In re Letchworth

19 F. 873

• Court: District Court, N.D. New York
• Decided: March 15, 1884
• Status: Published

Opinion

Coxe, J.

At the time of the commencement of the proceedings in bankruptcy herein, William H. Seward, Jr., & Co., bankers, held the bond of the above-named bankrupt, by the terms of which he became a continuing guarantor for the payment of any notes which the said firm might discount, for a manufacturing company of which he was president. Demand and notice of non-payment were waived. When the petition was filed the manufacturing company was indebted to Seward & Co. in the sum of $2,500, for which they held the company’s note indorsed by the bankrupt. This note was renewed from time to time, the last renewal being after the a education in bankruptcy. The assignee insists that for this reason the debt is not provable. It is thought, however, that under the peculiar phraseology of the bond and in view of the obligation there created, it would be unjust to trqat the liability of the bankrupt as that of an indorser simply. At the time of the bankruptcy he was clearly liable on the bond in the event of the failure of the makers of the note to pay. True, his liability had not then become absolute, but the debt existed and the obligation was created before the petition was filed. Legally and equitably the estate is bound by his contract.

The report of the register is confirmed and the proof permitted to remain on file.