Scofield v. Grow
Scofield v. Grow
Opinion of the Court
The opinion of the court was delivered by
This case presents the single question, whether the contract, found by the referee, is so far entire in its nature, that the plaintiff can recover only upon a full performance of the amount of work called for by it. In general terms, the contract binds the plaintiff to perform $60 woi’th of work for the defendant. It is not specific in regard to the time of performance, nor in regard to only a portion of the work to be performed. Whether the plaintiff should be paid partly in an organ, depended upon whether the parties could agree upon a contract, by which the plaintiff should purchase an organ of the defendant. Considerable of the contract, on both sides, was left for further stipulations or directions. What is written is not put in the most clear, and intelligible form. It contains no stipulation that a full performance by the plaintiff shall be a condition precedent to his right to recover for what he may have done in part performance ; nor, do we think, that the nature or terms of the contract, raise a strong implication of such a condition. By his specification the plaintiff claimed to have fully performed, on his part. But the referee has found that he had not fully performed. Neither does it appear that the defendant had ever called upon him to perform any further. Some of the work done, was performed under modifications of the contract, agreed upon between the parties. The true rule, governing this class of contracts, we think, is stated in Booth v. Tyson, 15 Vt. 515. After reviewing the cases to some extent, Judge Bedfield, in summing up, says : “ The principle of these cases seems to be, that, although the contract is, in one sense, entire, i. <?., full performance on the part of the promisor is of the consideration of the contract, yet, if it contains, neither expressly
Judgment reversed, and judgment for the plaintiff for the amount reported with interest and costs.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- F. G. SCOFIELD v. F. M. GROW
- Status
- Published