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7 La. 493

Toby v. Maurian

Supreme Court of Louisiana

Decided January 15, 1835

Supreme Court of Louisiana · decided 1835-01-15

This is an action against the endorser of a promissory note, signed by A. Peychaud, for one thousand dollars, payable to the order of the defendant, and by him endorsed to the plaintiff. The latter alleges, that payment was duly demanded of- the drawer, and the note protested for non-payment, of which the defendant as endorser had due notice. He prays judgment against said defendant for the amount of the note, interest and costs.

Decided 1835-01-15

Martin J.,

¶1delivered the opinion of the court.

¶2The defendant is sued as endorser of a promissory note, for one thousand dollars, executed by Peychaud. Judgment was rendered against him for the amount claimed. He now claims a reversal of the judgment, on the ground that he was condemned as endorser to pay the sum demanded, when payment was never demanded from the maker, nor from any person representing him, or succeeding to his -rights and obligations.

¶3The record shows that the maker of the note, died on the last day of grace, or during the night preceding it. That when the notary’s clerk called at the house and late domicil of the drawer of the note sued on, to demand payment, he found no person present, except a mulatto woman, who informed him of the death of Peychaud, and pointed him to the corpse in the coffin. The note was then protested without any inquiry or demand being made, of any heir or representative of the deceased.

¶4It is clear that no recourse can be had against the endorser of a note, until a demand has been made on the maker, if living, or on his heir or legal representative after his death, unless the impossibility of making such a demand is made apparent. This has not been shown in the present case. The authorities on this point, and which support the position here laid down, are numerous ; of the highest character and authority, and conclusive on this subject. Chitty on Bills, 317, ed. 1828. Bayley do. 128. 2 Practical Abr. of Am. Cases, 288, 292. 3 Peters, 89. 7 Ib. 287. 7 Martin, 364. 1 Pardessus, 392. Pothier Contrat de Change, No. 146.

¶5*496It is, therefore, ordered, adjudged and decreed, that the judgment of the District Court be annulled, avoided and reversed; and that judgment be entered for the defendant, with costs in both courts.

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