Judah v. Dyott

¶1Indebitatus assumpsit by Dyott against Judah, administrator of Brandon-. Two counts: one for goods sold and delivered to the intestate; the other, for money had and received by the intestate to the plaintiff’s use. There was a third count, stating á promise hy the administrator to pay the debt; but to that count a nolle prosequi was afterwards entered. Two pleas; the general issue, and the statute of limitations. Issue on the first plea. Replication to the second plea and issue. Verdict for the plaintiff below. Motion for a new trial overruled; and judgment on the verdict.

¶2The proof was, that Brandon had a certain quantity of medicines in his possession belonging to Dyott, which the former had received from the latter to be sold on a commission of 25per *325cent.; and that Brandon sold the principal part of the medicines, if not .the whole, before his death.

¶3This evidence was not sufficient to maintain the action. Brandon was merely the agent of Dyott for the sale of the medicines, and was not liable to his principal for the proceeds of the sale, without a special demand previously made; nor is his administrator liable, without a previous demand on himself or his intestate. When goods are received to be sold on commission, the law implies a contract, if no other be expressed, that the agent shall not be liable for any amount received for the sale, until a demand of payment has been made. It is true, positive evidence of the demand is not always required. The circumstances proved may sometimes be such, as will authorise a jury to presume a demand. But in the case before .us^ there was no kind of evidence that a demand, either on the intestate or on his administrator, had been made before the commencement of the suit; nor were there any circumstances proved, from which any such demand could be presumed. The action, therefore, was not sustained by the evidence. Topham v. Braddick, 1 Taunton, 572.—Armstrong v. Smith, May term, 1833 (1).

¶4The statute of limitations was pleaded in this cause; but the record presents us'.with no question relative to that plea, which it is necessary to decide. It may not be improper, however, to observe, that as the cause of action does not accrue, in cases like the present, until a demand, the statute of limitations cannot be said to commence running until after the demand. Topham v. Braddick, 1 Taunton, 572.

¶5Whether, in these cases against a commission-merchant, the contract should not be specially declared on, or whether the evidence rendering him liable may be introduced under a general count, is a question which we are not called on now to decide. We conceive that, let the point as to pleading be what it may, the question as to evidence is very clear. The plaintiff, having failed to prove a demand of the money sued for, was not entitled to the verdict he obtained; and the new trial applied for by the defendant, ought to have been granted.

¶6The judgment is reversed, and the verdict set aside, with costs. Cause remanded, &c.