition that he gave the security, and the delivery of the goods was upon the same condition.

¶2Under these circumstances, there can be no question, but that the plaintiffs had a right to reclaim the goods, if they remained in the hands of the defendants, upon their refusal to comply with the conditions of the sale; or to treat the sale as an absolute one, without credit, and to bring their action for the price.

¶3In the cases cited by the defendant’s counsel, the sale and delivery of the goods were absolute, but to be paid for in a peculiar manner, at a subsequent period. In this case, the "sale and delivery were strictly conditional; If the defendants refused to perform the condition, and still kept the goods, they were bound to pay for them immediately.

¶4 Motion to set aside the non-suit, and for a new trial denied.

¶5[B. Clarke, Att’y for the plffs. J. Wallis, Att’y for the deft.]

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