Case Name: Tyler vs. The Ætna Fire Insurance Co. of New-York
Court: New York Supreme Court of Judicature
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1829-05
Citations: 2 Wend. 280
Docket Number: 
Parties: Tyler vs. The Ætna Fire Insurance Co. of New-York.
Judges: 
Reporter: Wendell's Reports
Volume: 2
Pages: 280–281

Head Matter:
Tyler vs. The Ætna Fire Insurance Co. of New-York.
In a suit against an incorporated company on a policy oFinsurance, judgment cannot he. entered on the return day oF the first process, although the deFendants neglect to appear.
Motion to set aside a default. This was an action on a policy of insurance against fire. The summons was returnable on the first day of the last term. The defendants were called, their default entered, and a writ of inquiry of damages awarded, the plaintiff supposing himself entitled to such rule, under the act to prevent fraudulent bankruptcies by incorporated companies. A motion was now made to- set aside the default.
W. E. Welmore, for defendant
8. B. Jewett, for plaintiff.

Opinion:
By the Court, Savage, C. J.
The act under which these proceedings were had, does not warrant this summary'mode of obtaining a judgment in an action on a policy of insurance, in which the demand of the plaintiff is entirely unliquidated. It can be resorted to only in cases where the suit is "upon a contract, note, or other evidence of debt," viz. where the instrument declared on is, per se, an evidence of debt, as a note, bill of exchange, bond, &c. (6 Cowen, 41.) The proceedings are set aside as irregular, with costs.