Forbush v. Lombard
Forbush v. Lombard
Opinion of the Court
Previously to the trial of this case, and before pleading, the defendant moved to dismiss the writ, on the ground that the locus in quo was not described with sufficient certainty, in compliance with St. 1839, c. 151, § 3, which provides, that “ in actions of trespass quare clausum fregit, the close or place of the alleged trespass shall be designated, in the writ and declaration, by name or abuttals, or other proper description.” This objection was overruled, and we think rightly. The close, in which the trespasses were alleged to have been committed, was described in the declaration as abutting on two sides by highways, on another side by a river, and on the remaining side by another lot of land. This description, in an action of trespass, is sufficiently certain, although, for obvious reasons, in a writ of entry brought for the purpose of settling a disputed line, the demanded premises must be described by reference to known and visible monuments, and not by a general reference to the line of dispute. But the reasons, on which this rule of pleading is founded, do not apply to an action of trespass, by which the title to the locus cannot be definitely settled, and in which damages only can be recovered.
The general question on the merits is, whether the evidence reported, if believed by the jury, would have authorized them to find that the plaintiff had such a title and possession of the locus as would be sufficient to maintain this action.
The plaintiff’s title is derived from Jonathan Whitman, from whom the defendant also claims title ; and the question of title depends on the construction of the exception in the deed from the said Whitman to Samuel Hilton, who conveyed his title to the plaintiff. It is admitted that the deeds from Whitman to Hilton, and from Hilton to the plaintiff, include the locus, unless it is excluded by the exception. By the deed from Whitman to Hilton the mills and water privileges, which are now owned by the defendant, were excepted, and did not pass by the grant; and the question is, whether th« mill yard also was included in the exception.
We therefore consider the plaintiff’s title to the locus in quo as valid, and that he had such a possession as would enable him to maintain trespass. The plaintiff and defendant had a mixed possession, as appears by the evidence, so that the defendant has acquired no title by disseizin.
Exceptions overruled.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Manassah S. Forbush v. Franklin Lombard
- Status
- Published