Howard v. Adams
Howard v. Adams
Opinion of the Court
Opinion oe tiie Court by
The evidence tends to establish the fact that Howard informed Adams when he sold him of Hagins’ allegation that one of the jacks sold had died and had never been delivered to Hagins and that Hagins resisted the obligation so far as this jack was a consideration.
The obligation had then been due from fourteen to sixteen months; Howard, however, expressed the opinion that Hagins was responsible for the whole obligation, notwithstanding one of the jacks had died.
The remainder due on the obligation, after deducting the credit of $130 paid, was about $290'; Adams gave to Howard his obligation to pay him $50 when the note should be collected, leaving about $240, which Adams was to get for his two horses sold to Howard for this note, when both horses were worth only $80 to $150, according to the evidence, the latter sum being paid the jury.
The' assignment was without recourse, Adams having sued Hagins, who resisted the payment on account of the decease of the jack, and having recovered only $49.50 sued Howard for the difference between this sum and the value of the horses paid for said obligation, and insists that notwithstanding the assignment
The statement of the facts by Howard to Adams indicates that the latter relied on the answer in his own judgment rather than on Howard’s opinion as to their legal effect, and whether Adams was informed as to the question of law involved mattered nothing; it may be presumed that these parties are not lawyers, and that neither knew really the legal effect of the facts upon the question of Hagins’ responsibility, or, on the other hand, of Howard with it, from Adams’ important and essential facts; and in ignorance of these Adams took his assignment without recourse; then the presumption of a warranty that it was a binding enforcible obligation on Hagins would not bo rebutted.
The instructions given do not comport with these principles and are misleading, wherefore, the judgment is reversed, with directions for a new trial, and further proceedings in accordance herewith.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.