Clay v. Oakley
Clay v. Oakley
Opinion of the Court
delivered the opinion of the court. The plaintiff seeks to make the defendant liable, on his endorsement as agent of Bynum, because the endorsement was made without authority. The want of authority rendered the defendant liable, as if he had
We therefore conclude, that it behooves the plaintiff who sued as endorser, to shew that he did not discharge his endorser, but used legal diligence.
The record shews that notice of the protest and non payment was deposited in the post office at Alexandria, directed to F. A. Bynum, at that place. Now Bynum dwelt either within or without that town: if he did without, the notice was not properly directed, and the plaintiff must fail. If Bynum resided in Alexandria, he was entitled to notice at his do
The plaintiff is therefore, without a right of action against the defendant, for whether the latter correctly endorsed the note in Bynum’s name,or improperly being without authority, the plaintiff suffers from his own negligence only.
Had notice been given to Bynum or the defendant, perhaps they might have taken such means, as might have led to payment by the maker of the note: the plaintiff by neglecting to give notice, took upon himself the risk of obtaining payment from the maker.
It is therefore ordered, adjudged and decreed, that the judgment of the district court be annulled, avoided and reversed, and that there be judgment for the defendant as in case of non suit, with costs in both courts.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- CLAY v. OAKLEY
- Status
- Published