Case Name: Julian L. Herreshoff vs. James Misch
Court: Supreme Court of Rhode Island
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Decision Date: 1900-01-24
Citations: 21 R.I. 524
Docket Number: 
Parties: Julian L. Herreshoff vs. James Misch.
Judges: Present : Matteson, C. J., Stiness and Tillinghast, JJ.
Reporter: Rhode Island Reports
Volume: 21
Pages: 524–525

Head Matter:
Julian L. Herreshoff vs. James Misch.
PROVIDENCE—
JANUARY 24, 1900.
Present : Matteson, C. J., Stiness and Tillinghast, JJ.
(1) Parol Variation of Written Contract. Specific Performance.
Equity will not relieve by way of specific performance where the contract sought to be enforced has been varied by parol.
Bill in Equity for specific performance of written contract by injunction. Heard on bill and pleadings and oral testimony. Bill dismissed.

Opinion:
Per Curiam.
It appears by the bill that the contract sought to be enforced has been varied by parol. In such cases the law seems to be well settled, both in this State and elsewhere, that a suit cannot be maintained on a contract so varied. Ladd v. King, 1 R. I. 224 ; Hicks v. Aylsworth, 13 R. I. 562 ; Dana v. Hancock, 30 Vt. 616 ; Rucker v. Harrington, 52 Mo. App. 481. The cases relied on by the complainant are cases where substituted performance has been allowed simply as a defence.
But even if the complainant's claim is correct, the question would then come, as a question of fact, to what extent the original contract had been modified. The complainant says that it was only as to the amount of payment for services. The respondent testifies that it was agreed to be absolutely cancelled. Having no other testimony than that of the parties themselves, the court cannot be satisfied as to what the agreement really was, and this fact illustrates the wisdom of the rule that the alteration should be in writing before it can be enforced.
Walter H. Barney, for complainant.
Hudcly & Easton, for respondent.
Bill dismissed.