Case Name: Clark against Mix and others
Court: Connecticut Supreme Court
Jurisdiction: Connecticut
Decision Date: 1842-07
Citations: 15 Conn. 152
Docket Number: 
Parties: Clark against Mix and others.
Judges: In this opinion Waitb and Storks, Js. concurred.
Reporter: Connecticut Reports
Volume: 15
Pages: 152–186

Head Matter:
Clark against Mix and others.
Where A and B gave bond to the probate judge, dated June 27th, 1837, the condition of which, after counting upon the appointment of A and B, as trustees of all the goods and estate of certain insolvent debtors, which were assigned for the benefit of their creditors, pursuant to the statute of 1828, by a deed dated the 29th of April, 1837, and recorded in the office of the court of probate, required that A and B should make a true and perfect inventory of all the goods and estate of such insolvent debtors, which had or should at any time thereafter come into their possession, or into the possession of any other person for them; should well and truly administer such goods and estate according to law ; and should render a true and just account of their trusteeship, by a limited time; it was held, 1. that this bond, taking all the parts together, was conversant only about the goods and estate assigned, by the deed referred to, as recorded in the probate office; but if otherwise, that, 2. as the terms of the bond were not prescribed by statute, and as it was given voluntarily, it was valid as to the estate assigned, and was void only as to the excess.
Where the replication to an action on such bond, set forth the deed of assignment, its being lodged for record and recorded, the acceptance of the trust, the giving of the bond, and the orders of the court of probate, requiring the trustees to make and returnan inventory arid appraisement of the estate of said insolvent debtors, to give notice of the time for the appointment of commissioners, and to settle the estate and render their account within a time : limited; averred, that certain goods of such insolvent debtors so assigned, came into the possession of the trustees, and remained subject to their con-troul and disposition; and then averred, that the trustees neglected to comply with such orders ; it was held, 1. that the estate thus mentioned and referred to, was the estate assigned; 2. the orders of the court of probate were legally given ; 3. that the neglect of the trustees to comply with such orders, constituted a breach of the bond.
New-Haven,
July, 1842.
Where the trustees have violated their duty and the obligation of their bond to the judge of probate, by neglecting to take the necessary steps to procure the appointment of commissioners, in consequence of which none have been appointed ; it is not competent to the trustees, in an action against them on the probate bond, to object to the proof of debts, which have not been allowed by commissioners. In such case, it is not necessary for a creditor to show a judgment debt, to entitle him to the benefit of the bond.
In an action on a probate bond, of which there has been a breach, the plaintiff is entitled to judgment, without proof of any debt in favour of a creditor.
Therefore, where the replication assigned, as a breach, the non-payment of the debts of certain creditors; the defendants traversed the existence of those debts; the issue was found against them; and thereupon they moved in arrest of judgment, on the ground that the replication had not set out the nature and character of such debts, with sufficient particularity; it appearing, however, from the record, that the plaintiff was entitled to judgment for other breaches, it was held, that the defect alleged, though it might be fatal on a demurrer to that assignment, was not a sufficient ground of arresting the judgment.
Where the replication, in such case, stated debts against the estate, of a certain amount, in favour of P and/2 respectively, without setting forth the nature and character of those debts: but other breaches of the bond were well assigned and proved ; it was held, that evidence of such debts was admissible- on the question of damages. [Two judges dissenting.]
Where the plaintiff, in an action on] the probate bond against the assignees, offered in evidence, in connexion with the bond, a copy of the deed of assignment, from the probate office, where it had been recorded, without having given notice to produce the original; and it appeared from the face of the bond, that it was founded upon, and recognized, the assignment; it was held, that such copy was admissible. [One judge dissenting.]
Where the deed of assignment, in such case, so offered in evidence by the plaintiff, purported to have been executed by one of the assignors, by attorney ; and the defendants objected that there was no proof of the execution of the power; it was held, that the acknowledgment of the deed in the bond extended to every thing necessary to prove the due execution of the deed, and superseded further proof of the power. [One judge dissenting.]
Where the deed of assignment purported to assign to the trustees all the real and personal property of the assignors, of every description, in this state, except their household furniture, a schedule of which property was to be made out and annexed thereto, as soon as convenient; it was held, that such assignment was not invalid, as against the assignors, either because the description of the property was too general, or because the schedule referred to was not then in existence. [One judge dissenting.]
Where the deed of assignment purported to be executed by C and D of N. H, and E of N. Y.> and it appeared, that E had always resided in N- Y., and the bond counted upon a deed executed by C ty So*ts of N. H.; it was • held, that this was not a case of variance.
This was an action of debt on a bond executed by William Mix and Jesse Peck, as principals, and John 8. Mitchell, as surety, to the plaintiff’s predecessor, as judge of probate, dated June 27th, 1837,
The defendants prayed oyer of the bond and condition, the latter of which required, that said William Mix and Jesse Peck, appointed trustees of all the goods, chattels, credits and estate of Isaac Mix & Sons of New-Haven, which were assigned for the benefit of their creditors, by a deed of assignment, dated April 29th, 1837, and recorded among the records of the probate court for the district of New-Haven, they being insolvent debtors, should make, or cause to be made, a true and perfect inventory of all the goods, chattels, credits and estate of said insolvent debtors, which had or should come into the hands, possession or knowledge of said trustees, or into the hands or possession of any other person or persons for them ; and the same, so made, should exhibit, or cause to be exhibited, into the registry of the court of probate, at or before the 29th day of June, 1837 ; and the said goods, chattels, credits and estate, and all other goods, chattels, credits and estate of the said insolvent debtors, which should, at any time after, come into the hands or possession of said trustees, or into the hands or possession of any other person or persons for them, should well and truly administer according to law; and furthermore, should make, or cause to be made, a true and just account of their trusteeship, at or before the 29th day of April, 1838 ; and all the rest and residue of said goods, chattels, credits and estate, which should be found remaining upon the settlement of said trustees’ account, the same being first examined and allowed by the said court of probate, should deliver and pay unto such person or persons respectively, as said court of probate, by its decree or sentence, pursuant to the true intent and meaning of the law, should limit and appoint.
The defendants then pleaded, 1st, the general issue ; 2ndly, performance ; 3rdly, that no goods or estate of the insolvent debtors ever came into the possession or to the knowledge of the trustees ; 4thly, that the assignment was never completed so as to become valid, and was, on the 28th day of June, 1837, abandoned and given up, pursuant to an arrangement then made between the assignors and their creditors, with the cowledge and consent of the court of probate ; Sthly, that dm bond, with the condition thereto, was extra-judicial, file- gal and void ;⅛ Othly, that the creditors of the assignors, on the 28th oí June, 1837, by an instrument in writing, by them signed, sealed and delivered, and lodged with the court of probate, released and discharged the defendants from all claims and demands on them, by virtue of said bond, and from all duties and obligations mentioned in the condition thereof; 7thly, that no debts were proved before commissioners, and so there are no creditors, who have a legal right to any portion of the property assigned; 8thly, that the court of probate never appointed commissioners, and that no creditors ever requested such appointment; and said court has made no order for the payment of debts.
On the 1st, 4th, and 6th pleas, issues were joined to the jury. To the 2nd and 3rd pleas, the plaintiff replied, setting forth an assignment, on the 29th of April, 1837, by Isaac Mix, Thomas Mix and Isaac Mix jr., of all their real and personal property in the state of Connecticut, except their household furniture, which assignment was lodged' with the court of probate and duly recorded there, on the same day; averring, that the trustees accepted said trust, and with said Mitchell, as surety, gave said bond, which was accepted and approved, by said court; that said court directed an inventory and appraisement to be made of the goods and estate assigned; that appraisers were appointed ; that the goods and estate of said insolvent debtors assigned to the trustees, came into their hands and possession, to the amount of 50,000 dollars, viz. 5 coaches, 5 barouches, &c. [thus specifying sundry articles,] and remained therein, subject to their controul and disposition, of which they ought to have made an inventory ; that said court also ordered the trustees to give notice that commissioners on said estate would be appointed on the 2nd Monday of July, 1837 ; that no such notice was given by the trustees ; that they never made an inventory of said goods and estate, or appropriated them to pay the debts ; that they exhibited no account of their doings as trustees to the court of probate, and never settled the estate, but wasted and squandered the same ; that said assignors were, on and before the 29th of April, 1337, and have since continued to be, indebted to James Punder-ford of New-Haven, in the sum of 500 dollars, the same being a debt of that amount, before that day due to Henry Ives and Robert Ives of Hamden in New-Haven county, which was by them assigned to said Punderford, of which due notice was given ; and that said assignors were also indebted to William S. Ross of the city of New-York, in the sum of 1500 dollars.
To the 5th plea there was a special demurrer, as not containing any matter in avoidance of the allegations in the declaration, or denying or confessing the same. To the 8th plea there wras also a demurrer.
To the 7th plea the plaintiff replied, that Punderford and Ross were creditors of the assignors, and had right to a share of the estate assigned.
To the 2nd replication the defendants rejoined, traversing the assignment, and also the debts due to Punderford and Ross. The rejoinder to the 6th replication traversed the assignment and the debts therein specified; that to the 7th denied that the persons therein named were creditors; that to the 3rd averred that no goods or estate came to the hands of the trustees, which could be inventoried ; and that to the 6th, that the assignment was never completed. The defendants joined in the demurrers taken to the 5th and 8th pleas.
The cause was tried, on the issues in fact, at New-Haven, October term, 1841, before Waite, J.
The plaintiff offered in evidence the bond, with the condition annexed, as set forth on oyer, accompanied with proof of the due execution thereof, by the defendants. They objected that it was illegal on its face, and therefore not evidence. The court, however, admitted it.
After having proved the execution and delivery of the bond, the plaintiff, for the purpose of proving the execution and delivery of the deed of assignment from Isaac Mix & Sons, offered in evidence, in connexion with the bond, a copy of the probate records of the New-Haven probate district, shewing, that on the 29th of April, 1837, Sherman Scovil appeared in court, and lodged for record an assignment made by Isaac Mix & Sons of New-Haven, insolvent debtors, for the benefit of all their creditors, of certain estate therein mentioned ; which assignment was accepted and approved for record. Then followed the deed in question, which was in these words: “ Know all men, by these presents, that we, Isaac Mix and Thomas Mix, both of New-Haven, and Isaac Mix-jr,, of the city of New-York, manufacturers in company, under the firm of Isaac Mix & Sons, being largely indebted to divers persons and embarrassed, and unable to meet our liabilities, and wishing to make an equal division of our property among our creditors, in consideration thereof, and of one dollar to us paid, by William Mix, Esq., and Jesse Peck, both of said New-Haven, do give, grant, bargain, sell, assign and deliver to them, the said Mix and Peck, all our real and personal property, of every description, in the state of Connecticut, except our household furniture, a schedule of which property is to be made out and annexed hereto, as soon as may be convenient: to have and to hold the said property, real and personal, to them the said Mix and Peck, their heirs and assigns, in trust for the equal benefit of all our creditors, in proportion to their several demands, to be proceeded with according to the provisions of the statute laws of this state, in such case provided.
In presence of Isaac Mix. [l. s.]
James Punderford, Isaac Mix jr., by Isaac
S. H. Scovil. Mix, attorney, [r. s.]
Thomas Mix.” [l. s.]
“ New-Haven county, ss. New-Haven, April 29th, 1839. Personally appeared Isaac Mix, Thomas Mix and Isaac Mix jr., by his attorney Isaac Mix, and acknowledged the foregoing instrument to be their free act and deed ; the said Isaac Mix and Thomas Mix individually, and the said Isaac Mix, attorney, as aforesaid ; before me,
James Punderford, justice of peace.”
To the admission of this evidence the defendants objected, on the ground that the original deed should be produced, or its non-production accounted for ; and they insisted, that such copy was not evidence for the purpose for which it was offered. The court permitted it, in connexion with the bond, to go to the jury.
The defendants further objected to the last-mentioned evidence, on the ground that the deed of assignment was insufficient and void as an instrument of conveyance, because it did not contain any sufficient description of the property, but referred to a schedule which was never made or annexed to the deed. This objection also the court overruled.
The defendants further objected to this evidence, because it appeared by the copy, that the deed was executed by Isaac Mix, jun. (if at all) by his attorney, Isaac Mix, sen., and there was no evidence that Isaac Mix, sen., had any power to execute it for Isaac Mix, jun. It was admitted by the parties, that, at the time of making the deed of assignment, Isaac Mix, sen., Thomas Mix, and Isaac Mix, jun., were partners, carrying on the business of carriage-makers, under the name of Isaac Mix & Sons, and had an establishment at New-York, for the sale of their carriages, where Isaac Mix, jun., had, for several years, resided, having charge of that establishment. This objection also was overruled by the court.
The defendants further objected, that as it appeared by said copy, that the deed of assignment, (if executed at all,) was executed by Isaac Mix and Thomas Mix of New-Haven, and Isaac Mix, jun., of New-York, in connexion with proof that Isaac Mix, jun., had always resided in New-York, and the bond in suit counted upon a deed executed by Isaac Mix & Sons of New-Haven, the variance was fatal. This objection was overruled.
The plaintiff, for the purpose of proving a debt due from Isaac Mix & Sons to William S. Ross of New-York, at the time of making the assignment, offered in evidence the deposition .of Stephen II. Durbrow ; to the admission of which the defendants objected, on the ground that, under the issues in this case, the deposition was inadmissible to prove any debt from I. Mix & Sons to Ross; and that said debt, (if any there were,) could be proved only by a report of commissioners allowing it, or at least by a judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. This objection was overruled, and the evidence suffered to go to the jury.
The plaintiff, for the purpose of proving a debt due from Isaac Mix & Sons to James Punderford, at the time of the assignment, offered Henry Ives and Robert Ives, late partners under the firm of H. & R- Ives, to prove, that I. Mix & Sons were indebted to them on book; and that, prior to the assignment, they assigned the book-debt to I. Gilbert & Sons, as collateral security for their liability as endorsers of a draft, drawn by H. & R. Ives upon, and accepted by, /. Mix & Sons; and that afterwards, and before the date of the deed of assignment, they assigned the same book-debt to Punder-ford : that due notice thereof was given to I. Mix & Sons ; and that the draft endorsed by I. Gilbert & Sons, was subsequently paid, whereby they (1. Gilbert & Sons) were saved harmless from their endorsement, and the book-debt so assigned to them as collateral security, became released from their lien thereon. To this evidence the defendants objected, on the ground, that under the issues in this case, it was inadmissible to prove any such debts ; and that' they could be proved only, by a report of commissioners allowing them, or, at any rate, by the judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. The court overruled the objection, and allowed the evidence to go to the jury.
The defendants also objected to the proof of any debt due to Ross and Punderford, on the ground that there was no averment of the nature and character of such debts, either in the plaintiff’s replications, or in any other part of the pleadings ; and that the defendants had no notice of the nature and character of such debts. This objection was overruled.
The defendants further claimed, that the court should instruct the jury, that there could be no evidence of such debts to Ross and Punderford, except a report of commissioners or a judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. The Court did not so instruct the jury.
The defendants further claimed, from the deposit# Durbrow and other evidence, that two notes, desc: that deposition, were given by I. Mix & Sons, on tfcte 2 day of July, 1838, on the compromise and settlement, suit brought against them by Ross, on a cause of which he claimed to have had, at the time of the assig and the defendants claimed it to have been proved, that consideration of these notes was the compromise of said suit; and they claimed, that the court should instruct the jury, that if they should so find, they should not take into consideration either the original cause of action, or the notes, in their assessment of damages. The defendants also claimed to have proved, that when the notes were given, on the 2nd of July, 1838, a part of the consideration thereof was the costs of said suit, and a new indebtedness, contracted by I. Mix & Sons with Ross, after the date of the deed of assignment; and the defendants claimed, that the court should further instruct the - jury, that if they should so find, they could not take the notes into consideration, in their assessment of damages. The plaintiff did not claim to recover any thing more, on account of the debt to Ross, than what was due to him, at the time of the assignment, and remained unpaid. Upon this subject the court instructed the jury, that if they should find, that these notes were given by I. Mix & Sons, for a debt which they owed to Ross, at the time of the assignment, such debt had not become extinguished, by the giving of the note ; and they were not precluded, in their assessment of damages, from, allowing whatever balance they should find still due upon the original indebtedness from I. Mix & Sons to Ross; but if they should find, that any debt, which accrued subsequently to the assignment, or any costs, were embraced in said notes, such debt and costs were to be rejected by them, and no damages allowed on account thereof.
The defendants, on the issue joined on the 4th plea, to prove the facts therein stated, offered in evidence two papers, signed and sealed by said Ross, li. & R. Ives, and I. Gilbert & Sons, and other persons, creditors of I. Mix & Sons, purporting to give them an extension of time for the payment of the several debts due to them respectively, and authorizing the assignees to execute a re-assignment of all the property and effects to them assigned for the benefit of such creditors, and discharging them from all responsibility by virtue of the assignment ; provided, that if all the creditors of I. Mix & Sons should not sign and seal one of said instruments, they, and every clause thereof, should be utterly void. The plaintiff claimed that these instruments were insufficient to sustain said plea, because they were not executed by all the creditors of I. Mix & Sons, in conformity to the proviso therein contained ; and that Orla House and others were creditors of I. Mix & Sons, at the time of the assignment and-afterwards, and never signed or executed either of said instruments; and the plaintiff offered parol testimony to establish such claim. To this the defendants objected, on the ground that parol evidence could not be received to prove any indebtedness of I. Mix & Sons to said Orla House and others. This objection was overruled, and the testimony offered was admitted.
The defendants further claimed, that the proviso in said instruments did not apply to the direction therein given to the trustees not to execute the trust; and prayed the court so to charge the jury. Upon this point the court instructed the jury, that if they should find, that said instruments were not signed by all the creditors of I. Mix & Sons, they would not afford a justification to the trustees in abandoning the trust which they had assumed.
The defendants further claimed, that from said instruments and other acts done by the creditors of I. Mix & Sons, they had waived and abandoned all claims under the assignment: and if so, the jury ought to find the 4th issue in favour of the defendants. Upon this point the court instructed the jury according to the defendants’ claim ; and submitted to them the question, whether there had been such a waiver or abandonment. The court further instructed the jury, that if they should find, that Ross and Punderford had waived or abandoned their claims under the assignment, the plaintiff was entitled to recover no damages on account of their debts.
The jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff on all the issues submitted to them. The defendants thereupon moved for a new trial. They also moved in arrest of judgment, 1. because there was no sufficient cause of action, alleged in the declaration and replications ; 2. because there was no allegation that commissioners have ever been appointed or claims allowed ; or that there would be any surplus after payment of taxes and privileged debts; and no such allegation that there are creditors, or as to the nature or character of the debts, as the defendants were bound to notice or answer; nor was there any probate order shown for payment of the debts of Punderford and Ross; and that upon the whole record the plaintiff was, at most, entitled to but nominal damages.
The case was reserved, upon both motions, for the advice of this court.
Bissell and R. I. Ingersoll,
in support of the motions, contended, 1. That the demurrer to the 5th plea should have been sustained. This brings up for consideration the validity of the bond, which is the foundation of the action. Is this, then, a legal bond ? It is an official bond ; and if the condi tion be void, or such an one as the judge has no power to prescribe, the bond is void. In regard to the bond of an executor or administrator, the law has prescribed the form, and the judge has no power to take a bond in any other form. In this case, the law has not prescribed the form of the bond; but a reference to the provisions of the act of 1828, will show what bond the judge of probate is authorized to take. By the 2nd section, the judge is authorized to take a bond conditioned that the trustees shall “ faithfully perform their duties according to law.” If their duties as trustees are performed, the obligation of the bond is discharged. What, then, are those duties 1 They are, first, to make an inventory of the estate so assigned in trust; and secondly, to perform their duties in regard “ to the estate so assigned.” The bond taken requires the trustees to make a true and perfect inventory of all the goods, chattels, credits or estate of said insolvent debtors, which have or shall come to their hands, possession or knowledge, or into the hands or possession of any other person or persons for them, and the same to exhibit before the court of probate ; and the same goods, &c., and all other goods, chattels, credits and estate of said insolvent debtors, which should, at any time after, come into the hands of the trustees ; thus extending the' bond to after acquired property. The statute confines the duties of the trustees to the estate assigned. The bond taken extends these duties to all the estate of the insolvent debtors, whatever. The statute requires them to do the duties of trustees, in regard to the estate assigned. The bond requires of them to administer upon all the estate of the insolvent debtors. The term administer has a precise technical meaning, — i. e. taking charge of the goods of a man dying intestate. 1 Jac. Law Diet. 42. Here is a precise and definite trust, created by law ; and the assignees are to execute the duties of that trust. The court of probate has imposed, or attempted to impose, upon them, all the duties appertaining to an administrator on the estate of a deceased person.
It is no answer to say, that the bond embraces those duties which the trustees were to discharge, and so far, is valid. The reply is, as before suggested, that this is an official bond; and if such an one as the judge had no right to exact of these trustees, it is wholly void. Billings v. Avery, 7 Conn. Rep. 23(5. Darling v. liubbell, 9 Conn. Rep. 350.
It is, however, said, that the bond is to be taken in connex-ion with the deed of assignment; and that the generality of expression in the former, is to be restrained, by the terms of the latter. This presents a further subject of inquiry.
2. That the deed of assignment is invalid, and is such an instrument that a legal bond cannot be predicated upon it. It is of all the debtor’s real and personal property in Connecticut, referring to a schedule which was never made. Is such a conveyance valid to protect any property from attachment ?
It is, in the first place, invalid as an instrument of conveyance. Draheley v. Deforest, 3 Conn. Rep. 272,
Secondly, it is equally so, as the declaration of a trust. No creditors are named ; and there is nothing on the face of the instrument to direct the trust.
Thirdly, it is a fraud upon our attachment law.
Fourthly, it is calculated to deceive and defraud creditors.
If, then, the instrument be void, as against creditors, can the bond, predicated upon it, be of any validity ?
3. That the copy of the deed of assignment, which the plaintiff offered in evidence, on the trial, was inadmissible. It is an elementary principle, that the best evidence which the nature of the case admits of, and which is in the power of the party, must be produced ; and the sources of primary evidence must be exhausted, before secondary evidence can be resorted to. 1 Rose. Ev. 3. 47. 26. 1 Sw. Dig. 757. Call v. Dunning, 4 East 53. What then relieves this case from the operation of the general principle ?
It is said, that it is a copy of the records of the court of probate. It is only necessary to refer to the act of 1828, to show, that there is nothing in this objection. The deed of assignment is to be lodged for record ; and the judge, or clerk, is to enter thereon the time, <&c. This is a mere ministerial act; and no more makes the copy evidence, than lodging a deed with the town-clerk, makes a copy of that deed evidence.
It is, however, said, that the defendants are estopped, by the bond, to deny that the deed of assignment was well executed.
In the first place, they are estopped as to nothing, except the fact, that they are assignees under a deed of assignment, Howard v. Mitchell, 14 Mass. Rep. 241. Abbe v. Goodwin, 7 Conn. Rep. 377. Shelton v. Alcox, 11 Conn. Rep. 240.
Secondly, the estoppel, if relied on, should have been pleaded. 1 Sw. Dig. 622. 1 Stark. Eo. 206.
4. That if the original deed of assignment, instead of a copy, had been offered, it would not have been admissible.
In the first place, it purported to be executed by Isaac Mix sen. for Isaac Mix jun., and no authority was shewn. Isaac Mix, sen., had no such power, as a partner merely. It was an instrument under seal; and purported to convey real, as well as personal estate, and individual as well as partnership property. Gow on Part. 91. 98.
Secondly, the deed should have been rejected, on the ground of variance. The bond describes the assignors as Isaac Mix & Sons of New-Haven. The deed offered in evidence purports to be executed by Isaac Mix and Thomas Mix of New-Haven, and Isaac Mix jr. of New-York: and there are no averments on the record, which relieve the case from this difficulty. Russell v. South-Britain Society, 9 Conn. Rep. 508. Willoughby v. Raymond, 4 Conn. Rep. 130.
5. That the parol evidence offered to prove the debts set out in the replication to the 2nd and 3rd pleas, was inadmissible, either to show a breach of the bond, or to enhance the damages.
In the first place, it was inadmissible, because the debts were not ascertained, by commissioners ; and no order to pay them had been made, by the court of probate. No case is to be found, where in an action on the probate bond, an unliquidated debt has been proved, for any purpose. Minor v. Mead, 3 Conn. Rep. 289. Willey v. Paulk, 6 Conn. Rep. 74. Isaacs v. Stevens, 13 Conn. Rep. 499. Mills v. Skinner, 13 Conn. Rep. 436. See also 13 Mass. Rep. 365. 12 Wend. 492. 8 B. Sp Cres. 151. 10 Conn. Rep. 238. It is admitted, that in case of a solvent estate, a judgment must be shown. Why should a different rule prevail, when the estate is insolvent ? The same difficulties exist, in the latter case, as in the former. In both, important questions are to be tried collaterally, without notice to the adverse party, and without any apt issue. The judgment could afford no pro tection to the defendant. The verdict would furnish no rule to the court of probate, in regard to the appropriation of the sum recovered.
Secondly, the evidence should have been rejected, on the ground that the nature and character of the debts, were not set forth in the replication. On this point, the case of Isaacs v Stevens, before cited, is decisive.
[Some other points were suggested and remarked upon, by one of the counsel; but these are the points principally insisted on.]
Baldwin and Kimberly, contra,
contended, 1. That the 5th plea was bad on demurrer, because it attempts to put in issue a mere inference or matter of law. Gould’s Plead, 406. 1 Chitt. PI. 573. 19 Johns. Rep. 371.
2. That the 8th plea is insufficient, because nothing appears in the condition of the bond, making the right of recovery to depend upon the appointment of commissioners, or the proof of debts.
3. That the plaintiff’s declaration and replications are sufficient. In the first place, the execution of the bond and the non-payment of the money, are averred in the declaration.
Secondly, the replication to the second and 3rd pleas, avers the execution of an assignment under the act of 1828 against fraudulent conveyances ; the giving of the bond, by the trustees, for the faithful performance of their duties ; and the requisite orders of the court of probate. These are, that the trustees should make and return an inventory ; that they should give notice of the time of appointing commissioners; and that they should settle the estate, and render their accounts within a year. The replication then assigned several breaches, viz., that the trustees never made and returned an inventory, which the statute and the bond expressly require, and which the court ordered; that they never gave notice of the appointment of commissioners, which it was their duty to do under the statute, and which was also ordered by the court; and that they have never settled the estate pursuant to the statute and the order of the court.
Thirdly, no averment regarding the appointment of commissioners, or the allowance of claims, or the nature or character of the debts, was necessary; other breaches being as signed, and these being matters which relate only to the damages, Barruso v. Madan, 2 Johns. Rep. 145. Woods v. Rowan, 5 Johns. Rep. 42. Albany Dutch Church v Tedder & al. 14 IFend. 165. Afe v. Page, 14 Conn. Rep. 329. Clark v. Russell, 2 Day 112. Boo¡!/¿ v. Patrick, 8 Conn. Rep-106. The plaintiff is entitled to judgment, on proof of any one breach. Edwards v White, 12 Conn. Rep. 28.
4. That the bond offered in evidence was a legal and valid probate bond.
In the first place, as the statute has prescribed no form of bond in such case, it is sufficient, if it conforms substantially to the requirements of the law. By the statute of 1828, sec. 2. it is provided, that the trustees shall give bond conditioned that “ they shall faithfully perform their duties according to law.” The duties of the trustees are, to make an inventory, and to proceed under the orders of the court of probate, to settle or administer the estate, and to account to the court of probate.
Secondly, if the condition be in itself too comprehensive or general, the reference to the assignment, will restrain its generality. Hassell & al. v. Long & al. 2 Mau. & Sel. 363. 369. & seq.
Thirdly, if there be in the condition to the bond something more than the statute requires, yet if it be not prohibited by the statute, and the bond be voluntary, it is valid. Waldo v, Spencer, 4 Conn. Rep. 77. Kavanagh v. Saunders, 8 Greenl, 422. Collis v. Gwynne, 7 Bing. 423. Newman v, Newman, 4 Mau. & Sel. 66.
5. That the deed of assignment was not void, because it referred to a non-existing schedule. Bates v. Coe, 10 Conn. Rep. 280. Keyes v Brush, 2 Paige 311. Emerson <& al. v. Knower, 8 Pick. 63.
6. That the copy of the assignment in the probate records, in connexion with the bond, was admissible to prove the execution and delivery of the deed.
In the first place, the assignment is required by law to be lodged in the probate office and recorded.
Secondly, it contains the authority to the court, as well as to the trustees, for all their subsequent action in the matter; and, as such, it has been, by the court of probate, judicially proved.
Thirdly, the deed of assignment is referred ,to in the bond, as matter of record.
Fourthly, the bond admits the execution of the deed, and refers to the record for its contents.
Fifthly, the defendants having in the bond admitted the execution of the assignment, they are estopped from denying it. Com. Dig. tit. Estoppel, A 2. Hosier v. Searle, 2 Bos. & Pul. 299. Com. Dig. tit. Obligation E.
Sixthly, the plaintiff is not bound to plead the estoppel, as the defendants have, by their plea, first brought the matter of estoppel upon the record ; and having closed to the country their rejoinder, they have thus prevented the plaintiff from pleading the estoppel. 1 Sound. PI. & Ev. 38. 304. Shelton v. Alcox, 11 Conn. Rep. 240.
Seventhly, the jury have found the matter of estoppel, viz. the execution of the bond ; and this court will not grant a new trial because improper evidence was admitted to prove what need not have been proved at all.
7. That parol proof of the debts of Punderford and Ross and other creditors, was admissible.
In the first place, no other proof could be had, in consequence of the omission of the trustees to procure the appointment of commissioners, which it was their duty to do. Warren v. Powers, 5 Conn. Rep. 374. 382. Cony v. Williams & al. 9 Mass. Rep. 114. Smith v. English, 13 Conn. Rep. 223. Paine v. Gill & al. 13 Mass. Rep. 365.
Secondly, a judgment at law in favour of creditors would not conclude these defendants, who would be neither parties nor privies thereto.
Thirdly, in the case of Isaacs v. Stevens & al. 13 Conn. Rep. 499. the only breach assigned was the non-payment of the debt, and the estate being solvent, the creditors could sustain an action directly against the administrator for the recovery of the debt, to which his sureties would be privies. Willey v. Paulk, 6 Conn. Rep. 74.

Opinion:
Williams, Ch. J.
Upon the motion in arrest, the first question is, whether a sufficient cause of action is disclosed. The plaintiff, in his declaration, has counted upon a bond, in the usual manner; which, upon oyer, is set forth, atjd thus becomes a part of the declaration. Whether, therefore, the 5th plea is sufficient or not, is of little importance in this case; for if the bond is illegal, as is there claimed, it appears on its face; and its character cannot be changed, by an allegation, such as is contained in that plea. The plea itself states no new fact, and offers no issue, but upon a matter of law arising on the face of the record, which, of course, is not. traversable, and so, not properly pleaded. Still, the question is fairly on the record, is this a valid bond ?
The bond is dated the 27th of June ; and the assignment is dated, the 29th of April. The condition is, to make a true and perfect inventory of all the goods of the insolvent debtors, which shall come into their hands and possession. It is said, that as I. Mix & Sons might have acquired property since the assignment, or might have had property not assigned, this bond requires what the court had no power to require, and so is extra-judicial and void: that in fact, it requires the trustees to inventory and account for all the property I. Mix & Sons had, at the date of the bond. The bond purports to be an official bond, and counts upon the appointment of Mix and Peck as trustees of all the goods and estate of Isaac Mix & Sons, which were assigned for the benefit of their creditors, by a deed dated the 29th of April, 1837, and recorded in the office of the court of probate, and has a condition, that if the obligors shall make a true and perfect inventory of all the goods and estate of the insolvent debtors that shall come into their hands or possession, or into the hands and possession of any other person for them, &c. Taking the parts of this bond together, it is very manifest, that it is conversant only about the goods and estate assigned, by the deed referred to, as recorded in the probate office. This appears from the connexion with that deed ; and is further shown from the expression of goods coming into the hands of other persons for them. Any other construction would be a forced construction, and would require us to presume, that the court taking the bond did not intend to do its duty, rather than to make the legal inference that it did intend to discharge its duty. And we can see nothing in the terms of the bond, requiring such a construction. The bond goes on, and requires the trustees to render a true account of their trusteeship. That alone is the subject-matter; and that alone is what is contemplated in the bond. Had the defendants pleaded, that they had rendered such an account; could it seriously be claimed, that, as they rendered no account for the household furniture, this would be a breach of the bond'? The meaning is certainly as clear, as was that of the parties in Hassell & al. v. Long & al. 2 Man. & Sel. 363.
But were this more doubtful, as the terms of the bond are not prescribed by statute, and as the defendants were not held in custody until they executed it, as in Billings v. Avery, 7 Conn. Rep. 236., we do not think that the bond will be void beyond the excess. In Newman v. Newman, 4 Man. & Sel. 66., it was held, that where a bond was given conditioned for the performance of several things, that, at common law, those which were good, might be separated from those which were bad. And in Collis v. Gwynne, 7 Bing. 423., it is said by Gasalee, J., there is no provision in the act that the bond should be taken in a particular form ; and Ch. J. Tindal says, I do not see why we are to call in aid a distinct condition, which may be illegal, to vitiate that which is clearly legal. This subject is fully and ably considered, in The United States v. Brown, Gilp. 155. to 182.; and Hopkinson, J., comes to the conclusion, that if a bond be taken at common law, with the condition in part good, and part bad, a recovery may be had on the bond, for a breach of that which is good. And in statutory bonds, where there is nothing in the statute, declaring bonds altogether void, which are not conformable to the statute, the same principle is to govern. And see Van Deusen & al. v. Hayward & al., 17 Wend. 67. A similar principle in the case of a deed of lands, was recognized, by this court, in the recent case of Goodman v. Newell, 13 Conn. Rep. 75.
It is claimed, that the replication to the 2nd and 3rd pleas is bad, because it avers, that the trustees did not make an inventory of the estate of said debtors; by which, it is said, the whole estate of the debtors must be intended, and not merely that which -was assigned. An answer similar to that given first with respect to the bond, would, on this motion in arrest, be sufficient. But, on examining the pleadings, we think that this exception could not have been sustained, in any stage of the proceedings. The allegation is of an assignment, on the 29th of April, of all the real and personal estate of the insolvents, m the state of Connecticut, except the household furniture of the assignors ; which assignment was lodged in the court of probate, and duly recorded there, on the same day ; on which day, goods so assigned, to the value of 50,000 dollars, came into the hands of said trustees, which was well known to them; and such goods ought to have been by them retained in their possession ; and that, on the 27th of June, 1837, bonds were ordered and given ; and it was further ordered, that said trustees make and deposit with said court, within two months from said 29th of April, 1837, a true and perfect inventory of the estate of said insolvent debtors ; and that said estate be settled within one year; and the appraisers were appointed to appraise the same, and make an inventory thereof; and the goods so assigned by said insolvent debtors to said trustees, and which came into their hands, to the amount of 50,000 dollars, then remained in the hands of said trustees ; all of which goods so remaining, were subject to the controul and disposition of said trustees, and they should and might have made a true and perfect inventory thereof, and the same have deposited witli the court of probate, according to the condition of said bond ; and it was the duty of the trustees, pursuant to law, and to said orders, to make and deposit in said court an inventory and appraisal of all said goods and estate of said insolvents, so coming into their hands and possession as aforesaid; and the same truly to administer according to law, and to appropriate the goods and estate of said insolvént debtors, so assigned to them as aforesaid, in payment and satisfaction of said claims, &c. Every allegation here, is evidently in reference to the assignment of the 29th of April. When an inventory of the estate is spoken of, it commonly means the estate so assigned ; and when an appraisal is mentioned, it is equally apparent, that it refers to the estate assigned ; and when a return is to be made to the court of probate of goods and estate, it must intend the goods and estate before mentioned.
The bond, then, having been duly executed, and being valid upon its face, is the breach of it duly alleged ? The court of probate ordered, 1. that the trustees should make and return an inventory; 2. that they should give notice of the time for the appointment of commissioners; and 3. that they should settle the estate, and render their account, within one year; neither of which, it is averred, they have done. The statute directs, that such inventory shall be made within such time as the court of probate shall prescribe, not exceeding two months. It further provides, that the court of probate shall give notice of the time of the appointment of commissioners ; and although there is no express provision that the court of probate shall direct as to the time when they shall settle their account, and close the business of the trust; yet, as the court is expressly authorized to call the trustees to account for the property assigned, it would seem to follow, that the court must have authority to fix the time of settling the estate, that it might be known and understood, when the account would be taken. This, and the other orders of the court of probate, having been legally given, and not complied with, we see not why a breach of the bond is not incurred, in each of these particulars ; for if a neglect to obtain the necessary orders from the court of probate, is a breach of the bond, as is said in Warren v. Powers, 5 Conn. Rep. 383., a fortiori, a neglect to comply with these orders, must be a breach.
It is further objected, that there are no persons prosecuting this bond, who can be recognized as creditors; and this presents the questions in the 7th and 8th pleas, and the answers thereto, whether any persons can be entitled to the benefit of this bond, except those whose debts have been allowed by commissioners. And that, as a general rule, must be admitted. But is this necessary, when there were no commissioners, and when the want of such a board, is one of the very acts complained of, as a breach of the bond 1 Now if, as we have seen, it was the duty of these trustees to give notice of the time of the proposed appointment of commissioners, and they have neglected so to do, can they defend, in consequence of an act or an omission occurring from their own violation of duty 1 The party who claims to be aggrieved, could not, by any possibility, prove these debts before commissioners, if there were none ; and if it was the duty of the trustees to take the steps to procure their appointment, then it must follow, that the creditors have omitted to prove their debts, not from any neglect of their own, but that of the defendants, the trustees. We think, then, that these defendants are precluded from setting up this defence; - and it is in vain to say, that the court of probate might have displaced them, and appointed others more faithful. The objection still remains — they are complaining of an omission, which is the fruit of their own misconduct. Besides, if these persons cannot be heard here, because this court does not know they are creditors, as their debts have not been proved before commissioners, why would not the same argument be valid, before the court of probate, if they complained of these trustees ? Has the court of probate any more authority, of itself, to inquire into the validity of the debts, than this court has? The authority of the court of probate is more limited ; and in Isaacs v. Stevens, 13 Conn. Rep. 499. 505., we held, that it had no such authority. Indeed, we see not how, upon the principles assumed, any redress at all could be had. In English & al. v. Smith & al., 13 Conn. Rep. 221. 224., certain persons, who had never presented their claims to commissioners, appealed, on account of the appointment of those commissioners; and it was claimed, that they were not creditors, and had no right of appeal. But the court said, that if the commissioners were disqualified to act, creditors forfeited no rights, by neglecting to recognize them, and were entitled to the same privileges as the other creditors; and besides, the superior court had found, that they were creditors. That same fact is found, by the verdict of the jury, in this case ; and we cannot see, why the case of English v. Smith is not in point upon that subject. If the cases differ, that difference is in favour of these creditors. In that case, the want of competent commissioners was not through the negligence of the trustees, as it is here ; but from a want of knowledge, in the court, of a fact, which disqualified one of the commissioners.
It is said, however, that if the debt need not be proved before commissioners, it must be ascertained by some court: it must be a judgment debt, before the creditor can sustain a suit upon the probate bond; and Willey v. Paulk, 6 Conn. Rep. 74., is cited in support of that doctrine. In that case, no such question arose ; and the court say, that the claim had been established in due course of law. The judgment having been admitted in evidence, the question was, whether the sureties were bound by it. But in giving the opinion of the court, Judge Peters does recognize this as a principle settled in Massachusetts, Neio-York and 'Virginia. But it will be-found, that, in Massachusetts, it is expressly provided, by the 2nd section of the act of 1786, that where a suit is instituted at the desire of a creditor of the deceased, he must have his debt or damage ascertained, by a judgment of court, and must have made a demand thereof. Payne v. Gill, 13 Mass. Rep. 368. And in the case cited from Virginia, the case was against sureties, and the court say, that as the sureties cannot have the means of ascertaining the debt, suit should first be brought against the principal; for it is a principle of universal law, that both parties should be heard. Braxton exr. v. Winslow & al. 1 Wash. 31. In this case, both principal and surety are parties; of course, that case is not applicable. And in the case of The People v. Dunlap, 13 Johns. Rep. 437., the question did not arise, the debt having gone into judgment ; but the court held, that the non-payment of such a debt was a breach of the bond, notwithstanding some English cases. Archbishop of Canterbury v. Wills, 1 Salk. 316. Archbishop of Canterbury v. Tappen, 8 B. & Cres. 151.
Were the law, however, upon this point, as claimed by the defendants, we do not see why the judge of probate cannot sustain an action upon the bond, as well as a sheriff upon a receipt of property, when it has not been delivered. The sheriff is answerable for it, to the creditor, or to the debtor. There being a breach of the bond, the plaintiff has a right to recover. The amount he must recover, is not a matter to be determined by the form of the pleadings, but by the proof. The only question now is, is the plaintiff entitled to judgment ? And it has long since been settled, that it need not appear in the declaration, for whose use the bond is sued. Clark v. Russell, 2 Day, 112.
It is further claimed, that the debts are not set out with sufficient particularity to entitle the plaintiff to judgment. But if the plaintiff is entitled to judgment, for other breaches assigned than the non-payment of debts, there can be no ground for arresting the verdict, because the plaintiff must have damages for such breaches; and upon this motion the court are not to look to see what damages were given.
Indeed, upon the record, as presented to this court, it does not appear what was the sum awarded in damages. In ad dition to this, this objection is made upon a motion in arrest, - that the plaintiff has not set out the nature and character of these debts as he ought. Now, if the non-payment was the only breach alleged, and this was upon demurrer, then, according to the case of Isaacs v. Stevens, the replication would be insufficient. But where the defendants have chosen to traverse the existence of the debts, and it is found against them, it seems too late to make that question. It is the case of a title defectively set forth, rather than the case of a defective title. 2 Tidd's Pr. 826. However this may be, according to our practice, sanctioned by many decisions, if there be one count in a declaration good found for the plaintiff, he is entitled to judgment. We think, therefore, judgment ought not to be arrested.
There was also a motion for a new trial, embracing some of the points which are in the motion in arrest; and so far as they are similar in principle, they need not be considered here; as, for instance, the validity of the bond. But there are questions not appearing upon the record.
And first, a copy of the deed of assignment, in connexion with the bond, was offered in evidence, no notice having been given to produce the original. It was objected to, as not being the best evidence ; but was admitted, by the court. On the other hand, it was contended, that this was to be considered as a will recorded in the probate office, a copy of which is always admitted in evidence. The statute of 1828 requires these assignments to be lodged in the probate office for record, but does not require any action of the judge in regard to them, except to receive them, and this not in terms ; but when it makes it the duty of the assignee to leave it for record, it must certainly be the duty of the officer with whom it is to be so left, to carry into effect the object designed in leaving it. The law intended, that the public should have knowledge of these assignments, as well when the property was personal, as when it was real; and in case of deeds of land, it has been uniformly holden, in this state, that third persons may always prove their existence, by a copy from the town-clerk, and this without proving the execution of the the deed. Talcott v. Goodwin, 3 Day, 267. So, too, in England, where a deed has been enrolled, the practice has been, to give them in evidence, though Judge Butter seems to think, that they ought to be acknowledged. Smartle d. Newport v. Williams, 1 Salk. 280. Bul. N. P. 155. The same - principle that will dispense with the original in one case, will apply to the other ; and a copy of a transfer of personal property from the records of the court of probate, is surely as high evidence as a copy of the deed from the town-clerk, is of the transfer of real estate.
Again, one object in recording this instrument in the probate office, is, to enable that court to act in relation to the property conveyed. But the orders of the court would be of no validity, unless there was evidence of the assignment which formed the subject matter of them. And can it be claimed, that a judge should be obliged to prove the validity of his acts, if the assignee chose to retain the original, by accidental proof of the correctness of his copies 1 This would be to place the judge in a situation where he must be careful to retain living witnesses to support his records.
It has been claimed, that it is the duty of the court to retain the original assignment on file. If this were so, we see not but it would follow, that copies of it must then be evidence for all persons who wanted to use it; otherwise, the files must be transported, whithersoever it became necessary to use them ; a practice, which, in all other cases, is condemned. But we see no authority in the statute, for the court of probate to retain the assignment. It is the title deed of the assignee, and cannot be taken from him, without an express law, or by clear implication.
Again, the bond given by these defendants is founded upon, and recognizes, this assignment. It recites that William Mix and Jesse Peck are appointed trustees of the goods and estate of Isaac Mix & Sons, for the benefit of their creditors, by a deed of assignment, dated April 29th, 1837, and recorded in the probate records of the district of New-Haven. Now, if this bond had recited the deed of assignment in the words of it, it could not be doubted, that it would, as against the obli-gors, be sufficient evidence of the existence of such assignment, as well as of its terms. We must hold, that a deed under seal, by a party acknowledging he has received or given a conveyance, is sufficient evidence of that fact, or at least, admissible as tending to prove it, — as against the party making such acknowledgment. It is true, that in this case, the assignment is not recited ; it is only described ; and it is - possible, the instrument offered, is not that which is described. But if the party has admitted the existence of such an instrument as this purports to be, and the instrument produced corresponds entirely with such admission, it would seem to furnish prima facie evidence that it was the instrument intended. It may, indeed, have been forged ; so may a deed which has been recorded ; but that will not prevent the copy being given in evidence. And the question here is, not as to the weight, but the admissibility, of the evidence.
It is further contended, on the part of the plaintiff, that the defendants having, by their bond, admitted the existence of this instrument, are estopped from denying it. The defendants, on the other hand, say, that if this were so, it should have been pleaded. Now, without going into the learning upon the subject of estoppels, it seems to us, that it is enough to say with Ch. J. Holt, can there be better evidence of a deed than for one to own it and recite it, under his hand and seal? Dillon v. Cranley, 12 Mod. 500. In the opinion of the majority of the court, the copy was properly admitted.
Another objection is, that it is signed by I. Mix, by virtue of a power of attorney ; and there is no proof of the due execution of that power of attorney. But if we are right in the position, that the execution of the instrument may be proved, by the acknowledgement of the bond, that acknowledgement must extend to every thing necessary to prove the due execution. It recognizes it as the act of I. Mix & Sons ; and if it purports to be signed, by virtue of a power of attorney, it cannot be their act, unless the attorney was duly authorized. Of course, it must follow, that if it was the act of I. Mix & Sons, he who used their names had that authority which made it theirs.
It is further objected, that the assignment was invalid, as it referred to an instrument not then existing ; and reliance is placed upon the case of Drakeley & al. v. Deforest, & al. 3 Conn. Rep. 272. In that case, there was no specification or description at all of the property, but a reference to a schedule not then made; and the court held, that all depended upon the schedule. But this is an assignment of all the property of the firm in this state, excepting household furniture, a schedule of which is to be made and annexed thereto, as soon as may be. The assignment, then, is complete ; but for the greater facility in finding the goods, the schedule is to be made. In Emerson & al. v. Knower, 8 Pick. 63. 65., there was an assignment of a quantity of leather and stock for the manufacture of boots and shoes, and of boots and shoes already made, or partly made, in the hands of certain persons ; with a proviso that a schedule of the property should be made and annexed, as soon as might be. And the supreme court in Massachusetts held, that the conveyance was good ; that the annexation of a schedule was not a condition on which the validity of the assignment depended ; and that the covenant was not essential, the property, and the place where it was to be found, being mentioned. And it is said, that the words as soon as may be," prove, that it was not considered, by the parties, as affecting the validity of the assignment. A similar decision was made in New-Tork, in the case of Keyes v. Brush, 2 Paige, 311. And we concur in the views taken by the court in these cases.
It is also objected to this assignment, that it is invalid, as being too general — " all the property of the company in this state." Now, supposing their property in this state was known to be principally in a manufacturing establishment in New-Haven, but some carriages were on the way to Hartford and Norwich for sale ; could it be said, that nothing passed by this conveyance? Suppose the trustees immediately took possession of the establishment; could these men say, that nothing passed ? Or, suppose the deed was of all their property in New-Haven, or in the new township; would nothing pass i Such general assignments have not been uncommon in this state. Bates & al. v Coe, 10 Conn. Rep. 280. Mills v. Skinner & al. 13 Conn. Rep. 436. 441. And we see not how the party making this assignment can object to its generality. Creditors, perhaps, might say, that such sweeping conveyances might be used to cover property, and thus be void as against them. But when the property can be identified, as the property of the assignors, we know of no principle which will admit them to say, that the solemn instrument which they have made, may be treated by them as if it did not exist. In the case of Pearpoint & al. v. Graham, 4 Wash. C. C. Rep. 232. 237. (if the facts are fully stated,) there was an assignment of all the estate of the debt. or, of every kind, confirmed by a subsequent assignment of certain specified effects ; and as to this first assignment, Washington, J., says, as to the want of a schedule, it must be admitted, that an assignment of all the debtor's effects, without a specification of property, is, generally speaking, an indicium of fraud ; but nothing more. And if, as between the parties, a general conveyance of property was not valid, the learning which was displayed in Twyne's case, must have been thrown away, and the various questions there discussed were of no importance to the results.
Several objections were made to evidence tending to show the existence of debts due from I. Mix & Sons. . They have been considered, substantially, upon the question whether it must not appear that the debts were proved before commissioners.
One question, however, was made, with respect to the debt of Ross, as he had taken a new note, since the assignment, upon which the jury were certainly properly instructed, that such note did not extinguish the original debt.
The defendants also objected, that as it appeared, by the deed of assignment, that it purported to be executed by Isaac and Thomas Mix of New-Iiaven, and Isaac Mix,)r.,oI New-York, in connexion with proof that Isaac Mix, jr., had always resided in New-York, and the bond counted upon a deed, executed by Isaac Mix & Sons, of New-Iiaven, the variance was fatal. We see nothing here in the nature of a variance. The question rather is, whether the persons described in the bond and the assignment are the same, or whether they are different persons. The firm might be doing business in New-Raven, and thus justify their being described as of New-Raven ; or Isaac Mix, jr., since the assignment and execution of the bond, might have removed to New-Iiaven. We think, therefore, this objection can no more avail in this shape, than upon the pleadings.
But it is claimed, that evidence should not have been admitted to prove damages incurred upon the debts of Ross and others, because the nature and character of those debts are not sufficiently set out, by the plaintiff, in his replication ; and it is said, that in Isaacs v. Stevens, it was decided, that the debts must be set out with the particularity that they must have been, had a suit been brought directly upon them. In that case, it was decided, that the plaintiff' must, to a plea of performance, assign a breach ; and we certainly are not disposed to question that doctrine. But here, one or more distinct breaches of the bond are assigned and proved. The plaintiff, at common law, had a right to judgment for the whole penalty ; and the defendant was driven into a court of equity to reduce it. Collins v. Collins, 2 Burr. 824. For, in an action of debt on a bond, the plaintiff, at common law, could assign but one breach. Manser's case, 2 Co. 4. This is varied by statute ; and if judgment is given for the plaintiff, on demurrer, or by confession, or nil (licit, the plaintiff may suggest on the roll as many breaches as he sees fit, and the jury may pass upon them. 1 Wms. Saund. 58. n. Now, if a bare suggestion upon the roll will entitle the plaintiff to prove any damages he has suffered, shall we be more nice, and require more precision, when we are inquiring what in equity is due to this plaintiff ? Are not the defendants apprised of the nature of the claim, by these replications, as fully as if they were merely suggested on the roll ? Our statute merely provides, that where the bond is forfeited, such damages shall be assessed, as are justly and equitably due; and judgment shall not be rendered for the whole penalty, unless it appear to be due. Now, had this judgment been by-default, or upon demurrer to the plaintiff's declaration, there can be no doubt, by our practice, and also upon principles of equity, that the court would inquire what damages the plaintiff, or those he represented, had sustained. And can the defendants now sustain any injury-, that they would not then ? If it is said, they do not know what to defend against, it might so be said then. If it is said, that it is not here shown what is the particular claim on which damages are given ; the same might be said in that case. And if these objections cannot prevail in those cases, it seems that they should not in this. In this very term, in the case of Rowland v. Isaacs, 15 Conn. Rep. 115., the defendant's plea being determined against him, we have gone on and assessed to the plaintiff the damages he had sustained. As the defendants have incurred the penalty of the bond, they ought not to complain, if the plaintiff recovers no more than he has shown himself equitably entitled to.
It is, then, the opinion of a majority of the court, that there should not be a new trial; and that the superior court should be advised to overrule the motion in arrest.
In this opinion Waitb and Storks, Js. concurred.