McPeters v. Phillips

46 Ala. 496

• Court: Supreme Court of Alabama
• Decided: June 15, 1871
• Status: Published

Opinion

B. E. SAEEOLD, J.

It is stated once in the bill of exceptions that the witnesses were offered to prove that the maker of the note was notoriously insolvent, but in two other instances simply that he was insolvent. The obvious meaning of the bill of exceptions is, that the defendant offered the witnesses to prove the value of the note. Insolvency is said to be a conclusion of law. It can not be proved by reputation, but the reputation of facts, or circumstances, from which such a conclusion may properly be drawn is legitimate evidence. — Lawson v. O’Rear, 7 Ala. 784. The line of distinction is finely drawn, and would not probably be observed in a mere proposal to introduce witnesses, which was refused. We think it was meant by “notoriously insolvent,” that the maker of the note was so utterly insolvent that there could be no question about it among those who knew any thing about his pecuniary .condition.

In trover for a bill, or note, or other chose in action, the measure of damages is prima facie the value on its face. But the insolvency of the party liable thereon, or any other fact tending directly to reduce its value, may be shown in mitigation of damages’. — 3 Pars, on Con. 195-6 ; 2 Greenl. Ev. 649; Bk. Mobile v. Marston, 7 Ala. 108 ; Walker v. Forbes, 25 Ala. 139.

The inventory and appraisement of Gillis’ estate were not of as high a grade of testimony as the evidence of the administrator and the appraisers.

The judgment is reversed and the cause remanded.