Court of Appeals of Virginia, 1803

Wartenby v. Moran

Wartenby v. Moran
Court of Appeals of Virginia · Decided November 4, 1803 · Carrington, Lyons, Rleming
3 Va. 491

Wartenby v. Moran

Opinion of the Court

RLEMING, Judge.

There is certainly nothing in the argument of the appellee’s counsel, that the jury have found that the conveyance, from Prather to Moran, was without any condition ; because the deed is found in hasc verba, and contains the condition.

The question then is, whether the re-entry was lawful? The verdict expressly finds, that no rent had ever been paid; that Prather made a demand; and that, there being no property on the land whereof distress could be made, he entered for the non-payment; which brings it exactly-within the *terms of the condition; and, therefore, the grantor had clearly a right to re-enter.

There is no ground for the objection, that notice ought to have been given that a reentry would be made; because, the law requires no such notice to be given ; for, upon the demand of the rent, and no property found to distrain, the right of re-entry attached. 6 Bac. Abr. 29, [Gwil. ed.;] 2 Roll. Abr. 427 ; 7 Co. 29; Ifitt. I 233.

As both parties claim under the same title, unless the plaintiff shews a better right, there is no ground to impeach the possession of the defendant.

And, upon the whole, I am of opinion that Prather had a right to re-enter and possess himself of his former estate, and that his deed to Robins was valid: of course, Wartenby, who claims under him, and is now in possession, has the better title; and, therefore, the judgment of the District Court ought to be reversed.

CARRINGTON, Judge.

The verdict finds that the rent was not paid; that it was demanded, and that there was no goods upon the premises, whereof distress could be made: Of course, by the express terms of the condition, the bargainor had a right to re-enter. There is nothing in the objection that no title in Prather is found; for, as both parties claim under him, the one in possession ought not to be disturbed, unless the other can shew a better right. I am, therefore, of opinion, that the judgment of the District Court ought to be reversed.

LYONS, Judge.

The demand of the rent, with the non-payment, and want of property on the premises, whereof distress could be made, are expressly found by the jury: Of course, the right of entry accrued by the express terms of the deed; and, therefore, the judgment of the District Court ought to be reversed.'

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