Redfield v. Bartels

Citations

• 139 U.S. 694
• 11 S. Ct. 683
• 35 L. Ed. 310
• 1891 U.S. LEXIS 2424

Syllabus

<p>On the 16th of November, 1863, plaintiffs brought suit to recover customs duties illegally exacted, laying the ad damnum at $1500. On the 8th of January, 1881, they amended their claim, increasing the ad damnum to $20,000. There was no interest count in the declaration, and it was. doubtful whether interest was at first specially declared for in any way. No account was rendered or demand made prior to the commencement, of the suit, nor was any bill of particulars furnished at that time. On the 11th of May, TS82, a bill of particulars was for the first time served. The court below gave judgment for $14,394.95, with interest from the date of the several payments. Held, on the facts set forth at length in the opinion, showing laches on the part of plaintiffs, that they were only entitled to judgment for $1500 with interest from November 16,1803, and $12,894,95, with interest from January 8, 1881.</p>