Martin v. William Walton & Co.
Martin v. William Walton & Co.
Opinion of the Court
delivered the opinion of the Court)
There is no doubt that if Ihe note in this case was given after the dissolution of the co-partnership, and tht plain • tiff had notice of it, that the firm are not bound. An authority to one of a co-partnership to settle the affairs, receive and pay the debts, does not warrant him-to draw a bill, or give a note in the co-partnership’s name, (Chitty on Bills, Story's edit. p. 35.) The only question then is, whether the notice in this case was sufficient. The rule contended for by the plaintiff’s counsel, of a special notice to each person who has had dealings with the copartnership, is too broadly laid down: it cannot be supported either by reason or authority. If the dealings had been extensive, it is not saying too mneiff to say that it would be impossible. All that is meant in laying down a rule is this, that the public notice in the Gazette shall be conclusive on those who have had no dealings with the co-partnership. But as to such as have had dealings, it shall not be so considered, unless, under circumstances, it appear satisfactorily to the jury, that it operates as a notice to the party. The rule can not jmean any thing so absurd, as that one who has had dealings with a co-partner-* ship, may not read their advertisement in a newspaper, as well as one who never had such dealings. Reason would seem to say in such a case, that after the long established practice of advertising the dissolution of co-partnerships, those who would be most affected by such dissolutions, would be most apt to look to the usual source of information on the subject. But on the present occasion, when we look to the situation of the parties, the length of time from the advertisement to the date of the note, the nature-; of the transaction as proved by the plaintiff himself, the-form of the signature, combined with the notice in the Gazette, there is no room to doubt but that the plaintiff
But there can be .no doubt that the circumstances mentioned, together with the advertisement, were proper evidence to be submitted to the jury to prove the fact of the dissolution of the có-partnership, and the knowledge of it by the plaintiff; and as they have deemed them satisfactory, the Court will not disturb the verdict.
The motion is dismissed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Jacob Martin v. William Walton & Co.
- Status
- Published