2.
It will be proper to consider this subject with reference, 1, to the
contract upon which this action may be sustained; 2, the declaration 3,
the plea; 4, the judgment.
3.
– 1. Assumpsit lies to recover damages for the breach of all parol or
simple contracts, whether written or not written express or implied; for
the payment of money, or for the performance or omission of any other
act. For example, to recover, money lent, paid, or had and received, to
the use of the plaintiff; and in some cases, where money has been
received by the defendant, in consequence of some tortious act to the
plaintiff's property, the plaintiff may waive the tort, and sue the
defendant in assumpsit. 5 Pick. 285; 1 J. J. Marsh. 543 3 Watts, R. 277;
4 Binn. 374; 3 Dana, R. 552; 1 N. H. Rep. 151; 12 Pick. 120 4 Call. R.
461; 4 Pick. 452. It is the proper remedy for work and labor done, and
services rendered 1 Gill, 95; 8 S. & M. 397 2 Gilman, 1 3 Yeates,
250 9 Ala. 788 but such work, labor, or services, must be rendered at
the request, express or implied, of the defendant; 2 Rep. Cons. Ct. 848;
1 M'Cord, 22; 20 John. 28 11 Mass. 37; 14 Mass. 176; 5 Monr. 513 1
Murph. 181; for goods sold and delivered; 6 J. J. Marsh. 441; 12 Pick.
120; 3 N. H. Rep. 384; 1 Mis. 430; for a breach of promise of marriage. 3
Mass. 73 2 Overton, 233 2 P. S. R. 80. Assumpsit lies to recover the
purchase money for land sold; 14 Johns. R. 210; 14 Johns. R. 162; 20
Johns. R. 838 3 M'Cord, R. 421; and it lies, specially, upon wagers; 2
Chit. PI. 114; feigned issues; 2 Chit. PI. 116; upon foreign judgments; 8
Mass. 273; Dougl. 1; 3 East, 221; 11 East, 124; 3 T. R. 493; 5 Johns.
R. 132. But it will not lie on a judgment obtained in a sister state. 1
Bibb, 361 19 Johns. 162; 3 Fairf. 94; 2 Rawle, 431. Assumpsit is the
proper remedy upon an account stated. Bac. Ab. Assumpsit, A. It will lie
for a corporation, 2 Lev. 252; 1 Camp. 466. In England it does not lie
against a corporation, unless by express authority of some legislative
act; 1 Chit. PI. 98; but in this country it lies against a corporation
aggregate, on an express or implied promise, in the same manner as
against an individual. 7 Cranch, 297 9 Pet. 541; 3 S. & R. 117 4 S.
& R. 16 12 Johns. 231; 14 Johns. 118; 2 Bay, 109 1 Chipm. 371, 456; 1
Aik. 180 10 Mass, 397. But see 3 Marsh. 1; 3 Dall. 496.
4.
– 2. The declaration must invariably disclose the consideration of the
contract, the contract itself, and the breach of it; Bac. Ab. h. t. F 5
Mass. 98; but in a declaration on a negotiable instrument under the
statute of Anne, it is not requisite to, allege any consideration; 2
Leigh, R. 198; and on a note expressed to have been given for value
received, it is not necessary to aver a special consideration. 7 Johns.
321. See Mass. 97. The gist of this action is the promise, and it must
be averred. 2 Wash. 187 2 N. H. Rep. 289 Hardin, 225. Damages should be
laid in a sufficient amount to cover the real amount of the claim. See 4
Pick. 497; 2 Rep. Const. Ct. 339; 4 Munf. 95; 5 Munf. 23; 2 N. H. Rep.
289; 1 Breese, 286; 1 Hall, 201; 4 Johns. 280; 11 S. & R. 27; 5 S.
& R. 519 6 Conn. 176; 9 Conn. 508; 1 N. & M. 342; 6 Cowen, 151; 2
Bibb, 429; 3 Caines, 286.
5.
– 3. The usual plea is non-assumpsit, (q. v.) under which the defendant
may give in evidence most matters of defence. Com. Dig. Pleader, 2 G 1.
When there are several defendants they cannot plead the general issue
severally; 6 Mass. 444; nor the same plea in bar, severally. 13 Mass.
152. The plea of not guilty, in an action of assumpsit, is cured by
verdict. 8 S. & R. 541; 4 Call. 451. See 1 Marsh, 602; 17 Mass. 623.
2 Greenl. 362; Minor, 254 Bouv. Inst. Index, h. t.
6.
– 4. Judgment. Vide Judgment in Assumpsit. Vide Bac. Ab. h. t.; Com.
Dig. Action upon the Case upon Assumpsit; Dane's Ab. Index, h. t.;
Viner's Ab. h. t.; 1 Chit. Pi. h. t.; Petersd. h. t.; Lawes PI. in
Assumpsit the various Digests, h. t. Actions; Covenant; Debt;
Indebitatus assumpsit; Padum Constitutiae pecuniae.
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