Rumpf v. Perkins

The defendant’s contention that the notes in suit were diverted is not sustained by the evidence; in fact, the evidence shows just the contrary. The defendant made said notes to Perkins & Co., to be given to plaintiff in part payment of a debt owing to him by defendant, and that is the precise use to which they were applied; therefore, there was no diversion. The defendant further contends that ■said notes were procured from her- by Perkins ■& Co. by fraud. Granting that to be true, the evidence does not charge plaintiff with being a party to such fraud, and, as he took said notes and other consideration in payment of his debt, the notes were good in his hands; but, as a matter of fact, no fraud on the part of Perkins .& Co. was proven. They evidently hoped that the payment of the notes to plaintiff would induce him not to prosecute his claim, and thus stave off the impending financial ruin which threatened them. In this supposition and belief (which was a mere opinion on their part) they were mistaken, for which mistake of judgment, of course, plaintiff is not liable. The judgment is affirmed, with costs. All concur.