Kingman v. Kelsie
Kingman v. Kelsie
Opinion of the Court
This is an action of assumpsit against the defendant, severally, upon a promissory note purporting to be the joint and several note of a military company, signed by the defendant as their treasurer. The note purports to be that of the members of Light Infantry Company G, first regiment, first division, Massachusetts militia, signed by Kelsie, the defendant, “ Treasurer for Company G.” This does not purport to be the note of Kelsie, but that of the members, acting by Kelsie. It was insisted, that by the term “ We,” he must have meant to include himself; but not necessarily. “ We ” is immediately explained by the description, “ the members, &c.” Now, if a number of individuals may bind themselves, jointly and severally, by a significant description, by which the persons may be identified, without any names, they may do so by one of their own number, or by any other person duly empowered. But, in order to bind any body by such a contract, two things must be proved; first, that the paity signing was empowered to make such contract; and, second, that the party sued was one of the number included in the description, and bound by the power. If the party signing is one of the number embraced in the description, no further proof of power would be required to bind himself. But it is obvious, that, unless it appears on the note itself, or by the signature, as it might, as “ For self and Company G,” or words equivalent, proof aliunde must be given to show that the signer was one of the promisors. It appears to us.
Exceptions sustained.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.