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2 Tex. 355

Dugan v. McDonald

Texas Supreme Court

Decided December 15, 1847

Texas Supreme Court · decided 1847-12-15

The appellee instituted this suit in the court below against the appellant to recover a sum of money which he alleged the appellant had obtained from his agent, Josiah Merritt, without authority. The defendant below demurred to the petition, pleaded a general denial and payment. The demurrer was overruled, and on the pleas the plaintiff had a verdict and judgment. The defendant then moved for a new trial on the ground of newly discovered evidence.

Decided 1847-12-15

Mr. Chief Justice ITeMphill

¶1delivered the opinion of the court.

¶2The motion for a new trial was made on the ground of newly discovered evidence, and was, we think, properly overruled.

¶3The casual declaration of the appellee in conversation with a third party, that he did not look to the appellant for the money, but to Merritt, could not operate a discharge of the appellant’s liability.

¶4The creditor can look to either of his debtors liable for the same debt, or to both, at pleasure, and can prosecute his claim against one or the other or both, at his will, or according to the chance of recovery; and where both are equally and primarily liable, as in this case, he can change his intention as to the party to be sued, without any regard to previous declarations, where no discharge has been given. The appeal appears to have been frivolous and taken for delay, and it is therefore ordered that the judgment be affirmed with damages.

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