Case Name: Robert Bradley, in Equity, versus Mason G. Webb
Court: Maine Supreme Judicial Court
Jurisdiction: Maine
Decision Date: 1866
Citations: 53 Me. 462
Docket Number: 
Parties: Robert Bradley, in Equity, versus Mason G. Webb.
Judges: Cutting, Walton, Dickerson, Danforth and Tapley, JJ., concurred.
Reporter: Maine Reports
Volume: 53
Pages: 462–462

Head Matter:
Robert Bradley, in Equity, versus Mason G. Webb.
Where, in a bill in equity praying for an account between partners, the evidence establishes the fact of partnership between the parties and of its dissolution, the complainant is thereby jprima facie entitled to maintain his bill.
The onus is upon the respondent to establish new facts set out in his answer which seek to avoid, rather than respond to, the bill.
Bill in Equity between partners, praying for an account. The case was heard on bill, answer and proofs.
The facts appear in the opinion.
Evans & Putnam, for the complainant.
N. Webb, for the repondent.

Opinion:
Appleton, C. J.
The evidence on both sides establishes the fact of a partnership between these parties and of its dissolution. This prima fade entitles the plaintiff to maintain his bill.
The defendant sets up by way of answer an agreement by which, as he alleges, the plaintiff became the purchaser of the assets of the firm for a stipulated sum and obliged to pay its debts. There is no written evidence on the subject. These' allegations of the defendant are utterly denied by the plaintiff. The evidence of the book-keeper rather negatives than sustains the answer. The burthen is upon the defendant, setting out new facts not responsive to the bill, to make out his agreement by a preponderance of proof. This he has failed.to do.
Bill maintained, and a master to be appointed to state the accounts between the parties.
Cutting, Walton, Dickerson, Danforth and Tapley, JJ., concurred.