McLaughlin v. Venine

ALTERATIONS in Written Instruments. — An alteration in a written instrument, whether for the payment of money or for other purposes, which does not affect the original design of the parties, either by enlarging or diminishing the obligation, however improper the alteration may be, does not invalidate the instrument, nor change the weight of the obligation.

Appeal from the District Court of Laramie County. The action was brought in the district court of Laramie County, at its March term, 1870, by Daniel McLaughlin, endorsee of a bill of exchange for one thousand dollars, drawn by Daniel Ullman in favor of E. W. Whitcomb and accepted by Joseph Yenine; the bill afterwards passed into the hands of Posey S. Wilson, for negotiation, who made an alteration in the body of the instrument by inserting the words, “ or bearer.” The case was tried in the district court without a jury, and judgment rendered in favor of the plaintiff, McLaughlin, for the full amount of his' claim and costs..