Harshaw's Executors v. Woodfin

64 N.C. 568

• Court: Supreme Court of North Carolina
• Decided: June 5, 1870
• Status: Published

Opinion

Dick, J.

We had occasion at this term to consider the distinction between a ‘‘release” and a covenant not to sue:" Russell v. Stokes. Under the old system, a covenant not to sue for a time specified, was not a bar to an action on the debt or claim, and the plaintiff was entitled at law to proceed to judgment; hut a court of equity would, by way of a specific performance of the covenant, enjoin an execution against the party to the covenant, (or a surety and other-principal obligor, except for aliquot parts of the debt,) on the groupd that otherwise the covenantee would be exposed to an action.

In this case, McKesson, the surety, consented to the delay given to Woodfin, and the creditor covenanted not to sne,. provided the debt was paid in three, four and five years, and was secured by a mortgage on real estate. The mortgage and covenant to this effect, were executed at the same time.. This action was commenced before the expiration of three years, the time of the first payment, and the defendants rely on the covenant as a counterclaim in bar, and as a full de-fence. We have seen that under the old system the covenant could not have been made available as a plea in bar, and the defendant’s only remedy was in a Court of equity. Under the new system, full relief is given in one Court, and in one action, and no sufficient reason was suggested in the argu- meat, why the covenant is not a bar to this action, on the .ground that the plaintiff, by suing before the time stipulated, was acting in violation of his covenant. This seems clear where there is only one principal obligor, who sets up the covenant as a counterclaim; how it would be in the case of a principal co-obligor not a party to the covenant, is a question not presented.

This arrangement between these parties was valid, and in no degree .liable to the objection that it tends to defraud creditors. The equity of redemption was open to the other creditors, and ■ a purchaser would have an election either to pay the mortgage debt, and call for title, or else, to take the benefit of the extended credit. This circumstance would doubtless enhance the value of the equity of redemption, .and in this way be of a benefit, instead of an injury to the other creditors. Thus they have no right to complain in the distressing times through which the country is passing, .if a creditor is disposed to give indulgence, provided his debt is secured. Other creditors have it in their power to forcea -sale of the mortgaged premises whenever they see fit.

Per Curiam. Judgment affirmed.