Golden Gate Co. v. Jackson

Barrett, J. The point is well taken that the damages are not liquidated by the affidavit. An attachment cannot be reduced, consequently a general averment of damage, as in a complaint, will not do. The specific sum must be established by proof, not merely averred. Here the plaintiff sues for the contract price, claiming that as his damage. But such is not his damage. His damage is the difference between the contract and the market price, of the property at the time for delivery (Billings v. Vanderbeck, 23 Barb. 546 ; Davis v. Shieds, 24 Wend. 322; Sedg. on Dam. 260). This rule is not affected by the foreign cases cited by plaintiff. The case of Bement v. Smith (15 Wend. 493) was explained in Billings v. Vanderbeck, &c. {supra) as applicable to work and labor, as where a machine is manufactured for the vendor. But here it is not averred that the machines were to be manufactured for defendant. The affidavit specifies only an agreement to sell and deliver, non constat, but from an existing stock of machines. It is not necessary, therefore, to consider the other points, as, for the reasons given, the plaintiff has not shown by affidavit that he is entitled to recover the sum stated. Motion granted, with costs.