Commonwealth v. Wilson , 68 Mass. 70 ( 1854 )

Thomas, J.

There is a material variance between the instrument produced and that set forth in the indictment. The words “ State of Maine ” are part of the date, and so part of the contract. They fix the situs of the bank, the place where the contract is made and to be performed, and the law by which it is to be interpreted.

The case is clearly distinguishable from those of Commonwealth v. Bailey, 1 Mass. 62, and Commonwealth v. Stevens, 1 Mass. 203. In the indictment in each of those cases, the entire contract was fully and precisely set out. The words omitted, the number of the bill, and the words and figures at the top or in the • margin, .were immaterial, because the contract was complete without them. The number was held to be affixed for the convenience of the bank only. The figures and words in the margin were but a repetition of those in the body of the note.

In the case of Commonwealth v. Taylor, 5 Cush. 605, also, the words and figures omitted formed no part of the contract. The words “ three dollars ” and “ Mass.” were immaterial, not because they were in the margin, but because they were also in the body of the note, and the contract was complete without them. Commonwealth v. Taylor was decided upon the point settled in Commonwealth v. Bailey and Commonwealth v. Stevens, that if all that was evidence of the contract was precisely set out, it was sufficient.

In the present case, the defect was in omitting that which made part of the evidence of the contract.

Exceptions sustained.