Field v. Thompson, McMain, Davis, & Ware

1 Del. Cas. 92

• Court: Delaware Court of Common Pleas
• Decided: April 15, 1796
• Status: Published

Opinion

Bassett, C. J. (Absents Johns)

The Court have thought of this business and consider from former cases that the doctrine in Espinasse as laid down then and admitted by Lord Kenyon is not as yet discovered by us in any books that I have seen. The rule is that the hand of a witness may be proved, if the witness is proved to be dead or beyond sea, or is not to be found after strict inquiry. The case in Espinasse extends to deeds or bonds but does not extend to every other case. We think ourselves bound to say the instrument offered is not evidence, it not being under the hand and seal of the party.

An exception would have been taken but the plaintiff agreed it might be given in evidence, and it was read.

Verdict for plaintiff against Thompson and Ware, damages £400.

Motion for new trial.

Peery urged new trials matter of sound discretion etc., [1] Dali. 234, 1 Burr. 293, 1 Bl.R. 464, 1 Bl.Comm. 390. Then the damages were excessive, 2 Bl.R. 942, 1327, 5 Bac.Abr. 249, 2 Morg.Ess. 290. The jury was partial, Cowp. 231. New light may be had, 1 Bl.R. 418.

Bayard, contra. Want of preparation no ground for new trial, 3 Morg.Ess. 84, 86 — 88, 93. New trials not to be granted in cases of torts, 2 Morg.Ess. 241, 255, 256.

Miller in reply. There must be new trials even in personal torts, 2 Morg.Ess. 258.

The Court were divided (Absents Johns) . Curia advisare vult.

November Term, 1796. On a second argument by Miller for defendant, Ridgely for plaintiff, coram Bassett, C. J., Johns and Rodney, JJ.

Per Curiam.

We are not (that is, a majority of the Court) of opinion that a new trial ought to be granted in this cause.