Case Name: J. Marks & Co. v. A. Winter
Court: Louisiana Supreme Court
Jurisdiction: Louisiana
Decision Date: 1867-08
Citations: 19 La. Ann. 445
Docket Number: No. 41
Parties: J. Marks & Co. v. A. Winter.
Judges: 
Reporter: Louisiana Annual Reports
Volume: 19
Pages: 445–445

Head Matter:
No. 41.
J. Marks & Co. v. A. Winter.
The contents of a written instrument cannot be proved by parol evidonce, without first showing the existence and loss of the written document.
Tho best ovidoncein the reach of the parties should be produced.
A PPEAL from the District Court, Parish of Caddo, Weems, J.
T. T. <& A. D. Land, for plaintiffs.
Wright & Duncan, for defendants.

Opinion:
Hvman, C. J.
Plaintiffs brought suit against defendant on three promissory notes made by him, payable to their order.
Judgment was rendered in favor of the plaintiffs for the amount of the notes, with interest and cost, and defendant has appealed.
On tho trial of the case in the lower Court, the defendant attempted to prove by parol the contents of a written agreement, which the Judge refused to admit, because it was not the best evidence, and defendant contends that there was error in the refusal of the Judge to receive such evidence.
Tho best evidence should be produced that is within the power of tho parties to procure, and it is not pretended that the defendant could not have procured the written agreement.
Tho plaintiffs have fully proved their claims.
Let the judgment be affirmed, and lot the defendant pay the cost of appeal.