Supreme Court of North Carolina, 1847

Donaho's Administrator v. Witherspoon

Donaho's Administrator v. Witherspoon
Supreme Court of North Carolina · Decided August 15, 1847 · Ruffin
29 N.C. 353

Donaho's Administrator v. Witherspoon

Opinion of the Court

Ruffin, C. J.

The Court considers the decision erroneous. The defendant did not offer evidence of payments *355to the intestate, nor that she and he had come to an account for her board and maintenance, on the one hand, and of the money collected by him, on the other- His defence was simply, that he had a counter demand against the intestate, for seven years board and clothing. That demand is strictly a set off and admissible in no other form — but that was not pleaded. -If the defendant had asked leave to add the plea, doubtless the Court would have allowed the plaintiff to add counts for rent or use, and occupation, and for other monies collected, so as to have brought the whole controversy fairly before the jury for adjustment. They were all proper subjects of legal jurisdiction and might have been embraced in this action on either special counts, or the general counts on promises. However, it is needless to speculate on that point, because in the state of the pleadings, this defence was not open at all; and, therefore, without adverting to -any other matter, the judgment must be reversed and venire de novo.

Per Curiam. Judgment accordingly.

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