Brayley v. Pickett ( 1871 )

Cole, J.

This is an appeal from an order overruling or striking out an answer as frivolous. The action is brought upon two promissory notes executed by the defendants and payable to the order of the plaintiff. The answer states that these notes were given in exchange for and to take up two other promissory notes which defendants had previously given the plaintiff for the accomodation of and as sureties for one Keeler. It is further stated that when the Keeler notes became due, the defendants were called upon by the agent of the plaintiff to pay them, and they not being able then so to do, the plaintiff, by his agent, agreed to give them further time; that it was thereupon mutually agreed between the defendants and the plaintiff’s agent, that they should give the notes in suit in lieu of the-Keeler accomodation notes, which last notes the plaintiff, by his agent, agreed to surrender and give up to the defendants upon the receipt of the new notes. And it is further alleged that the defendants, relying upon this agreement, executed the new notes and left them with the agent of the plaintiff, and that the plaintiff, contrary to this agreement on his part to be performed, retained, and still retains, the Keeler accomodation notes, and has ever since neglected, and still does neglect, to surrender and deliver up those notes, and that they are still outstanding against them.

Now, without stopping to determine whether this answer would be good on demurrer, it is quite clear that it is not frivolous. The defendants, as in substance is alleged, were not to be liable upon the new notes except upon the surrender of the old ones; and the new notes were to take effect only upon the performance of that act by the plaintiff. It is said, in answer to those matters relied on to defeat the action, that it does not appear that the plaintiff has refused to surrender the old notes, or that any demand has ever been made upon him for them. It may be that the answer would be held insufficient for not alleging such a demand and refusal, though upon a liberal construction of the pleading, it would appear to be the duty of the plaintiff tosurrender, or offer to surrender, tbe old notes before bringing tbe action. It is very evident that be would not be entitled to a judgment upon tbe notes sued on, without producing tbe old notes; and tbe agreement seems to bave been that tbe plaintiff was to deliver up and surrender these last notes before tbe former were to bave force and effect.

We do not, however, wish to be understood as passing upon tbe sufficiency of tbe answer in stating a good defense to tbe action. That is not tbe question before us, but merely whether tbe answer is frivolous. That this answer cannot be held frivolous under tbe repeated decisions of this court, is a point quite clear to our minds.

By the Court — Tbe order striking out or overruling tbe answer as frivolous is reversed, and tbe cause remanded for further proceedings according to law.