Jackson ex dem. Teed v. Halstead

Curia, per Woodworth, J. The plaintiff made out a title to farm number 14, as described in the leases given by Desbroses to Ingersol; and claimed to recover of the defendant, three certain parcels alleged to be in his possession ; and described on the map annexed to the case as follows : one lot, of 6 acres, adjoining the Delaware river; one lot of 2 acres, 17 rods ; a strip of land lying between the north bounds of the last lot and the river; and also a small island, claimed as included within the bounds of the original lease. The defendant claimed title from the same source. ' On the back of the lease produced by the plaintiff, was written an assignment from Levi Palmer to Bbenezer Bennet, dated March 14tli, 1806. The plaintiff objected to its introduction, unless proved by the subscribing witness. The Judge admitted it without such proof; because there was a re-assignment from Bennet to Palmer, of February 12th, 1807, also endorsed, which was not questioned. It is proper, here, to state, that the re-assignment from Bennet con [219] tained an exception and reservation of 8 acres, 17 rods, being the two parcels first described. As between Bennet and Palmer the acceptance of a conveyance by the latter from the former, containing a reservation of part, was an admission of the right of Bennet to the portion excepted ; and Palmer, being a sub-lessee, was estopped from alleging the contrary. (Co. Litt. 352. Rawlyns’ case, 4 Re.p. 53.) Besides, the acceptance of a re-assignment, endorsed on the same paper that contained the assignment, seems to be an explicit acknowledgment of the authenticity and genuineness of the latter. It is not, therefore, admissible that Palmer, or those claiming under him, be permitted to deny the execution. The Judge was correct in receiving the evidence. On the 17th of October, 1811, Palmer conveyed to Jennings, the premises described in the original lease, without making any exception. The lessors of the plaintiff are the representatives of Jennings. They acquired no title to the 8 acres and 17 rods. With respect to the island, the plaintiff’s right depends on the expression in the original lease. The farm demised lies on the south side of, and adjoining the river. The last, course but one extends to the river; “ thence up the said river as it winds and turns (including the same) to the place of beginning.” The question is, what do these words grant 1 It is laid down in Co. Litt. 4, b, that “if a man grant aquam suam, the soil shall not pass; but the piscary within the water passeth therewith.” The same rule is recognized in Com. Dig. Grant, (E. 5.) No right, then, to the island was acquired; and all testimony, as to the defendant’s possession of that part of the premises in question, was properly excluded. The plaintiff is entitled to recover the small parcel of land lying between the 2 acres and 17 rods, and the river; unless the deed from Palmer to Jennings is inoperative, in this respect, by reason of an adverse possession, at the time it was executed. The boundaries in the defendant’s conveyance do not include this parcel. He canr.ot, therefore, rest on the ground of a good constructive possession; but must make out a pedis possessio, or actual occupancy, Avith [220] claim of title. The adverse possession must he marked by a substantial enclosure, and continued down, to render it available. (3 John. Rep. 234. 10 id. 477. 1 id. 156. 1 Cowen, 285.) It appears by the defendant’s testimony, that a saw mill and dam, formerly erected on the premises, have gone to decay. The commencement of the fence, near the fla. stone, designated on the map, is about one rod from the river; and leaves some ground not enclosed. But it is in proof, that the fence, at this place, is as near to the rivei as the wash of the floods, and the make of the ground will permit. To apply the rule so strictly as to require the fence to be placed on the very margin of the river, where it would be liable to be swept away by the rise of water, would be unnecessarily rigid; and not within the reason of the rule defining what shall constitute an adverse possession. It must be perfectly obvious, that such a location is evidence of a claim to the water’s edge. With respect to the residue of the fence, it appears to have been built as near to the river as the land would permit. There is no valid objection on this ground. The fence was not conrinued the whole extent, to the upper corner. McGilvery says, it was discontinued in some places, where the bank; and the growth on it, of themselves, formed a sufficient obstruction to cattle; that the northerly line is a high bank, unfit for cultivation, and covered chiefly with hemlock. Kinney, the surveyor, says the,upper corner of the lot was not enclosed. From the whole of the evidence, I understand that the small parcel was enclosed by a fence on all sides, excepting on the northerly line, where it extended a part of the way only; and at that portion of the line where it did not continue, the high bank served as a substitute. For the purpose of notoriety, as well as good husbandry, this was a substantial enclosure. Why require a fence, where nature had formed a sufficient barrier, to prevent the intrusion of cattle 7 The defendant sufficiently marked the extent of his possession. Suppose a lot of land is bounded on the one side by a navigable river, or a continued ledge of rocks, or a mountain of difficult ascent or descent, and [221] that the other sides are well enclosed; would not-this, with a claim of title, constitute an adverse possession ? It certainty would; because, in such a case, everything had been done, that could reasonably be required to protect the crop, or denote exclusive occupancy. The case before us is analogous. The defendant’s possession was adverse when Palmer assigned to Jennings; and so continued to the time of commencing the action. The assignment, then, being, in relation to this parcel, void, the title never passed from Palmer ; and, as he is not a lessor, the plaintiff cannot recorrer. Had there been a demise from him, the defendant’s adverse possession would have been unavailing, as it falls short of 20 years. I am of opinion, that the motion to set aside the nonsuit be denied. Motion denied.