Brown & Brown v. Wallace & Mitchell
Brown & Brown v. Wallace & Mitchell
Opinion of the Court
delivered the opinion of the court.
The first question presented in the examination of this ease, is to ascertain the true character of the sale made by James Wallace to Freeborn Brown, of the land in dispute,lot no. 11, part of a tract called “Rupulta." Whether it was made by him in Lis character of trustee, under the decree of the Court of Chancery, or as agent for the heirs of William Mitchell.
It is stated in the bill, that this sale, was made by Wallace, not in his character of trustee, but as the private agent of Mitchell's heirs, and this allegation is expressly denied by Wallace in his answer. lie says he did not sell the land to Brown exclusively, in virtue of the power and authority given him by the heirs at law of William Mitchell, as stated by the complainants; but that he sold the same under the decree of the Chancellor. That although the decree directed him to sell so much of the real estate of William
This answer is responsive to the allegations in the bill, and must prevail of itself, unless defeated by the testimony of two witnesses, or one with pregnant circumstances. It does not however stand alone, but is powerfully supported by other evidence in the record. The language of the paper signed by the heirs of Mitchell, shows their intention, and their understanding of the transaction. After stating that the Court of Chancery had passed a decree, that such part of the property, as should be sufficient to pay the sum due the heirs of James Mitchell, should be sold in the manner, and on the terms maintained in said decree, and did appoint James Wallace, to make sale thereof; they say, being desirous that the whole of the property mentioned in
To oppose this answer on oath, so strongly corroborated by the acts of the parties themselves, appearing from the written evidence, is presented the testimony of some witnesses who were present at the sale. Thomas Brown, Robert Gover, and Bennet Barnes testify, that Wallace said
It has been contended, if the sale was made by Wallace, as trustee under the decree aforesaid, yet the sale was not binding on the purchaser, because he exceeded the power conferred on him by the decree. That by the decree, he was authorised to sell only so much land as was necessary to discharge the claim against the heirs of William Mitchell, and that therefore, after the sale of lot no. 10, if that produced a sufficient fund to discharge the claim, his power ceased, and the purchaser was not bound by the subsequent sale of lot no. 11.
This is not a new question, and will be found to be substantially settled in the case of Lutwych vs. Winford, 2 Bro. Ch. R. 249. See also Lloyd vs. Johns. 9 Ves. 65. But we deem it unnecessary to enter into a full investigation of this doctrine, because neither this question, nor whether Wallace sold as trustee, are now open for inquiry. Upon the application to the chancellor to sell this land, for the payment ot the debt due by Mitchell's heirs, he had
Whether the opinion expressed by the chancellor, that a different course prevails in this State, from that adopted in England, as to the rule of caveat emptor, when applied to sales made by the trustees, under the decrees of the Court of Chancery, is con’ect, it is not necessary to decide in this case, because it clearly appears, the trustee at the time of sale expressly declared, he only sold the estate, right, and interest, which the Mitchells had in the said land, and if they had no right, he sold none. Here can be no pretence of warranty. Brown purchased the title of the Mitchells, be it what it might, and no more. This also disposes of the title set up by the Govers; in addition to which, the testimony shows, Brown was warned of their claim, and disregarded it. As to the objection urged in the argument, that the heirs of Mitchell had only an equitable title, the answer is, there is no such allegation in the bill, and therefore, not for the consideration of this
The sale made to Brown was not for a gross sum, but by the acre. Lot no. 11, was represented by the trustee as containing one hundred and forty-three acres, and Brown agreed to give twenty-three dollars for each acre it contained. If therefore, he was in a situation to inquire into it, and could prove a deficiency, it would have been allowed him. If he had desired a survey to ascertain this fact, he ought to have applied to the chancellor for it. The testimony relied on for this purpose, does not prove satisfactorily there was a deficiency. On the contrary, it appears a survey was made, to which Brown was privy, before he passed his bond, and it is to be presumed he was satisfied. Brown is not in a predicament to avail himself of the objections he relied on, had they been established. In England, where the purchaser is permitted to show a defective title, it is only on condition he makes his complaint in a reasonable time, and (hat he has performed every thing on his part to entitle him to the equitable interference of the court. Here the sale was made on the 7th day of May, 1812. Brown had been present at the running of the land. He was warned of the claim of the Covers. He afterwards "gave his bond—a suit was brought on this bond, prosecuted to judgment, and carried to the Court of Appeals, yet he makes no complaint until May, 1818, holding possession of the property, using it as his own, renting it out, and cutting wood on it; and still he asks equity, without any offer
We agree with the chancellor upon the subject of jurisdiction. The decree to sell this land was in the Court of Chancery. The trustee and fund were under the control of the chancellor, and he alone, could compel Wallace to bring the money into court, to be properly disposed of. ’Tis true, both courts in ordinary cases have authority to grant injunctions, but where a suit has been commenced in one, it ought to be entitled to retain it. Unless this rule prevails, it is impossible that the decrees of either court, in many cases, can be carried into eifect.
DECREE AFFIRMED.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Mary B. Brown and William Brown v. Wallace and Mitchell
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