Powell v. Barley , 1868 Ky. LEXIS 532 ( 1868 )

Opinion op ti-ie Oourt by

Judge Bobertson :

The alleged discovery of the evidence of Donatus Mudd was not a sufficient cause for setting aside the verdict in favor of Powell on the first trial, because it appeared that his title to the black horse was asserted to Casey and the deputy sheriff, Moffit, when the levy of Pope’s execution was made, and consequently there was no pretense for saying that the discovery was made after the trial, or that a vigilant party ought not to have made it before the trial.

But, as evidence on that trial showed that before a levy of Pope’s execution, Powell agreed that the black horse and several horses found by Casey, might be levied on and for Pope’s benefit, the verdict for the whole amount of Powell’s execution was in-, consistent with a proper instruction given by the circuit court.

And therefore, though there was no substantial error in giving or refusing instructions on that trial, the simple fact that the verdict violated a right instruction, sustained the grant of a new trial.

But it seems to this court that the judgment in the sheriff’s favor on the last trial is also erroneous for the following reasons:

1. It sufficiently appears that Pope had not lost his recourse against his assignor, Casey, and that Oasey’s only chance of exoneration after the return of “no property” on Pope’s execution was the sale of those two horses for Pope’s benefit and the sale of which he therefore, in self-defense, effectuated by his own intervention and at his own risk. Oasey’s interest against Powell in the result of this action is consequently obvious and proximate.

The circuit court therefore erred in over-ruling Powell’s objection to his competency and in permitting him to testify, in virtually his own case against Powell.

2. If Powell waived his priority, his alleged agreement implied consent to a private sale as made. And consequently there being no proof that the sale, as made, brought as much ás, a public sale under Pope’s execution would have produced, 'the circuit court erred in refusing to give Powell’s 2nd instruction to the effect that as to him, the private sale was a breach of the sheriff’s bond and made him liable to this action for whatever damage resulted to Powell from failing to make a public and official sale of the horses.

Harrison, for appellant. Eavanaugh, for appellee.

3. The uncontradicted testimony of the execution debtor, proves that the roan mare, on which the deputy Bosley levied Powell’s execution, was subject to levy and sale as his property. And there is no proof that she was claimed by any other person. Without some such evidence, express or implied, the levying deputy had no right to require an indemnifying bond; But if he had, in good faith, reasonable doubt of the liability of the mare to the execution, he had no right to release the levy, as he did, without reasonable notice to Powell that he would not sell without such bond. Notice, on the day appointed for the sale, to Powell’s agent about 12 o’clock on the day, was not reasonable notice to Powell, who was nfeither actually nor potentially present to execute the bond. And 'the testimony of the deputy himself is the only evidence of any previous or more reasonable notice. As the deputy would be liable to the principal for an alleged- release of the levy, he was incomptent as a witness to prove a reasonable notice of his requisition of a bond of indemnity. And therefore the circuit court erred in over-ruling Powell’s objection to the competency of that witness-on that point.

Wherefore, the judgment appealed from is reversed, and the-cause remanded for a new trial.

Judge Hardin did not sit in this case.