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4 Day 108

Cowles v. Wilcox

Supreme Court of Connecticut

Decided June 15, 1809

Supreme Court of Connecticut · decided 1809-06-15

This was an action of assumpsit against the defendant; as endorsor of a promissory note. Held: that the endorsee might sue in his own name under special circumstances. Hoyt v. -Maltby, superior court, 1802; and, at any rate, the reason of the rule extends to our notes when negotiated, as much as to any paper. But it is said that the witness was offered to prove that the plaintiffs knew of the usury.

Decided 1809-06-15

Bt the Court.

¶1The question in this case is, whether Tuttle, offered as a witness, was interested in the event of the suit ?

¶2Notwithstanding the expression contained in the condition of the mortgage deed from Tuttle to Wilcox, which is, that the same shall be defeasible on Tuttle’s paying to Wilcox the contents of the note according to the tenor thereof; yet the intention of the parties is manifest. The object of the mortgage was indemnity to Wilcox, Not only payment of the note by Tuttle would defeat the mortgage, but should that note be, avoided by any other means, so that Wilcox would be saved harmless from it, the result would be, that if the estate had vested in Wilcox by virtue of the mortgage, ft court of chancery would decree a redemption of it.

¶3On the other hand, should Wilcox be subjected on his Warranty, he would either be entitled to the benefit of the mortgage for his indemnity, or he would have his action of indebitatus assumfisit against Tuttle for money paid to his use and benefit.

¶4The witness offered was, therefore, interested in the event of the suit.

¶5New trial not to be granted,

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