Robinson v. Dale
Robinson v. Dale
Opinion of the Court
In this case the circuit court found as facts established by the evidence, that the two notes executed and delivered April 1, 1873, and the order upon Nash, were accepted and received, by the plaintiff in full satisfaction and discharge of the contracts upon which the action was founded, and that the intention was by this arrangment to release the guarantor from all liability on his guaranties. We are unable to reach any such conclusion upon the evidence. It is true, Royal S. Dale testifies, in substance, that such was the understanding, and that the notes were given and received in discharge of all liabilities by himself or surety on the sewing machine contracts. But the plaintiff flatly contradicts this testimony, and denies that he agreed to receive the notes in satisfaction of all claims on those contracts, or that the understanding between them was that the surety should be released. This is really the state of the proof, so far as the direct evidence bearing upon the alleged agreement is concerned. And if we look at the transaction in the light of surrounding circumstances, we think
The question then arises, whether there was any valid agreement for the extension of the time of payment of the moneys due upon the contracts, which would have the effect to release the surety.
By the original contracts, Royal S. Dale agreed to pay for all machines purchased, within ninety days from the date of such purchase, and the defendant guarantied the faithful performance of this condition. In April, when the accounting was had between Royal S. and the plaintiff, and the notes given, the purchase price of all machines sold was due, except for the two sold on the 13th of the previous January. At this time two promissory notes were executed and delivered by Royal S. : one for $156, dated January 1, 1873, payable ten days from date; and the other dated April 1, 1873, for $300, which was made payable thirty days from date. As far as regards the first note, there is no ground for saying that there was any extension of time of payment of that amount which was then due upon the contracts, or that the original remedy was suspended for an instant.. Eor, by the express terms of the note, it was due and payable on the eleventh of the previous January, long before it was in fact executed. But in respect to the amount included in the second note, the time of payment was extended until the first of May. This, it seems to us, is apparent as well from the nature of the case as from the testimony of the plaintiff himself. He says the notes were taken in settlement of the accounts between him and Royal S.
It is claimed by the counsel for the defendant, that the evidence shows an agreement to extend the time to make all the payments, and that Royal S. Dale was not to pay the purchase price of the machines within ninety days, but as he made col
It follows from these views that the judgment of the circuit court must be reversed, and the cause must be remanded with directions to give judgment for the plaintiff'for the amount due on the contracts, less $300, which the surety is released from paying for the reasons stated.
By the Court. — It is so ordered.
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