will prevail. 4 East, R. 135. It is as if the parties in framing their con rect, when a construction is to be put upon it. The following are the principal rules to be observed in the con-tract had made use of a foreign lanstruction of contracts. guage, which the court is not bound to understand, but which, on evidence of its import, must be applied. 7 Taunt. R. 272; 1 Stark. R. 504. But the expression so made technical and appropriate, and the usage by which it has become so, must be so clear that the court cannot entertain a doubt upon the subject. 2 Bos. & P. 164; 3 Stark. Ev. 1036; 6 T. R. 320. Technical words are to be taken according to their approved and known use in the trade in which the contract is entered into, or to which it relates, unless they have manifestly been understood in another sense by the parties. Vide 16 Serg. & R. 126. 1. When the words used are of precise and unambiguous meaning, leading to no absurdity, that meaning is to be taken as conveying the intention of the parties. But should there be manifest absurdity in the application of such meaning, to the particular occasion, this will let in construction to discover the true intention of the parties for example; 1st, when words are manifestly inconsistent with the declared purpose and object of the contract, they will be rejected; as if, in a contract for sales, the price of the thing sold should be acknowledged as received, while the obligation of the seller was not to deliver the commodity. 2 Atk. R. 32. 2dly, when words are omitted so as to defeat the effect of the contract, they will be supplied by the obvious sense and inference from the context; as if the contract stated that the seller for the consideration of one hundred dollars sold a horse, and the buyer promised to pay him for the said horse one hundred, the word dollars would be supplied. 3dly, when the words, taken in one sense, go to defeat the contract, while they are susceptible of another construction which will give effect to the design of the parties, and not destroy it, the latter will be preferred. Cowp. 714. 2. The plain, ordinary, and popular sense of the words, is to be pre-ed the Chinese interest of one per ferred to the more unusual, etymolo- centum per month from the expi gical, and recondite meaning; or even ration of the eighteen months. to the literal, and strictly grammati- Wash. C. C. R. 253; see 12 Mass. R. cal construction of the words, where 4, and the article Interest for money. these last would lead to any inefficacy or inconsistency. 3. When a peculiar meaning has been stamped upon the words by the usage of that particular trade or place in which the contract occurs, such technical or peculiar meaning 4. The place where a contract has been made, is a most material consideration in its construction. Generally its validity is to be decided by the law of the place where it is made; if valid there, it is considered valid every where. 2 Mass. R. 88; 1 Pet. R. 317; Story, Confl. of Laws, § 242; 4 Cowen's R. 410, note; 2 Kent, Com. p. 39, 457, in the notes; 3 Conn. R. 253, 472; 4 Conn. R. 517. Its construction is to be according to the laws of the place where it is made; for example, where a note was given in China, payable eighteen months after date, without any stipulation as to the amount of interest, the court allow. 1 5. Previous conversations and all that passes in the course of correspondence or negociation leading to the contract, are entirely superceded by a written agreement. The parties having agreed to reduce the terms of their contract to writing, the document is constituted as the only true and final exposition of their admissions and intentions; and nothing which does not appear in the written agreement will be considered as a part of the contract. 5 Co. R. 26; 2 B. & C. 634; 4 Taunt. R. 779. But this rule admits of some exceptions; as, where a declaration is made before a deed is executed, showing the design with which it was to be executed, in cases of frauds, 1 S. & R. 464; 10 S. & R. 292; and trusts, though no trust was declared in the writing, 1 Dall. R. 426; 7 S. & R. 114. 6. All contracts made in general terms, in the ordinary course of trade, are presumed to incorporate the usage and custom of the trade to which they relate. The parties are presumed to know such usages, and not to intend to exclude them. But when there is a special stipulation in opposition to, or inconsistent with the custom, that will of course prevail. Holt's R. 95. 7. When there is an ambiguity which impedes the execution of the contract, it is first, if possible, to be resolved, on a view of the whole contract or instrument, aided by the admitted views of the parties, and, if indispensable, parol evidence may be admitted to clear it, consistently with the words. 1 Dall. R. 426; 4 Dall. R. 340; 3 S. & R. 609. 8. When the words cannot be reconciled with any practicable or consistent interpretation, they are to be considered as not made use of "perinde sunt ac si scripta, non essent." It is the duty of the court to give a construction to all written instruments, 3 Binn. R. 337; 7 S. & R. 372; 15 S. & R. 100; 4 S. & R. 279; 8 S. & R. 381; 1 Watts, R. 425; 10 Mass. R. 384; 3 Cranch, R. 180; 3 Rand. R. 586; to written evidence, 2 Watts, R. 347; and to foreign laws, 1 Penna. R. 388. For general rules respecting the construction of contracts, see 2 Bl. Com. 379; 2 Com. on Cont. 23 to 28; 3 Chit. Com. Law, 106 to 118; Poth. Oblig. P. 1, d. 1, art. 7; 2 Evans's Poth. Ob. 35; Long on Sales, 106; 1 Fonb. Eq. 145, n. b; Ib. 440, n. 1; Whart. Dig. Contract, F; 1 Powell on Contr. 370; Shepp. Touchst. c. 5; Louis. Code, art. 1940 to 1957; Com. Dig. Merchant, (E 2,) n. (j,); 8 Com. Dig. tit. Contract, iv.; Lilly's Reg. 794; 18 Vin. Abr. 272, tit. Reference to Words; 16 Vin. Abr. 199, tit. Parols; Hall's Dig. 33, 339; 1 Ves. Jun. 210, n.; Vattel, B. 2, c. 17; Chit. Contr. 19 to 22; 4 Kent, Com. 419; Story's Const. § 397-456; Ayl. Pand. B. 1, t. 4; Rutherf. Inst. B. 2, c. 7, § 4-11; 20 Pick. 150; 1 Bell's Com. (5th ed.) 431, and the articles, Communings; Evidence; Interpretation; Parol; Pourparler. As to the construction of wills, see 1 Supp. to Ves. Jr. 21, 39, 56, 63, 228, 260, 273, 275, 364, 399; 1 United States Law Journ. 583; 2 Fonb. Eq. 309; Com. Dig. Estates by Devise, (N 1.); 6 Cruise's Dig. 171; Whart. Dig. Wills, D. As to the construction of laws, see Louis. Code, art. 13 to 21; Bac. Ab. Statutes, J. The following examples of construction, it is believed, will be useful to the student. L. R. 36; 5 Greenl. R. 482. See 4 Greenl. 286. About — dollars. 5 Scrg. & Rawle, 402. Absolute disposal. 2 Eden, 87; 1 Bro. P. C. 476; 2 Johns. R. 391; 12 Johns. R. 389. Accept. 4 Gill & Johns. 5, 129. Acceptance. There is your bill, it is all right. 1 Esp. 17. If you will send it to the counting-house again, I will give direc. tions for its being accepted. 3 Camp. 179. What, not accepted? we have had the money, and they ought to have been paid; but I do not interfere, you should see my part3 Bing. R. 625; S. C. 13 Eng. C. L. R. 78. The bill shall be duly honoured, and placed to the drawer's credit. 1 Atk. 611. Vide Leigh's N. P. 420. ner. According to the bill delivered by the plaintiff to the defendant. 3 T. R. 575. According to their discretion. 5 Co. 100; 8 How. St. Tr. 55 n. Account. 5 Cowen, 587, 593. Account closed. 8 Pick. 191, Account stated. Pick. 193. 8 Agreement. 7 E. C. L. R. 331; 3 B. & B. 14; Fell on Guar. 262. Of a good quality and moderate price. 1 Mo. & Malk. 483; S. C. 22 E. C. L. R. 363. Aiding and abetting. Act of Congress of 1818, c. 86, § 3; 12 Wheat. 460. All. 1 Vern. 3; 3 P. Wms. 56; 1 Vern. 341; Dane's Ab. Index, h. t. All debts duc to me. 1 Meriv. 541, n.; 3 Meriv. 434. All I am worth. 1 Bro. C. C. 487; 8 Ves. 604. All I am possessed of. 5 Ves. 816. All my clothes and linen whatsoever. 3 Bro. C. C. 311. All my household goods and furniture, except my plate and watch. 2 Munf. 234. All my estate. Cowp. 299; 9 Ves. 604. All my real property. 18 Ves. 193. All my freehold lands. 6 Ves. 642. All and every other my lands, tenements and hereditaments. 8 Ves. 256; 2 Mass. 56; 2 Caines's R. 345; 4 Johns. R. 388. All the inhabitants. 2 Conn. R. 20. All sorts of. 1 Holt's N. P. R. 69. All business. Wendell, 498; 23 E. C. L. R. 398; 1 Taunt. R. 349; 7 B. & Cr. 278, 283, 284. All claims and demands whatsoever. 1 Edw. 8 Account and risk. 4 East, R. 211; Holt Ch. R. 34. All baggage is at the owner's on Sh. 376. Accounts. 2 Conn. R. 433. Act of God. 1 Cranch, 345; 22 E. C. L. R. 36; 12 Johns. R. 44; 4 Add. Eccl. R. 490. Acts. Platt on Cov. 334. Actual cost. 2 Mason, R. 48, 393. Actual damages. 1 Gall. R. 429. Adjoining. I Turn. R. 21. Administer. 1 Litt. R. 93, 100. Advantage, priority or preference. 4 W. C. C. R. 447. Adverse possession. 3 Watts, 70, 77, 205, 345; 3 Penna. R. 134; 2 Rawle's R. 305; 17 Serg & Rawle, 104; 2 Penna. R. 183; 3 Wend. 337, 357; 4 Wend. 507; 7 Wend. 62; 8 Wend. 440; 9 Wend. 523; 15 Wend. 597; 4 Paige, 178; 2 Gill & John. 173; 6 Pet. R. 61, 291; 11 Pet. R. 41; 4 Verm. 155; 14 Pick. 461. Advice. As per advice. Chit. Bills. 185. Aforesaid. Ld. Raym. 256; Ib. 405. After paying debts. 1 Ves. jr. 440; 3 Ves. 738; 2 Johns. Ch. R. 614; 1 Bro. C. C. 34; 2 Sch. & Lef. 188. Against all risks. 1 John. Cas. 337. Aged, impotent and poor people. Preamble to stat. 43 Eliz. c. 4; 17 Ves. 373 in notes; Amb. 595; 7 Ves. 423; Scho. & Lef. 111; 1 P. Wms. 674; S. C. Eq. Cas. Ab. 192, pl. 9; 4 Vin. Ab. 485; 7 Ves. 98, note; 16 Ves. 206; Duke's Ch. Uses, by Bridgman, 361; 17 Ves. 371; Boyle on Charities, 31. Agreed. 1 Rolle's Ab. 518. risk. 13 Wend. R. 611; 5 Rawle's R. 179; 1 Pick. R. 53; 3 Fairf. R. 422; 4 Har. & John. 317. All civil suits. 4 S. & R. 76. All demands. 2 Caines's R. 320, 327; 15 John. R. 197; 1 Ld. Raym. 114. All lots I own in the town of F. 4 Bibb, R. 288. All the buildings thereon. 4 Mass. R. 110; 7 John. R. 217. All actions. 5 Binn. 457. Amongst. 9 Ves. 445; 9 Wheat. R. 164; 6 Munf. 352. And, construed or. 3 Ves. 450; 7 Ves. 454; 1 Supp. to Ves. jr. 435; 2 Supp. to Ves. jr. 9, 43, 114; 1 Yeates, 41, 319; 1 Serg. & Rawle, 141. Vide Disjunction, Or. And all the buildings thereon, 4 Mass. R. 110; 7 John. R. 217. And so on from year to year, until the tenancy hereby created shall be determined as hereinafter mentioned. 1 P. & D. 454; and see 2 Campb. R. 573; 3 Campb. R. 510; 1 T. R. 378. And the plaintiff doth the like. 1 Breese's R. 125. Annually or in any way she may wish. 2 M'Cord's Ch. R. 281. Any person or persons. 11 Wheat. R. 392; 3 Wheat. R. 631. Any court of record. 6 Co. 19. Any other matter or thing from the begin. ning of the world. 4 Mason, 227. Apparel. Goods and wearing apparel, in a will, 3 Atk. 61. Appeals. 1 Breese's R. 261. Appear. 2 Bailey's R. 513. Appellate. I Breese, R. 261. Appropriation. 1 Scam. R. 344. Approved paper. 4 Serg. & Rawle, 1; 20 Wend. R. 431; 2 Campb 532. Appurtenances. 1 Serg. & Rawle, 169; 8 Johns. R. 47, 2d edit.; Com. Dig. Grant, E9; 5 Serg. & Rawle, 110; Holt on Shipp. 404. Are. 2 B. & B. 223. As appears by the bond or by the books. 1 Wils. 339, 279, 121; 2 Str. 1157, 1209, 1219. As appears by the master's allocatur. T. R. 55. 2 As executors are bound in law to do. 2 Ohio R. 346. As this deponent believes. 2 M. & S. 563. Ass. 2 Moody, C. C. 3. Asses-Cattle. 1 R. & M. C. C. 3; 2 Russ. Cr. & M. 498. Beginning to keep house. 6 Bing. R. 363; 19 Ves. 543. Begotten. To be begotten. Co. Litt. 20 b, and n. 3; 3 Leon. 5. Belongs-Belonging. 3 Conn. R. 467; 2 Bing. 76; Chit. Pr. 475 n.; 11 Conn. R. 240; 1 Coxe's R. 255. Believe. 2 Wend. 298. Benefits of my real estate, construed 4 Yates, 23. Benevolent purposes. 3 Mer. 17; Amb. 585, n. (Blunt's edit.) Best of his knowledge and belief. 1 Paige, 404; 3 Ib. 107, 212. Between. 2 Saund. 158 b. n. 6; 1 Shipl. R. 201; 1 Mass. 91. Between them. 2 Mer. R. 70. Beyond sea. 3 Wheat. R. 541; 3 Cranch, R. 177; 14 Pet. C. 141; 1 Harr. & McHen. 89; 1 Har. & J. 350; 2 McCord, R. 331; 3 Mass. R. 271; 1 Pick. R. 263; 9 Serg. & Rawle, 288; 2 Dall. 217; 1 Yeates, 329. Vide Beyond sea, in the body of the work. Beyond seas. 3 Wheat. 343; 9 S. & R. Assent to. 4 Gill & Johns. 5, 129. Assignment, actual or potential. 5 M. 291. & S. 228. Assigns. 5 Co. 77 b. At. 2 Caines's Err. 158. At and from. 1 Marsh. Ins. 358. 261, a; I Caines's R. 75, 79; 1 New Rep. 23; 4 East, R. 130. At any port or places. 1 Marsh. Ins. 191. At his will. Roll's Ab. 845; Bac. Ab. Estate for life and occupancy, A. At such time and manner. 19 Ves. 387. At twenty-one. Payable at twenty-one. 6 Ves. 245; 7 Ves. 421; 9 Ves. 225; 1 Bro. C. C. 91. At the trial of the cause. 9 E. C. L. R. 202, 186. At the wholesale factory prices. 2 Conn. R. 69. Attention, shall meet. 3 E. C. L. R. 407; 13 Id. 329. Authority-Jurisdiction. 2. Bl. R. 1141. Balance. 2 J. & W. 248. Balance due on general account. 3 Pet. R. 430. Bank notes. 5 Mason's R. 549; 6 Wend. 346, 354. Bankruptcy. 6 T. R. 684. Bargain and sell. 4 Monr. R. 463. Bearing Interest. 1 Stark. R. 452; 2 E. C. L. R. 466. Beast. 1 Russ. C. & M. 568. Blubber. 1 Story, R. 603. Board, boarding. 2 Miles, R. 323. Boiler. Wright, 143. Book debt.-Book entries. 2 Miles, R. 101, 102. Bona fide. 1 Leigh, N. P. 326. Boons. Sugd. Pow. 633, 671. Bound by surety. 5 Serg. & Rawle, 329. Bound with surety, 6 Binn. 53. Bounded on the margin. 6 Cowen, 526. Bounded on the road. 13 Mass. 259. Brick factory. 21 Pick. R. 25. Building. 16 John. R. 14; 13 John. R. 346. Business. 1 M. & Selw. 95. Butcher. 1 Barn. & A. 617. By act and operation of law. 3 Caines's R. 64. By surety. 5 Serg. & Rawle, 329. By a certain time. 3 Penna. R. 48. By any other means. 2 Co. 46. By virtue of his office. 3 E. C. L. R. 425. By a stream. 3 Sumn. R. 170. By the year. 2 Miles, R. 302. Cabinet of curiosities. 1 Cox, R. 77; 1 Bro. C. C. 467. Cargo. 4 Pick. 433; 2 Gill & John. 134, 162. Catchings. 1 Story, R. 603. Cattle. 1 R. & M. C. C. 3; 2 Russ. C. & M. 498: R. & R. C. C. 77; 2 East, P. C. Before the next term. 1 Binn. 76; 4 1074; 1 Leach, C. C. 72; 2 W. Black. Yeates, 511. Before the first day of the term after the action has been commenced. 4 Dall. 433. Before the sitting of the court. 5 Mass. R. 197. 721; 2 Moody, C. C. 3. Cause. 1 Supp. to Ves. jr. 510. Cause of action. Wilk. on Lim. [49]. Cease. Coop. Ch. R. 145. Chambres. 3 Watts, R. 243. Charged in execution. 4 T. R. 367. Charges, costs, and expenses. 2 Wils. 267; 13 Serg. & Rawle, 79. Charitable uses. Boyle on Charities, 281;. 7 Ves. 79: 1 Mer. 86, 92, 93; 1 Sim. & Stu. 69; 1 Myl. & Craig, 286; 4 Wheat. App. p. 6. Charity. 9 Ves. 399. Chiefest and discreetest. 13 Ves. 13. Child, grandchild, issue, son; see Lega. tee; 1 Ves. 290; Ib. 335; Ambl. 397; Ib. 701; 5 Burr. 2703; Cowp. 314; 3 Anstr. 684; Lofft, 19; 7 T. R. 322; 1 East, 120; 2 Eden, 194; 2 Bro. C. C. 33; 2 Ves. jr. 673; 3 Ves. 232; Ib. 421; 4 Ves. 437 ; Ib. 692; 5 Ves. 530; 6 Ves. 43; Ib. 345; 7 Ves. 522; 10 Ves. 166; lb. 176; Ib. 195; 13 Ves. 340; 1 Cox, 248; Ib. 327; 2 Cox, 184; 1 Ves. & Bea. 422, 462, 469; 2 Ves. & Bea. 213; 3 Ves. & Bea. 59, 67, 69, 113; 1 Meriv. 654; 2 Meriv. 382; Dick. 344; 1 Eden, 64; 1 Bro. C. C. 530; 2 Bro. C. C. 68, 230, 658; Bro. C. C. 148, 347, 352, 434; 1 Bro. C. C. 55; 19 Ves. 125; 1 Ball & B. 486; Com Dig. App., Devise of Real property, x. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9; Ib. Devise of personal property, viii. 13. Child's part. 2 Roll. R. 104; Poph. 148; 1 Roll. R. 193; Cro. Jac. 417. Children. 3 Paige, 10; 5 Ves. 530; 1 Ves. & Bea. 434; 4 Eng. Ch. R. 565; 5 Conn. R. 228. To such child or children, if more than one, as A may happen to be enciente by me. 17 Ves. 528. To the children which I may have by A, living at my deccase. 1 Ves. & Bea. 422. Binn. 197. Civil action. 6 Binn. 5; Civil suit. 4 S. & R. 76. Clear. Ambl. 273; 2 Ves. 500. Clear of all charges and assessments whatever. 4 Yeates, 386. Clearing. 13 Wend. R. 300; 13 Pick. R. 145; 7 Cowen, 723. Closing an account. 7 Serg. & Rawle, 128; 8 Pick. 187. Clothes. All my clothes and linen whatsoever. 3 Bro. C. C. 311. Coal mine. Cro. Jac. 150; Noy, 121; Gilb. Ej. 61, 2nd ed.; Rosc. R. Act. 486. Coasting trade. 3 Cowen, R. 713. Collateral. Sugd. Pow. 76. Collectable. 8 Watts, R. 361. Come to. 1 Serg. & Rawle, 224; 2 Pet. R. 69, 94. 19. Commenced. 14 East, 539. Concealed. 12 Wheat. 493; 12 Wheat. R. 486. VOL. I.-28. 570. Copper-fastened. 24 E. C. L. R. 415. Costs. Wright, 121; Pay his own costs. 1 Hayw. 485. Cotton in bales. 2 C. & P. 525. Court of record. 5 Ohio R. 546. Vide 3 Wend. 267. Covenants. Provided always, and it is agreed that the lessor shall find great timber. Bac. Ab. Covenant, A. I oblige myself to pay so much money. Hard. 178. I am content to give A ten pounds at Michaelmas, and ten pounds at Lady-day. 3 Leon. 119. With usual covenants. 15 Ves. 528; 3 Anstr. 700. Credible witness. 5 Mass. 219; 12 Mass. 358; 17 Pick. 134; 2 Bailey, R. 24; 8 Conn. 254. Credit. Mutual credit. 1 Atk. 228. 7 T. R. 378. Montag, on Set-off, 48. 8 Taunt. 22. S. C. 4 Eng. Com. Law Rep. 4; 1 Marsh. R. 190, S. C. 4 Eng. C. L. 335. Creditors and subsequent purchasers. 5 Cranch, 165. Cross. 5 Pick. 163. Currency. 1 Ohio R. 119. Current money. 1 Dall. 126, 176. Current rate of exchange to be added. 2 Miles, R. 442, 443. Current bank notes. 1 Hamm. R. 178. See also 1 Hamm. R. 531; 1 Breese, R. 152; 3 Litt. R. 245; 19 John. R. 146; 1 Dall. 126, 176. 1 Ohio R. 119. 87. Cutting. Russ. & Ry. Cr. Cas. 104. Date. Co. Litt. 46, b, note (8); Bulstr. n. 177; Stiles, 382; Com. Dig. Estates, G 8; Id. Bargain and Sale, B 8; Id. Temps, A; Vin. Ab. Estates, Za; Id. Time, A. Day, (fraction of) 1 Cowen, 594; 6 Cowen, 611; 1 Nott & McC. 405; 3 Penna. R. 245. Day of the date. Co. Litt. 46 b, note, (8); Vide Date, above. |