Case Name: Van Nest v. Kellum
Court: Supreme Court of Indiana
Jurisdiction: Indiana
Decision Date: 1860-12-08
Citations: 15 Ind. 264
Docket Number: 
Parties: Van Nest v. Kellum.
Judges: 
Reporter: Indiana Reports
Volume: 15
Pages: 264–265

Head Matter:
Van Nest v. Kellum.
In a suit for breach of covenant, it is sufficient to aver the breach negatively, in the words of the covenant; but such averment does not necessarily involve the right to recover more than nominal damages, and would not constitute a defense to an action for purchase money, beyond the amount of one cent.
Saturday, December 8.
APPEAL from the La Porte Circuit Court.

Opinion:
Per Curiam.
Suit to foreclose a mortgage. Answer: that it was given to secure the last installment- of the purchase money of a lot of ground, for which a deed, with covenants of title, was executed; and that the seller had not a title in fee. A demurrer was sustained to the answer. Judgment for plaintiff.
J. Bradley and B. J. Woodward, for appellant.
J. B. Niles, for appellee.
In a suit for breach of covenant, it is sufficient to aver the breach negatively, in the words of the covenant. Martin v. Baker, 5 Blackf. 232; Floom v. Beard, 8 id. 76. Such averment makes the pleading good, but would not necessarily involve a right to recover more than nominal damages.
But a breach of covenant that would sustain an action only to the extent of nominal damages, will not constitute a defense to a suit for unpaid purchase money, beyond the amount of one cent. Small v. Reeves, 14 Ind. 163.
The judgment is affirmed, with 1 per cent, damages and costs.