Court Opinion

ID: 6149733
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-02-05 15:40:14.512204+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:54:59.324193
License: Public Domain

Fitzsimons, Ch. J.
Qn October 21, 1896, defendants purchased from plaintiffs certain skins valued at $4,263.94. These goods were delivered to defendants prior to October 28th. On the last mentioned date defendants wrote to plaintiffs as follows:
" October 28, 1896.
“ Messrs William Amer & Co.:
“ Gentlemen.'— We had to go over the entire stock again to find the ten dozen which were short and we found you were right, but on examination of the entire lot of stock we find a vast difference. The writer examined every bundle himself and found eighty-two bundles which-were not, so we returned you this day-via Hew Line those Bdles as enclosed memo., which are not, kindly credit same to our account, and oblige,
“Folk & Feitz.”
The memorandum indorsed, itemized-the goods returned and fixed their value at $1,038.41. On October 29th the plaintiffs' wrote defendants as follows:
“ Messrs. Folk & Feitz, 47 Warren street, New York, N. Y.:
“ Gentlemen.— Tour letter received, with regard to stock sold. In the first place, it' was- a straight salé, you looked through all' the goods, and bought them with a remark, “ I will take the lot and chance it.” The stock sent was the same you looked at, and the lot you refused we still have on hand. - How as this was a straight sale we refuse-to receive the goods. Tour next-door neighbor wanted the goods and claimed them, even threatening us with a lawsuit.
Tours truly,
“Wm. Ameb & Co."
*636On November 13th,' the defendants again wrote plaintiffs as follows:
“ Messrs. William Amur & Oo.:
“ Enclosed find check for $3,080.38 in settlement of bill of October 21, less merchandise retd, and discount.
“ Please acknowledge receipt and oblige,
“ Folk & Fritz,”
A check for $3,080.38, dated November 13th, payable to the order of plaintiffs, was ineloséd. This check was immediately cashed by plaintiffs upon its receipt.
These facts clearly establish that on November- 14th, when plaintiffs cashed the check just referred to, they were aware of the fact that the defendants contended that said check was- regarded, by them as fully paying the debt due for the goods delivered, and that they (defendants) would recognize no further indebtedness as due on said account; the plaintiffs so understood the situation. If it was not agreeable to them, it was their duty to return the check and refuse to accept the settlement so offered; but having accepted the cheek, it follows, as a matter of law, that the claim in question is cancelled and fully paid. The use of the check was, ipso facto, an acceptance of the condition. The trial justice was right in dismissing the complaint; there were no facts to submit'to the jury. See 53 Hun, 392; 138 N. Y. 231; 148 id. 326.
The exceptions must be overruled and judgment ordered for defendants, with costs and disbursements in the court below and in this court.
Schttchmaii and O’Dwyee, JJ., concur.
Exceptions overruled and judgment ordered for defendants, with costs and disbursements in court below and in this court