Richard v. Ouviere

Spofford, J. The only question in this cause is, whether the plaintiff, j.ilezis Richard, has a mortgage on the slave, Fanny, belonging to the succession of Bertrand Gombe. It is clearly established that the mortgage of which the plaintiff claims the benefit, was executed in 1849, in favor of Pierre Pelaunes, and was a mere simulation intended to protect the property from seizure. Pelaunes gave no value for the note secured by this mortgage, and never claimed any right under it. He held it simply as the trustee of Gombe. Were the plaintiff an assignee of Pelaunes without notice of the facts, his position would be very different. But he cannot assume that position. His answers to the interrogatories propounded to him, establish indeed, an indebtedness to him on the part of Combe’s succession, in a sum equal to that called for by the note, but the same answers in connection with other evidence received without objection, establish also that it is an ordinary indebtedness not legally identified with the note an d mortgage given to Pelaunes. Pelaunes handed the note to him because it was waste paper in his hands, for which he had given and could receive no value. Riehard was aware of this, and, at the same time, became the simulated holder of other property of Gombe, which had been previously conveyed to Pelaunes, to avoid the pursuit of creditors. The fact that Richard, with full knowledge of these facts, paid to Oornbe, in 1854, the amount of the note executed by the latter, in favor of Pelaunes, in 1849, cannot give validity to a mortgage which never had a real existence. The administrator represents the creditors of the deceased, and it is proper that he should oppose the allowance of an unfounded privilege. The appearance of the attorney of absent heirs in the cause, does not destroy the right of the administrator to set up this defence. If the succession is solvent, it is not important to the plaintiff to have a mortgage allowed; if it is insolvent, it is important to other creditors to resist the allowance. The judgment is, therefore, affirmed with costs.