Brown v. Brown's Ex'rs. , 2 Mart. (N.S.) 441 ( 1824 )

Matthews, J.

delivered the opinion of the court. This is asuit commenced by a number of persons, who claim as legatees, or testamentary heirs and representatives, of Sheherd Brown, certain portions of his succession, in conformity with bequests made in his last will, &c. The petition contains a variety of allegations, tending to shew the amount of assets in the hands of the executors; and also a large real estate in the possession of M'Donough, who is stated to have been in partnership with the deceased whilst living, for a long period, in which they acquired property to a very considerable value; the greater pert at which remained undivided at the dçath of the testator, &c. It concludes with a prayer for a decree against the executors to the extent of the just claims of the petitioners, on the moveable property, for a partition of the immoveables, and general relief.

After much contestation, (which we deem it useless to relate in detail,) the suit ended in the court below, by a judgment rendered in pursuance of a compromise or transaction between the parties litigant; in which Wm. Brown, the first named of the plaintiffs, assumed and took on himself, to accept of said judgment or decree for all, or most of the persons therein interested; in consequence of power and authority, alleged to have been personally derived from them. From this judgment most of the plaintiffs appealed.

A motion was made for a new trial in the court below; but from what appears on the record in relation to this occurrence in the cause, we are of opinion that it was informal; out of due time, and of course illegal. The judge a quo was therefore correct, in overruling it.

Before we proceed to test the propriety and legality of the judgment of the court of probates, by the facts as they are found in the record, and law arising thereon; it is necessary to dispose of some exceptions, which were taken to a report of certain referees or arbitrators, to whom accounts had been referred, &c. And this may be well and speedily done, by simply observing that their report does not appear in any manner, or part, to have formed the basis of the judgment rendered by the court below. To de- cide on the legality and justice of said report or award, would be necessary only in the event of reversing the judgment of the lower court, and proceeding here to render a final cision or decree.

Notwithstanding the learned and lengthy arguments, and spirited declamation, with which the court was entertained and edified on the hearing of this cause : we are of opinion, that its decision depends solely on a few plain and well established principles, to be found in the doctrine of the law of mandat.

The judge a quo certifies that the record contains a transcript of all the matters and facts upon which the suit was tried in the first instance. A comparison of the judgment rendered by the court of probates, with the facts of the case, as they appear in the record, shews clearly, that it does not conform to the evidence adduced in the cause. It is therefore a judgment contrary to, and inconsistent with evidence, and ought on that ground, to be reversed; unless this error pr defect, be cured by the effects of the compromise or transaction, on which alone it seems to be based If the appellants acted by an agent fully authorised to compromise and transact for them, the judgment, pronounced as the 1824. result of a transaction fairly and bona fide entered into, would be conclusive on their rights, however their interest may have been compromitted.

We have examined very attentively, the several letters of procuration under which Wm. Brown assumed a power to compromise for his co-plaintiffs, and have not been able to discover any authority given to him, to enter into any transaction in relation to their claims or rights. These instruments generally give a privilege to the first agents, to substitute others in their place. And in One of them, that of Hannah Evans to Henry Evans, in which is contained an authority of substitution, and also a power granted to compound; when the agent undertook to substitute Brown in his place, he confines the power granted to the latter, to his, the first agent’s, own proper use, &c.; which cannot affect the rights of Hannah, who alone seems to be interested in the succession of S. Brown, her relation. A power to transact, is not specially given by any of the constituents, to Wm. Brown. He had therefore no right to bind them by the pretended compromise or transaction, which is the only foundation for the judgment of the court below. Sublato fundamentam cadit opus. See C. Code, p. 422, art. 10 & 436, Domat, 1, 15, 4, n. 11.

It has been strenuously urged upon us, that after reversing the judgment of the court of probates, we should proceed to give final judgment on the whole merits of the cause. We are of opinion that this ought not to be done.

As the decision of the case, in the first instance, rests entirely on a transaction or compromise between the parties, which is considered to have taken place without authority ; and as on that ground alone the judgment of the court below must be reversed, it is due to the defendants that they should have a fair trial. Wm Brown has not appealed, and consequently we can give no decision which will affect his rights, or alter his situation in regard to the suit.

It is therefore ordered, adjudged and decreed, that the judgment of the court of probates be reversed, avoided and annulled, so far as it affects the present appellants ; and that, in relation to them, the cause be remanded to the court below, for a new trial. And it is further ordered, &c., that the appellees pay the costs of this appeal.

Workman & Lobdell for the plaintiffs, Maza-vs. reau for the defendants.