De Witt v. . Walton

9 N.Y. 571

• Court: New York Court of Appeals
• Decided: April 5, 1854
• Status: Published

Opinions

Should it be admitted, as the counsel for the plaintiff insists, that it was proper to show by oral evidence that "The Churchman" meant the defendant, and that he allowed his agent to give notes in this form, the plaintiff would still, in order to recover, be compelled to establish not only that the power existed, but that it was executed in such a manner as to bind the defendant. The plaintiff has declared upon a promissory note as his only cause of action. He must sustain his complaint by proof that the defendant was a party to the express contract upon which he has counted. He has given evidence tending to prove that Hoyt had authority to bind the defendant personally and legally, under the designation of "The Churchman." But the contract produced is one according to which Hoyt assumes to pay, and signs his own name, with a statement appended that he is "agent for The Churchman." This is not enough. The good sense of the many authorities upon this subject would seem to be that, where a party is sought to be charged upon an express contract, it must at least appear upon the face of the instrument that the agent undertook to bind him as principal. The appellation by which the contractor may be distinguished is of no importance, provided it be sanctioned by the principal and embraced in the power conferred upon the agent.

In this case the defendant was at liberty to adopt the style of "The Churchman" as his business designation, contract under that name himself, and of course authorize others to engage for him in the same manner. (6 Hill, 443) These facts, serving to identify the party and the power of the agent, could be established by oral evidence. But the contract when made, and construed by the light thus furnished, must purport to be the contract of the principal and not of the agent. (11 Mass., 87; Story onAgency, § 274, b.) It is not sufficient that he describes himself as agent; he must give a right of action against the principal. (Story on Agency, § 147.) Here the promise is not by the defendant or "The Churchman," nor by Hoyt for them or either of them, or in their behalf, but for himself. The formula used by him in the signature to the note in controversy has been determined in this and other states to create an obligation on the part of the agent personally, and not in behalf of the principal. (3 Wend., 94; 8 Cow., 31; 16 Pick., 347; Storyon Agency, 182, 184; 4 Comst., 208.) I can see no good reason for relaxing the principle of these decisions. We may conjecture that the affix to the name of Hoyt was designed by him to answer some other purpose than simply to designate his person. He may have supposed that it created a contract upon the part of the defendant, or, what is more probable, he may have designed it as a memorandum to enable him to determine thereafter from what fund the note should be paid, and to guide him in making up his account with "The Churchman," or with the defendant personally. It is sufficient to defeat the action, that this purpose is equivocal; that the language does not necessarily, or by a fair and reasonable construction, create an assumpsit on the part of the defendant, whether known as William Walton or as "The Churchman." There is no great hardship in requiring that if one man undertakes to oblige another, by note, bill of exchange, or other commercial instrument, he should manifest his purpose clearly and intelligibly, or that his principal will not be bound, whatever may be the result in reference to himself.

I think the judgment of the superior court was correct and should be affirmed.