Case Name: Horsford and Agard v. Wright
Court: Connecticut Superior Court
Jurisdiction: Connecticut
Decision Date: 1786-02
Citations: 1 Kirby 3
Docket Number: 
Parties: Horsford and Agard v. Wright.
Judges: 
Reporter: Connecticut Reports
Volume: 1
Pages: 3–3

Head Matter:
Horsford and Agard v. Wright.
In an action on the covenant of seisin, contained in a deed of bargain and sale, the rule of damages is the consideration of the deed; but on the covenant of warranty, the value of the land at the time of eviction.
AotioN on the covenant of seisin in a deed of bargain and sale.

Opinion:
By Law, C. J.
Ln actions on the covenant of warranty, the constant rule of this court, has been, to ascertain damages, by the value of the land, at the time of eviction, though the British rule is to give the consideration of the deed. The diversity in this respect, between the British practice and ours, is undoubtedly founded in the permanent worth of their lands, as an old country, and the increasing worth of ours, as a new country. And it is supposed that the purchaser goes on, improves and makes the land better till he is evicted. But query, whether this reasoning will apply to an action brought on the covenant of seisin; for in that case the purchaser does not wait till he is evicted, but brings his action immediately Upon discovery that his title is defective; and it is presumed he will immediately acquaint himself with the strength of his title.
The jury computed the damages by the latter rule, and returned a verdict which was accepted by the whole court.