Baxter v. Stewart
Baxter v. Stewart
Opinion of the Court
delivered the opinion of the Court.
This was an action of debt, brought upon the following obligation and endorsement:
“ $2000. On or before the 25th day of December next, I promise to pay Theodore Baxter the sum of two thousand dollars for the hire of the following negro men,” (naming them, twenty-two in number;) “ and I bind myself to give them the iron-works’ clothing. Witness my hand and seal, this 16th June, 1854.
“ I assign the within notes over to Henry Stewart:
Sept. 19th, 1854.
“ Theo. Baxter.”
The question arises upon the judgment of the Court overruling the demurrer of defendant Theodore, upon the ground that he was not liable as endorser of said paper. If the instrument was negotiable, the judgment was right; and if not, it was erroneous. It is insisted that the clause in relation to the clothing deprives it' of its negotiable character. But for this, there could be no question in the case, as it has every requisite to constitute a promissory note.
Our act of 1786, ch. 4, Car. & W., 498, extended the negotiable qualities of bills of exchange to all “ bills, bonds, or notes for money;” as well those with as those without seal. The act of 1762, ch. 9, Car. & H., 550, had before made promissory notes negotiable, as inland bills of exchange.
We think, therefore, that Theodore Baxter was liable in this case, as endorser, and there is no error in the judgment; and it is affirmed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Theodore Baxter v. Henry Stewart
- Status
- Published