Chapman v. Harper

Sullivan, J. — This suit was commenced by Harper and Raiguel, indorsees of Liston, against Chapman on a promissory note. The declaration is in the usual form. The defendant pleaded, among other'pleas, nil debet. The cause was tried by the Court, and judgment given for the plaintiffs. Before the defendant pleaded, he demanded oyer of the writing on which the suit was founded. It was given without objection, and a note corresponding to that set out in the declaration, indorsed to Harper alone, was produced. Several questions are presented for our consideration, but the only one that need be noticed is, whether, if oyer be demanded of a promissory note, and it be given without objection, the note thereby becomes a part of the record. It is well known that oyer is not properly demandable of an instrument not under seal, and if it be asked of such an instrument, it may be refused. But although it cannot be compelled, yet if it be in fact granted, the party who demanded it may consider the whole of what is set forth as making a part of his adversary’s pleading, and use it accordingly. Smith v. Yeomans, 1 Saund. 316, note 2.—Jeffereysr. White, Doug. 476.—1 Tidd’s Pr. 502.—Deming v. Bullitt, 1 Blackf. 241. According to the principle of the cases cited, the note with the indorsement became a part of the declaration in this case, and showed that the plaintiffs were not entitled to maintain this suit. Per Curiam. — The judgment is reversed with costs. Cause remanded, &c.