Brown v. Thurber

Headnote

The rule that where an agreement is reduced to writing, it cannot he controverted or varied by parol evidence, applies only to the parties to the agreement; one not connected in any way with the agreement may show by parol what the real transaction was.

This was an action of trespass for the alleged taiong and conversion of twelve casks of ale.

Defendants justified under an execution against one Healey, a retail liquor dealer, in whose possession the ale was when taken. The ale was delivered to Healey by plaintiff, the latter taking a receipt therefor, which stated that it was to remain his property until paid for.

Upon cross-examination of plaintiff, who was a witness in his own behalf, defendant’s counsel asked this question: “ State what Healey said to you when he called at your brewery * * * in reference to these particular ales ? "

This ivas objected to, “ on the ground that the agreement was in writing, and that is the best evidence.” The court sustained the objection. Held, error ; the court laying-down the rule as above.

Plaintiff was permitted to show that he kept a storage book, which was a simple memorandum book, keeping- an account of ales stored, and that these ales were entered therein. Held, error ; that the entries were not part of the res gestee, but were simply declarations of plaintiff in his own favor.