
    George Minor, Philip H. Minor, Daniel Minor, William Minor and Smith Minor, Plaintiffs in error, vs. The Mechanics Bank of Alexandria, Defendants in error.
    tt is a general rale, in the construction of public, statutes, that the word “may,” is to.be construed “must,” in all cases where the legislature mean to impose a positive And absolute duly, and not merely to give a discretionary power. And in all cases, the construction should be such as carnes into effect the true intent and meaning of the legislature in the enactment. {64}
    The provision in the Act of ■ Congress, incorporating “the Mechanics Bank of Alexandria,” which requires, that the capital stock of the bank shall consist of 50,000 shares, of ten dollars each, is not a condition precedent; and the bank went legally into operation, vrith an actual capital less than that number of shares. {65}
    Even if fraud had existed in the original subscription of this stock of the bank, it would be extremely difficult to maintain that such a fraud, which • was private, between the original subscribers to the stock and the commissioners, could be set up to the injury of subsequent purchasers of the stock, who befcame bona fide holders of the same, without participation in, or notice thereof. {66}
    The law requires every issue .tp be founded upon some certain point, that the parties may come prepared with their evidence, and not be taken by surprise, and the jury may,not be misled by the introduction of various matters. {67}
    What defects in pleading are, and are not, cured by verdict.'{67}
    The condition of ari official bond, that the officer who gives it, shall “ well and truly” execute the duties of his office, includes not only honesty, but reasonable skill and diligence. If the duties are performed negligently and unskilfully; if they are violated from want of capacity or want of care; they can never be said to have been “well and truly executed.” 169}
    The officers of a bank are held out to the públic, as having authority to act according to the general usage, practice, and course of their business; and their acts, within the scope.of such usage, practice, and course'of business, would, in general, bind the bank in favour of third persons, possessing no other knowledge. {70}
    No act or vote pf the Board of Directors of a bank, in violation of their own duties; and in fraud of the rights and interests of the stockholders of the bank, will justify the Cashier of the bank in acts which are in violation of the stipulation in his official bond; “ well and truly” to execute the duties of his office. Acts done by a Cashier, under the authority- of such a vote, or of a usage permitted by the directors, in violation of the trusts assumed by them, are on the responsibility of the Cashier and of his sureties. {71}
    The official bond of the Cásliier, must be construed to cover all defaults in ■ duty, which are annexed to the office, from time to time, by.those who are authorized to control the affairs of the bank; and the.sureties in the bond are presumed to enter into a contract, with reference. to the rights and authorities of the president and directors, under the charter and by-laws; {73}
    On a joint and several bond, the plaintiff may sue one or all of the obligors; hut, in strictness of law; he cannot sue an intermediate number; He-must sue all or one. But if such error is not taken advantage of by plea in abatement, «t is waived by pleading to the merits. {73}
    According to modern decisions, a nolle prosequi does not amount to a re-traxit, but simply to an agreement not to proceed further in that suit, as to the particular person, or cause of action, to which it was applied.. {74}
    In an action ón a joint and several bond, some of parties! sureties, severed in their pleadings from the principal, and a trial and verdict were had against them; afterwards the principal was called upon to plead, and he did so — judgment was then entered against the sureties, and a nolle prose-' gui entered against the principal. To this judgment, or the proceedings, no exception was taken in the Court below, nor was a new trial asked • by the sureties. The Court held, that there is no decision exactly in pojnt to the case; that there is no distinction between the entry of a nolle pro-sequi, before, and the entry after judgment, as applicable to. this case.' The decisions of the Courts of the United States, upon this proceeding, have been on the ground that the question is matter of practice and convenience. {75}
    When the defendants sever in their pleadings, a nolle prosequi ought to be allowed against one defendant. It is a practice which violates no rules of pleading, and will generally subserve the public convenience. In the administration of justice, matters of form* not absolutely subjected to authority, may well yield to the substantial purposes of justice. {80}
    AN Act of.Congress was passed on the 16th of May. 1812, • entitled “An Act to incorporate a bank in the town of Alexandria, by the name and style of the Mechanics. Bank of Alexandria;” which institution soon afterwards went into operation ; subscriptions for filling up the capital stock of the corporation and bank, having been opened in the town of Alexandria, on the first Monday in June 1812, under the direction of, fifteen commissioners, appointed for -that purpose. On the 3d of September 1817, Philip H. Minor was elected Cashier of the bank; and, on the same day, by a resolution of the Board of Directors, it was ordered, “ that the present officers of the bank, do the whole duties of the bank.”
    In the office of Cashier Philip H. Minor was the successor of William Patton junr., who diedin August 1817; and, be-fóle his appointment as Cashier,- Philip H. Minor, (who had several years preceding served as an officer of the bank, for some time as discount clerk, and afterwards as book-keeper;) had, in March 1817, been appointed teller for one year, ending-in March 1818, from the time of his appointment; and had ■ given approved bond and security, conditioned that he would well and truly execute the duties of the office- of teller. After the appointment of Philip H. Minor, in September 1817, to be Cashier' of the bank; and the order of the Board, on the same day, relative to the whole duties of -the bank being performed by the then officers of the bank; no renewal of the appoint ment of teller was. made, and he usually performed the duties of Cashier and teller.
    On the 19th day of March: 1818$. Philip H. Minor, and the plaintiffs in error, executed» a joint and several bond, in the sum of. twenty thousand dollars, which contained the follow-1 ing- condition:—
    “ Whereas the above bound Philip H. Minor, hath been duly elected to the office of Cashier of the Mechanics Bank of Alexandria, the conditions of the above obligation are such, that, if the above bound Philip H. Minor, shall well and truly execute the dutie's of Cashier of the Mechanics Bank of Alex» andria, then, this obligation to be void, but otherwise, shall remain in full forte and virtiie in law.
    s.) “ Philip H; Minor,(l. s.)
    s.> “ George Minor.(l. s.>
    .s.) “D. Minor, (l. .s.)
    s.) “ William Minor,(l- s.)
    “Smith Minor.”(l. s.)
    In the Circuit Court-of the district of Columbia, for the county of Alexandria, the defendants in error instituted an action of debt'upon this bond, against all the .obligors; and the declaration filed in the same, was for the penalty, without taking notice of the condition.
    Oyer of the-bond and condition having been prayed, &c., the defendants being the sureties of Philip H. Minor, to wit: George Minor, Daniel Minor, William Minor, and Smith Mi» nor, pleaded joint pleas, separate from Philip H. Minor, the Cashier of- the bank. The substance of these pleas was as follows: — •
    1. The Mechanics Bank whs not competent to sue, because the commissioners, who, by the A6t of Incorporation, were authorized to open and take subscriptions to the capital stock of the' company; and who took the subscriptions, had colluded with the subscribers to the stock, and that 180,000 dollars of the stock, had been fraudently subscribed; and that an election for directors of the bank was fraudulently and illegally held, by which the persons named as commissioners, were elected the directors of the bank;- the votes of .the fraudulent holders of the stock, amounting to 180,000 dollars, having been taken at the said election ;- — that afterwards, the sums paid by the fraudulent' dr collusive holders of, the 180,000 dollars stoc.k, were, by the President and Directors, paid back to them; and thereby the capital-.was diminished to 820,000 dollars; and, by the said-proceedings, the capital stock' of. the bank was reduced below 500,000 dollars, as was collusively held out 'to the public; .without this, that the plaintiffs, the obligees in the bond, or any. other person whatsoever, at the timé and limes of making the said bond, and of commencing the suit thereon, or at any time whatsoever used, claimed, or exercised, or yet use, claim, or exercise, the name and stile, privileges, and capacities, of the said supposed corporation, or ever claimed to compose the same, otherwise, or by any other ways or means, or in any other manner or form whatsoever, than in virtue of the said subscription; conducted and concluded as aforesaid;. and so the said'defendants say, th.e said supposed writing, obligatory in manner and form aforesaid made, is utterly inoperative and void in law; and this, they arc ready tó verify, &c.1
    The second plea states,- that the defendants ought not to be charged, &c. &c., because the plaintiffs demand the sa.id debt, and bring this action, as pretending and claiming to be a corporation aggregate, in "and by virtue of the Act of Congress, .'mentioned in the-first plea, by the name of the Mechanics Bank of Alexandria, to be composed of the- subscribers to the said Mechanics Bank of, Alexandria, which'subscribers .were not in being at the time of the passing of the said Act, but weré to be composed of such persons- only, as thereáfter might subscribe thereto, according to the provisions- of the Act; whereas the subscriptions were not tajeen áccording'.to,.the said provisions, so as to entitle the persons pretending to be subscribers to thé'' said Bank, and their successors and assigns,, to compose the said corporation, wherefore'there, was not any person authorized, of lawfully competent-to take the bond,.which is the subject of this Shit; nor was there any., such person, at the -commencement of this suit, capable of instituting and prosecuting the same, but that thé said persons did, unjustly and illegally arrogate to themselves to co'mpose the said corporation, without the capital stock having been filjed.by subscription, or the supposed corporation having been composed.of actual subscribers to the Bank, pursuant to the directiohs of. the said Act of Congress,'or other lawful warrant whatsoever, contrary to the pur-' view and effect of the said Act of- Congress; and so the defendants say,' that the said-writing obligatory, was, at-the time of making the same, and is, utterly void in law, &c. .
    ■ The third plea alleged that the Gasifier had well and truly performed the condition of the bond, according to the tert'or- and effect,-and the true intent'.and meaning of.it.
    The fourth plea alleged that the Cashier had performed the condition' of the bond, ‘f to the best of his ability,- skill and judgment/’ without any fraud, deceit, or wilful default, or breach of duties, whatever.
    The fifth plea alleged that the Cashier had performed hisd.itties, in obedience to, and in pursuance of, the rules, orders., usages and-customs of trade and business, .ordained, establish-. ed, and practised in the Bank, by authority of.the President and Directors thereof..
    The sixth plea asserts, that although the duties of the Cashier had not been performed by him, yet the non-performance, was by the wrong, connivance and permission of the President and-Directors of the institution.
    The seventh plea states, that.the Bank had not been damni-fied by the acts of the Cashier.
    The eighth plea was, that although the Bank was,damnifi-ed 'by the acts of the Cashier, yet it was. by the wrong and connivance of the President and Directors, &.c.
    The ninth plea states that the business and affairs of t.io Company, and the conduct and duties of the Cashier,-we e performed under the regulation and management of the President and Directors, who had been chosen according to theprp-visions-'of the-Act of Incorporation;, and if, at any time, the corporation has sustained damage, since the. making'of the writing obligatory-,' by reason of any matter contained.therein, it has been by the wrong, connivance or permission of-the said President and Directors.
    To the first'and second pleas, the plaintiffs below put in general demurrers, -and on each of the seven remaining pleas, issue was taken by general replications; all'precisely in the same terms, as follows:
    “And the said Mechanics. Bank of' Alexandria, by Thomas.Swann, their attorney, say they ought not-to be precluded, &c. because they say that the said cause of action, in -the declaration mentioned, did accrue as in the said declaration- and. breaches are set forth ;■ without that, that the' matters set forth in'the said plea, are true-; and this they, pray may be inquired of by the country,, and the defendants' likewise. ”
    
    But at. the' next term, the .plaintiffs withdrew the'se general replicationsás to the 3d and'4th pleas; and'to-these two pleas put in special'replications, leaving the issues, on the remaining five to stand on the general replications and issues "as ab.ove.-— The replications thus put in to the 3d .and- 4th pleas,-and rejoinders of the.defendants, taking issue upon the same,' (being precisely in the same terms, mutaiis. mutandis, to each,) were as follows;
    And the'-said-Mechanics'-Bank of. Alexandria, by-Thomas Swann,- their attorney, say, that- they ought not to be precluded 'from having and maintaining their action; aforesaid against the said defendants,';George Minor, Daniel Minor; William Minor,' and Smith Minor, by any thing alleged by the-said defendants ■in their third .plea, pleaded as- aforesaid : Because they say that the Board of Directors of the said Mechanics Bank of Alexandria, in pursuance, of the authority granted to them by the Act of Congress, incorporating the said Bank, did duly make and declare sundry by-laws for the government of the said Bank, its officers and affairs, and, among other laws so made and declared as aforesaid, they did enact and declare, in substance, as follows, to wit:
    Section ®d, article 5th. It shall be the duty of the Cashier to countersign, at the Batik, ail the bids ornotes to be, signed by the President, by order of the Directors; carefully to observe the conduct of the persons employed under him; duly to examine into the. settlement of the cash account at the Bank; count the money deposited in the vaults every evening; compare the amount thereof with the balance of the cash account of that day, and, in case, of disagreement, report the same to the next meeting of the Directors; to see that all deeds appertaining are. duly recorded; and to do and perform all- other duties that may, from time, to time, be required of him by the1 President or Board of Directors relative to the affairs of the institution.
    Article 6th. It shall he the duty of every other officer, clerk, and servant of the Bank, to do and perform all other duties^ that may, from time to time, be required of them respectively, by the President'and Cashier; and in no case to divulge the transactions of-the Bank.
    Article 8th. That no officer of the Bank, the President excepted, shall leave the Bank after it closes, until the Cashier’s account shall be found to agree, or if it does not agree, until a strict examination be made to discover the. error.
    Section 3d, Article 3d. ' That no discount shall be made without the consent of a majority of the Directors present; nor shall any reason be required by the.Directors to each other, nor assigned to the public, for refusing discounts.
    Which said by-laws, so made, enacted, and decla'’<A. as aforesaid, were; at the time of the sealing arid delivery of the writing obligatory,, in the declaration mentioned, in full force and effect. And the said plaintiffs say, that the said Philip H. Minor, in the said writing obligatory mentioned, was duly appointed Cashier óf the»said Mechanics Bank of Alexandria;; and, in virtue of his said appointment, did accept the office of said Cashier; and, on the day of the date of the said writing obligatory in the declaration mentioned, did thereupon en.ter upon the' duties of the said Cashier; and the said plaintiffs further say, that the .said Philip H. Minor did not well and truly execute the duties of the said Mechanics Bank, as Cashier of the said Bank, according to the true intent and meaning of the condition of the said writing; obligatory, but violated his duty as Cashier aforesaid, .and broke, the condition of the said writing obligatory, in the following instances: that is to say,
    1. That, during the period that the said Philip H. Minor acted as Cashier of the said Mechanics Bank, under the writing obligatory, as aforesaid,he, the said Philip, as Cashier aforesaid, received into his- custody, and keeping the' moneys of the said Bank, amounting to, very large sums: that is to- say, amounting altogether to five hundred thousand dollars and upwards.;-which said moneys, so received as- aforesaid, the said Philip, although often required, hath failed'to account for, or to pay over to the said Bank, or to make a correct report of the same, from time to time,- to the Board of . Directors of the said Bank.
    2d. And further, that he, the-said Philip, during the period aforesaid,- and in his capacity of Cashier aforesaid, wrongfully, and contrary to the duty of his office of Cashier aforesaid, did waste, and suffer to be wasted, of the moneys of the said Bank, in his care and custody, as Cashier aforesaid, the sum of thirty thousand dollars and upwards, whereby the same' became1 entirely lost to the said Bank.
    3d. And the said plaintiffs further say, that the said Philip, during the period. aforesaid, and in his . capacity' of Cashier aforesaid, wrongfully, and contrary to the duty of his office of Cashier aforesaid, and without the authority of the said- Bank, did apply and appropriate, of the proper money,of the said Bank in his care and custody, as Cashier.aforesaid, to his own proper use,the sum of five thousand seven hundred and twenty-reight-dollars, and to the use of Thomas J. Minor and > 83,179.00 himself, the said PhilipH.-Minor, the further sum of $■ 4,898.63
    5,077.63 o So that the said sums . were entirely lost to- the said Bank."
    4th.' And the plaintiffs further say, that the said P. H, Minor, during the period aforesaid, and in his capacity of Cashier aforesaid, wrongfully and contrary to the duty of his office of Cashier aforesaid, aftcl without the authority of the. said Bank, did pay away, and did suffer and permit to be paid away, of the proper moneys and funds of the-said Bank in his care and keeping, as Cashier aforesaid,'to Jabez B\ Rooker, divers sums of money, amounting altogether to the sum of 4,967 dollars 30 cents; and to one Francis Adams, divers others sums, amounting altogether to the sum of 1,884 dollars 18 cents; and to William F. Thornton divers other sums of ■ money, amounting altogether to the sum of of 7,407 dollars 25 cents; and t'o Benjamin G. Thornton divers other sums of money, amounting altogether to the sum of.4.810 dollars 74 cents; and to Lewis Hipkins the sum of 2,375 dollars; and to Robert Young divers other sums of money, amounting altogether to the sum of 9,294 dollars 44 cents; so that the said several sums of money were entirely lost to the said Bank.
    5th. And the said plaintiffs further say, that :he said Philip H. Minor, during the period aforesaid, and in his capacity of Cashier aforesaid, and without the authority of the'said Bank, did endorse upon a. certain check, drawn by Lewis Hipkins upon the said Mechanics Bank, in favour of “note in.city-.ór bearer” for 3000 dollars, that the same was “good;” when in fact and in truth, the • said Lewis Hipkins had no money or funds in the said Mechanics Bank, at the time of the said-endorsement, to pay the said check, nor has he, at any time since, had in the said Bank any money or funds to'pay the said check, so endorsed as aforesaid, and the said Bank have actually paid and taken upon themselves the payment of the* same.
    7th. And the said plaintiffs-further say, that Benjamin'.G. Thornton, ont-lie 18th day of December,- 1818, drew a certain bill or draft upon a certain Bank in the state .of Ohio, tailed the Bank of New Lancaster; which bill op draft was in substance as follows:
    “ Alexandria, December 18,. 1818. Cashier Bank of New-Lancastcr, Ohio. Pay to the order of W. F. Thornton, - ten days after sight, four thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars, and charge the same as per advice, to- yours, Sic.
    B. G. Thornton.”
    And the said ' plaintiffs say, thkt the said Philip H. Minor, while he acted as Cashier aforesaid, under the writing obligatory aforesaid, wrongfully, and contrary to the duty of his office of Cashier aforesaid, and. without the authority of the said Bank, did advance and pay, upon the credit of the skid draft or bill, to William F. Thornton and Lewis Hipkins, the amount of the-said draft: that is to say, the sum of 4750 dollars; by means of which said , advancement, so made as aforesaid, the said sum - has been entirely lost to the said Bank.
    8th. ■ And the said plaintiffs further say, that the said Philip H. Minor, while he acted as Cashier aforesaid, under the writing obligatory aforesaid,.wrongfully, and contrary to his duty as Cashier,. and with a view to deceive and mislead the Board of Directors of the said-Bank, did make sundry false and erroneous entries in the books of the said Bank, in his care and custody as Cashier aforesaid; and among others, the following, to wit: a charge against the Bank of Alexandria, of the date of the. 31-st of August, 1818, for the sum of 1791' dollars; and another against the Bank of Potomac, of the-date of th.e 31st of August, 1818,. for the sum of 2581 dollars 2i> Cents'; and-another against the Bank of Washington, of the date of the 2d of March, 1818, for ‘1000 dollars; when in fact and in truth;- at the periods' aforesaid, there was nothing due from the said last mentioned Banks to the said Mechanics Bank; by means of which said false entries and charges, the said Mechanics Bank have .lost the said several sums of money. All which said.several matters and things the said plaintiffs are ready to verify. Wherefore, &c.
    • To these pleas, the plaintiffs in error put in the following replication:
    “Anti the said defendants, George Minor, Daniel Minor, William Minor, and 'Smith Minor say, that the sáid Mechanics Bank of Alexandria ought not to have, or maintain, their aforesaid action against the said defendants, by reason of any thing by the said' Mechanics Bank of Alexandria, in their said replication' to the said third plea of the -defendants, above in replying alleged ; because they say that the said Philip H. Minor, in the said plea and -replication named, did not violate bis duty as Cashier aforesaid, and break the said condition of the said writing obligatory, in the instances by the -said Mechanics'Battk’' of Alexandria, in1 their said replication above pleaded and alleged, nor ini.any of them, with or by means of any frauds or deceit, or wilful default -whatsoever. • And this they pray may be inquired of- by the country- — and the said Mechanics Bank of Alexandria in like manner. ”
    At the same term, the demurrer to the. first and second pleas, and the • issues on the remaining seven, between the-plaintiffs' and the four sureties, were respectively-argued, and tried; the first and. second pleas-were adjudged insufficient,'on- general demurrer; the issues were found for the plaintiffs, and damages,in gross, upon all the issues and breaches, assessed against the four swreZies,1 at 8607 dollars 30 cents; and, upon, the motion of the plaintiffs, a .rule was then-laid on the principal'obligor and co-defendant, Philip .H, Minor, to plead- to issue on the morrow. 'In compliance with which rule, he did, within'- the time prescribed, plead five several matters in bar; the samej muiatis mutandis'as-the third, fourth, fifth, seventh and ninth, of the aforesaid pleas, put in by the co-defendants, his sureties'.
    A day was given at- the next ensuing term,' to the plaintiffs, tb reply:- at which term, the-plaintiffs took a-judgment on>the judgment against the four defendant's, with'whom the- several issues had been tried as aforesaid;' and then entered a nolle pro-sequi as against the co-defendant, Philip H. Minor, who thereupon recovered judgment for costs against the plaintiffs.
    ’ On the trial of the cause in the Circuit Court, a bill of exceptions was taken .to the opinion-of-this Court, upon certain instructions which the Court was requested to' give to the jury. The Court instructed the jury, according to the expressed desire of the plaintiffs below, except as. hereafter stated, but refused to charge the jury, as requested by the counsel of the defendants.
    The instructions given by the Court, on the motion, of the plaintiffs’ counsel, and on the evidence given in the cause, were—
    1st. If the jury, from the evidence aforesaid, should be of. opinion, that the said Philip H. Minor, upon his leaving the Mechanics Bank of Alexandria, that is to say, on the 9th day of March 1819, failed to pay over, or to account to the said, bank, for any portion of the moneys of the said bank, received by him as Cashier of the said bank, while he acted as Cashier of the said, bank, under the writing obligatory, in the declaration mentioned, then, the jury'may, and ought, to infer, that the said moneys, so unaccounted for,, were wilfully wasted by the said Philip H. Miuori or applied to his own use; and that, under such circumstances,' the defendants aré liable' to the batik, • for the moneys which he so failed to pay over, or account for, to the said bank.
    2d. - And the said plaintiffs requested the Court further to instruct the jury, that if, from the evidence aforesaid, they should be of opinion, that the said Philip H. Minor, while he acted as Cashier aforesaid, under the writing obligatory aforesaid, did wilfully pay or apply, or did,- knowingly and wilfully, suffer or permit to be paid away or applied to the use of Thomas I; Minor and himself jointly, or to himself individually,, any portion .of the funds or moneys of the said bank, without the " authority' of the Board of Directors of the said bank, so that the said sums, or any part thereof, were lost to the said bank; that the said defendants are liable for the said moneys or funds so paid away, ór applied and losti
    3d: And the said plaintiffs prayed the Court further to instruct the jury, that if, from the evidence aforesaid, they should, be- of opinion, that the said Philip Ii. Minor, while he acted as Cashier aforesaid, under .the writing obligatory, aforesaid, wilfully paid away or appropriated, or knowingly suffered or permitted to be paid. away,, or appropriated to the use of Jabez B. Rooker, Wm. F. Thornton, Benjamin G,- Thornton, Lewis Hipkins,. and .Francis Adam's, or.to either of them, the moneys and funds of the said bank, without the authority of the Board' of Directors of the- said bank, so that the saidmo-neysor funds, or any part thereof, were entirely lost to'the said bank; then,-the said defendants are liable for' the-said.moneys' so paid-away, or appropriated, and lost.
    Upon the first.and second issues, being the issues under the thjrcl and fourth pleas — and upon the third, being, the issue joined on the fifth plea, the Court gave the instructions as prayed for* by the counsel for the.bank. Upon the third issue, being the issue joined in the fifth plea,, the Court gave the first instruction, with the addition of the following words: — “unless such failure to pay ov.er, or account, for the money so received, by the said. Philip H. Minor, was-in obedience to, and in pursuance of, the directions, rulés, orders, usages, and customs of trade and business, ordained, established, and practis-ed, in the said bank, by the authority of the said President and. Directors.” ...
    Upon the fourth issue, being the issue joined under the sixth plea, the Court gave the instructions prayed for, adding, in each instruction,, after the words ‘.‘directors of the' said bank,” the words, “and. without the wrong, connivance, or' permission, of the said President and Directors.”
    Upon the. fifth issue, being the issue joined in the seventh plea, the Court gave the first instruction', adding the words, “if the jury should be also satisfied, by the evidence, that moneys, which the said Philip H. Minor so failed to pay over, or account for, were thereby lost to the bank;” and, upon this-issue also, the Court gave the second and third instructions.
    Upon the sixth' and seventh issues, the Court gave the second and third instructions,, adding the words, to make them • applicable, to the fourth issue;. and upon the sixth issue, the. Court also gave the second and third instructions, adding, in each instruction, after the words “ Directors of the said bank,” the words, and without the wrong, connivance, or permission, of the said President and Directors. ”
    The counsel for.the defendants, then moved the Court to instruct the jury,—
    1.' That if it were the' established usage and practice of the ' said bank, that the Cashier might, in his discretion, permit customers to overdraw, and to have checks and notes charged iip, without present funds in bank; and for the Cashier to receive and pass,- as cash, checks and drafts, upon other banks; and if the said ^alances, so appearing against the several persons above charged on the books of said bank, arose out of the exercise-of such discretion, by the said- Cashier, and in the course of the ordinary transactions of said bank, and pursuant to established usage and course of business there adopted, and personally known to the said'President and Directors, and practised and continued, with their knowledge, for a series of years, from the commencement of the bank, to the termination of the said Philip H. Minor’s cashiership; though the existence of such balances, or the particular circumstances attending them, .were not formally communicated to the Board of Directors. the jury may infer the approbation, assent, and. acquiescence, of the said President and Directors, as to such usagp and coursq/ of business.
    2. That if the said balancés,'appearing against1 the several persons above charged on the books of said bank, ¡arose in the course of the ordinary transactions of said bank, pursuant to1 the established usage and course of business there adopted, and known to the President and Directors, and expressly or tacitly acquiesced1 in, and approved by them; or if the said President, and a majority of the .directors, were personally'acquainted with such usage.and course of business, purposely qonnived at the same, and declined investigation, then, the jury 'may infer, that the same were approved and permitted by the said President and Directors, though no formal communications of the same Were 'made, by the said Cashier, to the Board1 of Directors, at their official meeting: and, upon finding stich to be the fact, the jury, as to such balances, should finckftg tfie defendants* under the issues joined oii the replications to the siijth, eighth,'and ninth pleas. "
    Which instructions the. Court altogether overrule.^ and re- - fused to give to the jury. • '
    Si If the jury find, from the evidence, that the several officers of the said bank, annually appointed by the said President and Directors, as aforesaid, each gave separate .bond and security, for the faithful performance of the duties jof his of-ficethat-the said William Patton, so being Cashier,] as aforesaid, died on or about the 28th $of August, next ensuing his last appointment, on the 9th of March 1817; and that on the third day of September following, the said Philip H. Minor, having all along acted as teller,,under his said appointment, as such, for one year, from March 1817, was duly appointed Cashier, in place of said Pattqh, and gave bond and security in the usual form, for the faithful performance of his duties as such Cashier; being at the same time under bond and security for the' faithful performance of his dirties ¡>.s teller, for the year, ending in March 1818, as above staged; that he continued to be siich Cashier, under his said appointment, till the 9th of March 1818, when he was again Appointed Cashier for one year; and on the 19th of the same month, gave the bond now in suit; — that on the said third of September 1817,. the said President and Directors, duly passed ■ the said orders, of that date, appointing the said Philip H. Minor Cashier, .as aforesaid, and directing the.then officers of the bank', to do the whole duties of the bhnk; and did not then, or any tii^r'e after the said ninth day of March 1817, make any hew appointment of teller; — that the said Philip H. Minor, from the time of his first appointment as Cashier, usually performed the duties of teller; which duties, as well as those of Cash ier, were occasionally, and frequently, during the continuance of said Minor in the office of Cashier, performed by the other officers of the said bank,- whilst the said Minor was absent, and otherwise occupied with the business and affairs.bf said bank; — - that the separate office of teller was established at the first-institution of said, bank, by the written laws and ordinances of the President and Directors, as above given in evidence; — that after the said President and Directors ceased to appoint a distinct person as teller, as aforesaid, all the distinct functions and duties of teller, and the forms of keeping the accounts and transacting'the business by the Cashier, or some other officer of said bank, in the name and capacity of teller, were pursued, the same as when the office of teller was filled by a distinct person; the practice being still continued, of placing the money of the bank, intended to answer the current demands of ■each day, in the hands of the officer as teller, of keeping separate accounts of such moneys, and- of all deposits, and of. all payments upon checks or otherwise, in the name and capacity^ of teller;- such- accounts being distinct and separate, and in distinct and separate books from those kept in the name and capacity of Cashier; and that the said Board of Directors, and the proper committees of the same,, in their quarterly .and other examinations and reports of the state and condition of said bank, and of the accounts of its officers, still kept up the distinction between the teller’s and the Cashier’s, accounts, and the teller’s and Cashier’s money;- then,,that the defendants,are .not chargeable in this action for the conduct of said Philip II. Minor, in.the execution of the duties distinctly appertaining to the office of teller,- whilst he was Cashier, as aforesaid.
    Which instruction the Court refused to give, the plaintiffs having offered "in evidence to the- jury, the following by-law of the said President and Directors, to wit: — ■
    Article fifth, in section second of the by-laws, above given' in evidence; and' having also offered in evidence, to prove,, that, after the appointment of the said Philip II. Minor to the office of Cashier, on the 9th of Mai'cli 1818,. lie did, in. fact, generally perform the duties of teller, with the knowledge of the President of the said bank; from which it -was competent for the jury to infer, that he, the said Philip II. Minor,, as Cashier, as aforesaid, >vas required by the President • of the said bank, or by the Board of Directors of the said bank, to perform the duties appertaining to the office of teller.
    Mr .Taylor, and Mr. Jones, for the plaintiffs in error.—
    1. The Plaintiffs below sue in.their corporate .capacity, .under the Act of Congress, of May 16,1812, and no such corporation .ever existed; it was to exist only, on the happening: óf a future eyent. The already formed, but provides for the erection of the corporation, upon certain conditions, and on certain forms being complied with.
    The demurrer admits the facts stated, cond jileas, and the corrupt evasions of the Act prevented the corporation ever coming into existence. The obligors in the bond were not' thereujion estopped, as the bond was given to supposed or fictitious persons, and not to an existing corporation; and there was no one in esse to take the bond. An estopp.al cannot be alleged against an Act of Parliament. 1 Chilty’s Pleadings, 435. Coimjn’s Pig. Abatement, 16. 3 Instructor
    
    
      Okricalis, 89. Story’s Pleadings, 24.
    Dealing with a pretended corporation, does not preclude a party-from denying its existence; it-must have existed de •jure. It "is no objection to the matter in .the first and second pleas, that they are not pleaded in bar; a pléa that goes to show that there never was such a person as the plaintiff, is a plea in bar. 1 Bos. 'fy PuH. 44. 1 Chitty,4c25.
    
    The general rule that sealed instruments cannot be opened, has exceptions, and in -cases of illegal and fraudulent considerations, and considerations esc turpe causa; a fraud which is injurious to the public, cannot be precluded by any shield of law. 2 Wilson’s Reports,' 347. 2 Term Reports, 171.
    It is not necessary to resort to a quo.warranto, to determine the existence of the corporation. The defendant in an action on a promissory note, may -call upon a corporation, if plaintiff to- show its charter, and the same principle will apply in this case. A quo warranto, or mandamus would be proper, if the corporation had ever existed, but that was not the fact iri this Case; and it is not an answer to the course of proceedings, here, that it would multiply- actions, for such would not be the fact.
    2. As to the effect of the nolle prosequi. The action is upoii a joint and several bond, and the ■ obligors are sued jointly. The sureties appeared, and took a separate defence, and a verdict was obtained against them. The principal pleaded, after being ruled; and at the subsequent time a nolle prosequi was entered against him, and a judgment was taken against the sureties.
    The proceeding was erroneous. Upon a joint and several bond, all the parties must be sued together, or each must be sued separately — and -it is error to sue less than all,' unless the suit be against one only. 3 Term Reports, 782. 1 Hen. fy Mumford, 62. 3 Mumford, 187. 2 Maul <§- Selwyn, 23. 2 Randolph, ‘446. 478. 174. 313. 2 Pay, 387.. 5 Mumford, 556. 1 William 
      
      Saunders, 9j)l.vol, 4. 207, n. 2 — 91. note 4. 1 Henry Black., life. 1 Bos. Sf Pull. 670. 1 Chitty, 32, S3. 546.
    If a judgment could not be obtained against four obligors, on a bond given by five, in a suit so institued, it- cannot be obtained by the entry of a nolle, prosequi against one. 1 Saunders, 207. 1 Chitty on Plead., 32.38.546. 5Bspinasse’s Nisi Prius Cases, 47. Jeffray vs. Frebain — Chandler vs. Parks et al. 3 Ésp. 76. The cases which impugn the -doctrine ■ contended for, are Noke vs. Ingraham, 1 Wilson, 89. 5 Johnson’s Reports, 160.
    If the,parties to a joint and several bond are joined in an action, they never can be separated; and if one is discharged, all are discharged, except in cases of infancy and bankruptcy. 1 Henry Black., 108. 1 Bos. Sf Pull. 630. The rationale óf the j-ule'is, that the party having made it a joint contract by his suit, cannot afterwards make it a several contract 3 Taunton, 307. 4 Taunton, 468, . The
    case, is- upon the instructions given by the Court. ,
    , Mr. Swann, and Mr. Wirt, Attorney General, for the defendants.
    sweep •away the defence, taking it entirely from the jury,. T.he words “ well and truly” in the condition of the bond, mean only integrity, not capacity. 10 John. 271 — and the instruction given considers the words as requiring skill. The Cashier acted according to the instructions of the President- and Directors, and to the usage of the Bank. The instruction given precludes mistake, and'denies that it constitutes a defence/
    The demurrers' to the first and second pleas, -were not on the ground of an admission of the facts, but the pleas were considered invalid. It was not obligatory on the Bank, that the capital should be 500,000 dollars, as the expression that it “ may” consist of 500,000 dollars, authorizes it to be less, if it shall be.deemed proper; and even admitting the collusion charged,, as to the creation of a false capital, to the amount of 180,000 dollars, the remaining capital of 320,000 dollars was sufficient, under the charter. The pleas .are also insufficient, .as, although collusion is set up, -there is ho certainty in the charge or allegation of the persons concerned- in it, or the place of the same. The Whole purpose of the law is,.to limit'the amount of trading by the Bank; and it is not a fair construction of the Act- of Incorporation, to interpret the' terms - “ may-consist” into “ must consist.” The company went into existence in 1812, and the Cashier was appointed in 1817, after many suc--ces.sive years of business by the Bank; which, could -not be affected by the proceedings of 1-812.
    & The plaintiffs in error are, estopped by having executed this bond to the Bank, from denying the existence of the corporation. Wills’ Reports, 11,12. 14 Johnson, 238.
    Where the matter which constitutes the ground of an alleged estoppal .is new, it is necessary to state it by plea, but.not so when it is contained in the declaration. 1 Chitty’s Pleadings, 575...
    
    The proper mode of contesting the existence of the corporation, would have been by an information, in the nature of a quo warranto; and it does not rest with every one dealing with a corporation, to inquire, wben called “upon to comply with his contract, whether it exists ? It was not necessary to' set out breaches, until the defendants, the obligors in the bond, had alleged performance, and then the pleas are insufficient; no breaches need be set out. 1 Chitty, 598. 1 Saunders, 103. Arclibold, 262. 2 Chitty, 481. But if there are any omissions or defects in the pleadings, they are cured by the verdict, according to the laws-of Virginia.
    The instructions given by the Court upon the replication, and on the evidence, were such as the Court were bound to give, and were in strict conformity to the facts; and, if the Court refused to give the instructions asked- for by the plaintiffs in error, they did so upon the authority of the by-laws of the bank, and the orders of the Board of ^Directors relative to the duties of- the officers of the bank. Because the custom and practicó might have been to overdraw the bank, and for its officers to abuse their trust, was this custom to excuse the conduct of the Cashier?
    .As to the effect of the nolle prosequi, all the cases referred to by the plaintiffs-in error,-are cases of joint contract, and where the trial was joint. But in this, the four sureties severed from the principal, and, on their .own choice, went to trial alone, upon pleas.put in separate from the principal.
    The verdict has been given 'against the plaintiffs in error, on a trial of their own selection; and they suffered judgment to be entered-against them, without any objection, before the principal in the bond had appeared and pleaded.
    . The entry of a nolle prosequi, does not admit that the plaintiff had no cause of action, it is not a retraxit or a release, and does not preclude the commencement of another suit. 1 Williams Saunders, 207. Archbold’s Practice,. 87. 1 Saunders, 291. 2 Maul Selwyn, 444. 1 Wilson’s Reports,- 89. 5 John. 160.
    Although the law is well stated to be, that a suit on a joint and several bond must be brought against'-aSl, or against one, and that you-cannot sue four, when there are five joint obli-gors, yét. the objection must be taken by plea in abatement; and if there is no such plea, and judgment, the consent of the defendants will be inferred. The following Oases were also cited in the argument, — Walsh, us. Bishop, Cro.'CKar. 9.39. Ibid. 243. Carthew, 9S-.
   Mr. Justice Story

delivered the opinion of the Court,—

This is a writ of error to the Circuit Court of the district of Columbia, sitting at Alexandria.. The plaintiffs in error were original defendants in the cause, and the suit- is now before this Court, upon the judgment of the Court below, upon certain pleas of the defendants, to which there was a demurrer ;. and also, upon the instructions given and refused by the Court, upon the trial of certain issues of fact, joined by the parties.

The action is debt upon an official bond, given by Philip- H. Minor, Cashier of the bank, and by four other persons, as his sureties, with condition, that Minor “ shall well and truly execute the duties of'Cashier” of the bank.; and was originally’ brought against all the parties to the bond. The declaration proceeds for the penalty of the bond, without any notice of the condition, and avers, by way of breach, the non-payment .of the penalty. The sureties,-after oyer of the bond and condition, (which thereby became part of the declaration,) severed themselves from the principal, and pleaded nine several pleas. To the two first of these plea's, demurrers were put in; and the Court below, upon consideration, gave judgment upon the demurrers in favour of the bank; and the correctness of this decision, constitutes the first subject of inquiry. >

Exceptions have been taken, both to the matter and the form of ..these pleas; and if the matter of them, or either of them, might constitute a good bar to the action, it may then be necessary to consider, whether that matter is pleaded with due propriety and certainty, according to the established rules of pleading, so as to escape objection upon general demurrer. Both of them are, in effect, though not in form, special pleas., of rad teil corporation. The first plea, in substance, avers,. that, by the charter granted - by the Act- of Congress, of the 16 th of May 1812, ch. .87', the capital stock of the .bank was' by the-charter fixed and limited, to consist of 500,000 dollars, bona fidp; — that the whole-capital stock was not' bona fide filled up, and subscribed for; but, on the contrary, by a collusion between the commissioners, under whose direction the subscript tions were taken, and the subscribers, a large portion of the capital stock, to wit, 18,000 shares, amounting to’180,000 dollars, were filled up, by false and colourable subscriptions;'the ostensible subscribers, after payment of the first instalments, were fraudulently permitted to withdraw the same; and future payments by them, were dipensed with, while, they were still rated and held out-, as stockholders,-for the purpose of coloura-biy filling up the subscription of the whole capital stock, and electing a Board of Directors; and .that, in this manner, and by these means, and by no other, the bank was put into operation.

This plea is meant to rest upon two grounds, to sustain its-legal propriety. First,, that the subscription of the whole capital stock of 500,000 dollars, was a condition precedent to the putting of the bank into operation as a corporation. Secondly, that the.collusion between the commissioners and the subscribers, for the 18,000-shares, being fraudulent, made their subscriptions a mere nullity.

Various answers have been given at the bar, to the legal sufficiency of tlie matters thus pleaded. In the first pilace, it is ’ said, that the defendants are estopped, by the bond, to deny the legal existence of the corporation. I-n the next place, that the charter does not make the subscription of the whole capital stock, a condition precedent to the establishment of the bank.' In the next place, that the question, whether the bank was regularly, and bond fide, put into operation, is matter not Inquirable into, in • a -suit of this nature, but only upon a quo warr.anto, instituted by the government; and, in the last place, that the whole stock being, in fact, subscribed, the fraudulent intention and acts of the parties, did not make the subscript tion of the 18,000 Shares a nullity.’ Let us, then, consider what is the true construction of the charter itself, upon the points raised at. the argument," supposing it to have-been, (which in terms.it is not,) incorporated into the plea, and therefore judicially before us. The first section of the Act of the 16th of May 1812, chap. 87, provides, “ that.the subscribers to the Mechanics Bank of Alexandria, their successors and assigns, shall be, and hereby are created, and made a body politic, by the name and style of the-Mechanics Bank of Alexandria; and-b.y such name and style, shall be, and are hereby'made able and'capable in law, to have, purchase, &C., lands, 8cc, See., and the same to sell, Sec, to sue and-be sued, See. .Sec.; subject to the rules, regulations, restrictions, limitations, and provisions, hereinafter prescribed and declared.4’

In this section, there is noTitpitation as'to the number of the subscribers necessary to constitute the corporation. The subscribers, whether many or few, are declared to be-incorpo--rated; and, unless there be some restriction or limitation elsewhere in the Act, is is most manifest, that the Court cannot intend that any particular amount of subscriptions is indispensable.

The second section provides, “ that the capital stock of said corporation, may consist of 500,000 dollars, divided into shares of ten dollars each, and shall be paid in the following manner, that is to say: one dollar on each share, at the time of subscribing, one dollar on each share at sixty days,. and one dollar on each share, ninety days after the time of subscribing; the remainder to be called for, as the President and Directors may deem proper; provided they do not call for any payment in less than thirty days, nor for more than one dollar on each share, at any one time.” The argument of the' defendants is, that “may,” in this section, means “must;” and reliance is placed upon a well known rule in the construction of public statutes, where, the word “may,” is often cons'trued as imperative. Without question, such a construction is proper, in all cases where the legislature mean to impose a positive and absolute duty, and not merely to give a discretionary power. But no general rule can be laid down upon this subject, further than that that exposition ought to be adopted in this, as in other cases, which carries into effeGt-the true intent and object of the legislature in the enactment. The ordinary meaning of the language, must be presumed to be intended,’unless it would manifestly defeat the object of the provisions. Now, we cannot say, that there is any leading object in this charter, which will be defeated by construing the word “may” in its common sense, as imparting a power to extend the capital stock to 500,000 dollars, and not an obligation, that it shall be that sum and none other. It is by no means clear, from this section, that the legislature contemplated that there should be a capital of 500,000 dollars, on'which the bank was to commence, or carry on its operations. On the contrary, three instalments oniy are required to be absolutely paid in, and the residue of the capital stock is to be paid in, only when the President and Directors may deem it proper. So that the capital stock, except at the discretion of the Board, may never extend beyond, the amount óf 150,000 dollars, for any practical purposes, either as security to the public, or as the basis of discounts. Now, the plea itself does not attempt to deny that all but 18,000 shares of the stock were,. bona fide, subscribed, for; so that, for aught that appears, the capital stock, on which the bank carried on its operation, may have far exceeded that sum. It has been urged, that public policy requires such an imperative construction of the clause, for the public security. But- it is a sufficient answer to that suggestion,' that no such public policy is avowed,'or can be inferred, from the general terms of the Act. When the legislature intends to restrict the capital stock of a.bank, or tolrequire any portion of stock or stockholders- to be indispensable for its legal existence and operations, it is not uncommon to incorporate such a restriction into the charter. The oiriissian to do; so, is quite as sig-aificant. that the legislature did not. deem such a restriction subservient to any manifest public policy.

The legislature might- well presume, after prescribing the maximum to which the capital stock should extend, that the actual capital-to be employed might safely be left to the dis* cretion of the stockholders, or its agents. The 13th section of the charter contains provisions for the security of the public against over issues by the bank, and if any such, restriction had been intended, as the argument supposes, it would naturally have found a place. It declares, that no stockholder shall be answerable for any losses', deficiencies or failure of the capital stock, for any larger sum than the amount of the stock belonging to him-; excepting, that if the total amount of the debt of the bank shall exceed twice the amount of its capital stock, over and above deposits, then the directors shall, in their private capacities, be liable for the excess; and if the directors shall not have, property to pay the amount of the excess, then every stockholder shall be liable for their deficiencies, in proportion to their-shares in the bank. Whether, therefore, the capital stock be great or small, if there be debts due from the bank, exceeding twice-the amount of the capital stock.; which may fairly be construed to mean the capital stock actually paid in; the stockholders become ultimately liable for the excess; and this liability furnishe,Sj if not an-ample, at leas;, a reasonable security against the public evils, -which the argument supposes might result from nqt requiring the whole capital to be subscribed for. At- all events, we cannot perceive any clear legislative intention to make the subscription of the whole capital stock, a condition precedent to the corporate existence of the bank, and unless it is s.o ■ made by the charter, the (patter of the plea falls, and cannot, sustain .the- defence.

. I?, however, this interpretation of- the charter, could not be- supported, and the subscription ,pf the whole capital stock were a condition precedent, the result, so far as the first plea goes, would not be varied.. The fraud and collusion asserted in that plea,, if admitted-in its fullest manner, does not lead to-the-conclusion which-it seeks to establish. ' If the subscription, were fraudulently-made,'with á view to-.evade tlie provisions of the charter, the law* will hold the parties'b.ouM by their subscriptions, and compellable to co.mply with ail the terms • and responsibilities imposed upon , them, in the same manner, as if they were bbna jide subscribers. It will not make, the subscription itself a nullity, but it will .deprive the subscribers of the power. of availing themselves of the same. _The third section of the Act manifestly contemplates cases of fraudulent sub scrip tio»,- -and provides, ■“ that all the subscriptions and shares obtained in honseqn'enre. thereof, shall -be deemed and held to be for the sole and exclusive usé ánd benefit of the persons subscribing, or in whose behalf the subscriptions respectively shall be declared to be made, at the time of making the same; and all .bargains, contracts, promises, agreements, and engagements, in any wise, contravening this provision, shall be'void; and the person, &c.\ subscribing, - &c. shall have, enjoy, and receive the share or shares respectively, &c., and all the interest and emoluments thence arising, as freely, fully, and ..absolutely, as if they had severally and' respectively paid the consideration therefor,; any- such bargain,' 8cc. to the contrary notwithstanding. ”

This section seems to ' us conclusive upon, the point. It avoids all bargains- contravening the provisions .in respect to subscriptions, and gives to the subscriptions the same effect as if they were bona fide made for the real use and benefit of the subscribers; and independently of this provision, it would be extremely difficult to maintain, upon general principles of law, that a private fraud, between the original subscribers and commissioners, could be permitted .to be set up, to the injury of subsequent purchasers of .the stock," who became bond fide holders, without any participation or .notice of the fraud...

For these reasons, we are of opinión that the matter of- the first plea, even if it had been well .pleaded, would constitute no bar to the action..

The second plea is disposed of by the construction of the. charter aireadyantimated, and is fui'tjier open to fatal Objections, from its deficiency of proper averments,' and want-of legal cértaint.y. It makes no averment of the amount of the capital stock, or of the necessity of the whole being subscribed for, before the bank is to be put «^operation.

It asserts no fraudulent combination or subscription; but in the most general terms, without any certainty as to, facts or circumstances, alleges', that the capital stock w.as not filled, up-by any subscription, opened and conducted in pursuance of the Act,so as to entitle the subscribers to bring the action; and.that the subscribers did unjustly- and unlawfully arrogate to themselves the corporate .name, style, and privileges, without the capital stock having been filled up by subscription,- or the corporation having been constituted and composed of actual subscribers, pursuant to' the directions of the Act,1. In point of substance, as well as form, it is bad, upon the established rules of pleading.

This view of the cáse ..renders, it wholly unnecessary'to consider the point made as to the estoppal, and , the necesssity of a quo warranto; on which, therefore, we give np opinión, '

The third and fourth pleas are intended tó.be pleas of general performance; the third is so, in fact, and pursues the corn «Tition of the bond. The fourth ^argumentative,' and' assumes a particular legal interpretation of the condition, that is to say, that the condition covers only wilful defaults, and breaches of -duty, and is nó security for Competent skill and reasonable-diligence in the discharge of ditty, but only for honesty. To these pleas special replications were filed, assigning special breaches of duty, upon which the ’ parties were at issue, and upon this, and all the other issues in the cause, the jury returned a verdict for the plaintiffs. • No exception has been taken to the sufficiency, of these replications.

The fifth plea states a general performance of duty, in obedience to arid in pursuance of the “ directions, rules, orders, usages and'customs of trade and-business, ordained, established <md practiséd in the said bank-, by the authority of the Said' -President'and Directors.’-’ It is, therefore; argumentative,'arid, sjipr poses that compliance with the fules, orders, usages, See,', established and practised by the President and. Directors, whatever they may be, whether within the scope of their power or not, would "be a good and true discharge - of duty.- To this plea, a general- replication was put in, “ that'the said cause of action, in the declaration mentioned, did accrue, as in’the said declaration and breaches.are -set forth, without.this, that the matters set forth in the said plea, are true,” and this the plaintiffs pray may be inquired of by the country; and the-defendants joined in the issue; upon' which a verdict "was found in favour of the plaintiffs.. An exception has' been taken at the argument to this replication, upon the' ground that it ought .to have assigned a special breach, 'and that the omission is- not cured by the verdict. There is ’no quéstion that' the replication is not drawn with technical accuracy and correctness; and if the plea be a good plea of general performance, it is clear, both' upon principle and authority; that', a special breach ought -to have been assigned in the replication•: and the objection, if insisted upon by way of dem'urrer, for that cause, would have been insuperable. The • reason is, that the law requires every issue to be founded-upon soine certain point, that the parties may come prepared with their evidence, and not be taken by surprise, and-the jury may rio't be misled by the introduction'of various matters. -.A covenant or' condition for general performance^ broken by any single omission of duty, and no inconvenience can arise from stating thepar.ticular breach with suitable certainty. But it does not follow,- that if not so stated, the objection may be taken in any stage of the suit. The rule as to certainty in' pleadings, is framed'for the benefit of the parties,'and may be waived by them, and-iri many .cases, both at common law,’and'by the statute of jeo fates, defect's in this particular are .cured by a verdict. It is true, that in a declaration upon a covenant for general performance of duty, if no breach be assigned, or a breach which is bad, as not being in point of law Within the scope of the covenant, the defect is fatal,’ even' after verdict. Com. Dig. Plead., p. 14. But that is not the’present case. Here the declaration- does assign a good breach, by the non-payment of the penal sum stated in the bond. The defendants disclose the condition of the bond upon oyer, and set up a general performance of it; and the replication^ though inartificially drawn, puts in issue the whole matter of-the defence, and denies the performance of it. Tbe'.verdict has found that the condition was not performed, and consequently,, up'ori the whole record, the npn-payment of-the penal sum is admitted, and the excuse for it is negatived. The ’ replication,, then, does assert a-breach, though in too ge-neral a form.. It ought' to have assigned a special breach; but the general breach includes - it, and the verdict having found the general breach, there is, upon principles, no reason shown against the plaintiff’s right’of recovery.

It is exactly like the case of a declarati >n upon a general covenant.of the- like nature, where a particular breach ought to be assigned; and yet if a general breach be assigned, the. defect is-cured, by a verdict for the plaintiff'. Com. Dig. Plead., 48; The objection, then, to the replication to the fifth plea, ‘ cannot now be sustained.

It" is-not necessary to notice the remaining pleas, upon which issues Were joined, because a verdict has been found in all of them in favour of the plaintiffs, however liable to objection some of them may be, and. particularly the seventh plea oi non damnificatus, as an answer to the declaration. They set up special defences, and the- plaintiffs were not -bound to" do more than traverse them.

The%instructions of-tKe Courtygiven and refused at the trial, constitutes the next subject of inquiry. -■ It is conceded, that if the instructions given on the prayer of the plaintiffs were Correct, ;as to the issues on the third and fourth pleas, the’qualifications annexed to them by the Court iti their applications-to the'other issues, were perfectly proper. ’

The first instruction'is, iii substance, that: if Minor, upon his leaving the. bank, failed to pay over or to.- account to the bank for any portion of’ the moneys' of-.the bank, received by him. as Cashiér; then the jury may, and- ought- to- infer that the moneys so. unaccounted for, were wilfully, wasted by MinorJ or applied, to his own use-; and under such circum--stances, the defendants are liable for - the same. . We can perceive no error .in this instruction; the presumption -of a. wilful waste or misapplication of the "funds of. the bank.% the Cashier, was a natural conclusion,, from his failure to’pay'pver or account for the same. It was not put to the jury as a presumption capable of being rebutted by evidence showing a loss by .negligence or accident. If such a loss actually occurred, it was incumbent on .the Cashier to prove it, and his total omission to. offer any such proof, which, from the nature of the case, must be more within his own power, than that of the' Bank, ought to lead the jury to the presumption of the nonexistence of any. such negligence, or accidental loss.

It has been argued, that this instruction is the more material and injurious to the defendants,•• because it proceeds in the latter part, upon a misconstruction of the true import of the condi-, lion of the bond. The condition,, that Minor shall “ well and truly execute the duties of Cashier” of the bank, is said to be merely, a stipulation for honesty, in the discharge of the duties, and not for skill, capacity, or diligence. Wé are of a different-opinion. “Well and .truly to execute-^the duties of the office,” includes not only honesty, but reasonable skill and' diligence. If the duties are performed negligently and unskilfully— if they are violated, from want of capacity or want of care, they can never be said to be “ well and truly executed.” The operations of a bank, require diligence, with fitness and capacity, as well as honesty, in its Cashier; and the security for the faithful discharge of his duties, would be utterly illusory, if we were to narrow down its import, to a guarantee against personal fraud only.

The remarks already made, dispose of the second and third instructions prayed for by the plaintiffs. These instructions, in substance, declare that-the sureties are liable upon the bond, for any wilful or permissive misapplication of the moneys of the bank, which the Cashier knowingly made, or suffered, without authority, whereby the same moneys have been lost to the bank. There seems no ground, upon-which to rest any reasonable objection to such a .direction, to the. jury.

We may now proceed to the consideration of the three instruc, tions prayed for, in behalf of the defendants. The first is, in substance, that if it were the established usage and .practice of the bank, that the Cashier might, in his discretion, permit customers to overdraw, and to have checks and notes charged up, without present funds in the bank; and for the Cashier-to receive and pass, as. cash,, checks, and drafts upon other banks; and if the. balances appearing against such persons charged in the books of the bank, arose out of the exercise of such discretion by the Cashier, in the course of the ordinary transactions of the bank, and pursuant to the established usage and course of business there-adopted, and generally known to the President and Directors, practised and continued with their knowledge, for a series of years from the commencement of the bank, to the termination ef Minor’s c'ashiership, though the existence of such balances, or the particular circumstances attending them, were not formally communicated to the Board of Directors; the jury may infer the approbation, assent, and acquiescence, of the President and Directors, as to such usage and course of business.

The refusal of this instruction, is matter of no small embarrassment and difficulty to this 'Court, from the terms in which it is couched, and the issues on the sixth, eighth, and ninth- pleas, to which, alone, it can be properly applied. Those issues put to the'jury the question, whether the acts of the Cashier, whatever might be their character or kind, were, or were not, done by the wrong, connivance and permission of the President and Directors of the Bank. The point of the instruction is, that the established usage and practice of the bank for a, long period, known to the President and Directors, does afford a presumption of-the approbation, assent, and acquiescence of the President and Directors, as to such usage and practice;" though the balances resulting therefrom, were not formally com-, municated to the Directors. From the shape of the prayer, it is tindoubtedly meant that such usage .and practice was known to the President and Directors, as a board, and in their official character, and received their approbation as such. In a general view, with-reference to the principles of the law of evidence, we are not prepared to admit, that such a presumption could not ordinarily arise.' The ordinary usage and practice of a bank, in the absence of counter proof, must be supposed to result from the regulations prescribed by the Board, of Directors; to whom, the charter and by-laws, submit the general management of the bank, and the--control and direction-of its officers. It would be not only inconvenient, but perilous, for the customers, or any other persons dealing with the bank, to transact their business with the officers upon any other presumption. The officers of. the bank are held out to the public as having authority to act, according to the general usagéy. practice, and course of their business ; and their acts within\he scope of such, usage, practice, and course of business, would, in general, bind the bank in favour of third persons possessing, no other knowledge. In the .case of the Bank of the United States vs. Dandridge, (12 Wheat. 64,) -the subject was under the consideration of this Court; and circumstances far less cogent than the present to 1‘óund a presumption of the official acts of the board, were yet deemed sufficient to justify their being -laid before the jury, to raise such a presumption. If, therefore, the usage and practice alluded to, in the instruction, were within the legitimate authority of the board, and such as its written vote might justify, there would be no question, in this Court, that it ought to have been given.

The pertinency of such a presumption, to these issues, cannot admit of dispute. But the real difficulty remains to be stated. Assuming that the Court, upon these issues, ought to have given the instruction prayed for, the question is whether upon the whole record, that is such an error as now justifies this Court in a reversal of the judgment. If.the instruction had been given, and thereupon, a verdict upon these issues had been found fpr the defendants, could any judgment have been given upon these issues, in favour of' the defendants; or ought the judgment, non obstanle veredicto, to have been for the plaintiffs ? If it ought, then the error becomes wholly immaterial; since, in no event, could the instruction, in point of law, have benefited the defendants. Upon deliberate consideration, we are of opinion, that the pleas, on which these issues are founded, are substantially bad. They set up a defence for the Cashier, that his omission “ well and truly to perform” the duties of Cashier, was, by the wrong, connivance and • permission of the Board of Directors. The question then comes to this; whether any act or vote of the Board of Directors, in violation of their own duties, and in fraud of the rights and interest of the.stockholders of the. bank, could amount to a justification of the Cashier, who was a pariiceps criminis.

We are of opinion, that it could not.. However broad and general the powers of the direction may be, for the government and management of the concerns of - the bank, by the general language of the charter and by-laws, those powers are not unlimited, but must receive a rational exposition. It cannot be pretended, that the board could, by a vote, authorize the Cashier to plunder the funds of the bank, or to cheat the stockholders of their interest therein. No vote could authorize, the directors to divide among themselves, the capital'stock, or justify the officers of the bank in an avowed embezzlement of its funds. The cases put are strong, but they demonstrate the, principle only in a more forcible manner Every act of fraud — » every known departure from duty,- by the board, in connivance with the Cashier, for the plain purpose of sacrificing the interest of the stockholders, though less reprehensible in morals, or less pernicious in its effects, than the cases supposed, would-' still be an excess of power, from its illegality — and, as such, void, as an authority to protect the Cashier, in his wrongful compliance. Now, the very form of these pleas, sets up the wrong and connivance of the board as a justification; and such wrong and connivance cannot, for a moment, be admitted as an excuse for the misapplication of the funds of the bank, by the Cashier. <.

The instruction prayed for, proceeds upon the same principles, as the pleas. It supposes, that the usage and practice of the Cashier, under the sanction of the board, would-justify a known-'misapplicatio'n of the funds of the bank.- What is that usage and practice, as put in the-case? -It is a usage to allow customers to overdraw — and to have their checks and notes charged up, without present funds in, the bank; stripped of all technical disguise — the usage and practice, thus attempted to be sanctioned, is a usage and practice to misapply the funds of-the bank; and to connive at the withdrawal of the same, without any security, -in favour of certain privileged persons. Such a usage and practice,'is.surely a manifest departure from the duty, both of the Directors and the Cashier, as cannpt receive any countenance in a court of justice: It could not be supported by any vote of the ' directors,’ however -formal; and, therefore, whenever done by the Cashier, is at his owii peril, and upon the responsibility of himself and- his sureties. It is any thing but “well and-truly executing his duties, as.Cashier. This view of the matter, disposes of this embarrassing point, and also of the second instruction prayed for* by',the defendants; 'which substantially turns upon the like considerations.

The third instruction prayed for, in effect, was, that the Court would instruct the jury,- that the defendants áre not chargeable in this action for the conduct of Minor in the duties distinctly appertaining to the office' of-teller, whilst he was Cashier in the bank, although those duties were duly assigned to him; because it constituted a distinct office, and the; accounts and proceedings of the teller, wére at all times, kept distinct, and in separate books, from those of the Cashier. In-our judgment, this instruction was properly refused. By-the fifth article of the second-section of the by-laws of the bank, the duties of the,.Cashier are generally pointed out; and among other things, it is provided, that he shall “do and perform all other duties, that may from time bé required of him- by the President or Board of Directors, relative to the affairs of the institution.” On the appointment of Minor as Cashier, who had previously acted as teller, the directors passed a vote, “that the present officers of the bank, do the whole duties of the'bank.” From the other circumstances of the case, the inference is irresistible,- that the duties of. teller were, under this vote, assigned to the Cashier.' If so,- then the performance of. these duties constituted thenceforth a. part of the duties pf the .Cashier, as- such;- and as-much so’, as.' if they had been originally affixed to the office of Cashier. There is nothing in the,iiature , of the duties -of Teller, .incompatible with those of. Cashier; on the contrary,- as is well known, Cashiers often perform the functions of both. The circúmstánce, that the office of teller, and- distinct úccounts,'. and books, were still kept up, does hot vary the legal result. It was a matter of mere, convenience and regularity, for the- government of the bank, in its own business; and probably had no higher, or other origin, than to preserve the same forms and series of accounts, which the bank had adopted at its first institution. The office of tel-, ler had a nominal, but not a real, existence; and, from the time of the union of the duties in the Cashier, as such, there was a legal extinguishment of the separate official character. If the Cashier had originally had the duties of book-keeper and accountant assigned to him, and, in consequence thereof, had kept distinct account books in the bank, no one would have imagined, because he kept separate account books, as Cashier, for his own convenience, or, according to the.-ordinary usage of banks; that he would not, under his bond, have been responsible for mal-conduct, in keeping the general account books of-the bank, to its loss or injury. The bond of the Cashier must' be' construed to cover all defaults in duty, which are annexed to the office from time to time, by those who are authorized to control the affairs of the bank; and sureties are presumed to enter into the contract, with reference to the rights and. authorities of the President and Directors, under the charter and byrlaws.

The remaining inquiry is, as to the effect of the nolle prosequi, which the plaintiffs entered against Minor, after he had pleaded, and after judgment was given against the sureties, in favour of the plaintiffs, upon'all .the pleadings interposed by the sureties. The pleas, of Minor were, mutatis mutandis, the same as the third, fourth^ fifth, seventh,- and ninth pleas, put in by the' sureties; and the question arises, whether under such circumstances, (no objection to the judgment appearing ,.to have been made by the sureties,) this proceeding is an error, for which that judgment ought to be reversed. It is material to state, that th’e bond' on which the suit is brought, is a joint and -several bond. Under such circumstances, the plaintiff-might have commenced suit against, each of the obligors, severally, or .a joint suit against them all. But in strictness of law, he has no right to commence a suit against any intermediate number. He must sue all or one. The objection, however, is not fatal to the. merits, but is pleadable in abatement only; and if not so pleaded, it is waived by pleading to the merits. .The reason is, that the'obligation is still the..deed of all the obligors who are sued, though not solely their deed; and therefore, there is no variance in point of- law, between the deed declared on, and that proved. It is still the joint deed of the parties sued, although others'have joined in it. This doctrine is laid down, and very clearly illustrated, in Mr. Serjeant Williams’s note to the case of Cabell vs. Vaughan, (1 Saund. R. 291. Note 2,) where all the leading authorities are collected. If, therefore, the present suit had been brought against the four sureties only, and they had omitted to take the exception by a plea in abatement, the judgment in this case would have been unimpeachable. Is the legal predicament of the plaintiffs changed, by having sued all .the parties, and subsequently,- entered a nolle prosequi, against one of the obligors ? If not in .general, then, is there any legal difference, where the party in whose, favour the nolle prosequi is entered, is not a surety, but a principal in the bond ? not indeed, so named in the bond, but the suretyship resulting as a necessary inference from the nature, and terms of the condition.

These questions must be decided by authority, if any such exist; if none can be found, then, they must be decided by analogy and principle. It may be proper, in tills view, again to notice the fact, that this suit is on á joint and several bond; (hat the defendants Severed in their pleas from the principal; (hat the trial of the issues, (which undoubtedly ought to have been, by the regular course of practice, deferred until the cause was at issue, as to all the parties, or the steps of the law taken to bring them into default;) does not appear upon the record to have been opposed, and that no motion was.made in arrest of judgment, or for a postponement, until a trial of the issues upon the pleas of the principal might have been had. What would have been the proper proceedings under such circumstances, whether to try all the issues by the same jury, and have damages assessed at the same time against all the defendants ; or whether there might have been several trials, and several assessments of damages; and whether, if such several assessments had been made, and differed in amount, any, and what judgment, ought to have been entered; are points upon which the Court.does not think it necessary to give any opinion.

The nature and effect of a nolle’prosequi, was not well defined, or understood, in early times; and the older authorities involve contradictory conclusions. In some oases.it was considered in the nature of a retraxit, operating as a full release and discharge of the action, and, of course, as a bar to any future suit. In other cases it was held not to amount to a retraxit, but simply to an agreement not to proceed further in-that suit, as to the particular person, or cause.of action, to which it was applied. And this.latter doctrine has been constantly adhered to, in modern times, and- constitutes the received law. In cases of tort against several defendants, though they all join in the same pjea, and are found jointly guilty, yet the plaintiff may, after-verdict, enter a nolle prosequi, as to some of them, and take judgment against the rest. The reason is said to be, that the action is in its nature Joint and severed; and, as the plaintiff might' originally have commenced his suit against one only, and proceeded to judgment and execution against him alone, so he might, after verdict against several, elect to take his damages against either of them. A fortiori, the same doctrine applies where the defendants sever in their pleas. Indeed,- in tort, as we shall hereafter see, it does- not seem to have been denied, that cases might exist, in which, if .the .defendants severed in their pleas, the plaintiff might, after judgment against one, have entered a nolle prosequi as to the .others. The- doubt was, whether he could do so before judgment', which was finally settled in favour of ifcc right, and in such cases, where several damages-were assessed against the different defendants, the difficulty was afterwards- cured, by' entering a.- nolle prosequi as to.all but one defendant. And in the same manner, a misjoinder of Improper parties is sometimes aided, The authorities on this subject,- will be found summed up with great accuracy, in a note of Mr. Serjeant Williams, to the case of Salmons vs. Smith, (1 Saund. R. 207, note 2.) In the same note, the learned editor adds, “if an action is brought upon any contract against several defendants, loho join in their pleas, and a verdict is.found against them, it is apprehended .the plaintiff cannot enter a nolle prosequi against any of them; because the contract being joint, the plaintiff is compellable-to.bring his action against all the parties thereto; and he shall not, by entering a nolle prosequi, prevent the defendants againstwhom the ’recovery has been had, from calling upon the other defendants for a rateable contribution."

' ■ So far as this reason goes, it is inapplicable to the present case; for,- the defendants are entitled not only, to a rateable, but a full, contribution over, for the entire sum, against the party •in whose fayour the nolle prosequi has been entered;’ and cónsequenüy, the nolle prosequi docs not touch their rights. It is observable also, that the language is qualified -by the words “ who join in their pleaswhich-are printed in italics, and may therefore fairly be presumed to have been-inserted by the learned editor, ex industria, with a view to point out an.implied dis- ■ tinction between cases, where there is a severance,-and where there isla joinder in the pleas. If there be any-such distinction, it is favourable to the .-present case; for,, the plaintiffs severed in their pleas; from their principal. The learned editor proceeds to state, that, “ if in such actions the defendants sever in their pleas, as -where one .pleads some plea which, goes to his .personal discharge, such as bankruptcy, nc unques executor, and the like, not to the action of the writ,, the plaintiff may enter a nolle prosequi, as to. him, and pt»ceed'.'against the, others; for, with respect to .the bankruptcy,, the statute of 10th. Ann, chap. 5,. makes the other defendant, who is not a bankrupt, liable for the ivhole debt; and therefore, in that particular instance the case is exactly the same, as where an action is joint and several. So the plea of ne unques executor, does not deny the cause of action; but only, that he is one of the representatives of the. testator. When the defendants sever in their pleas, with this limitation as to the extent of the pleas in action upon contracts,- it is immaterial, what is the form of the action; for, the plaintiff may enter a nolle prosequi against any of them, before verdict, and proceed against the rest. ”

The learned editor is fully borne out, in the general position here stated, by the case of Noke et al. vs, Ingraham, (Wilson R. 89,) to whi.ch he refers. The only question is, whether there is any such qualification upon it, as that the plea should be'one going exclusively in personal discharge, and not to the merits ? That is the point of real difficulty. The case in 1 Wilson R. 89, was upon several promises made by the defendants, as partners. .One of them pleaded a former judgment; and issue being taken upon the replication of nul tell record, judgment was given against him, and a writ'of inquiry of damages awarded, and final judgment. The other defendant pleaded his bankruptcy, and upon this, issue was joined; and afterwards the plaintiff entered a nolle prosequi, as to him. Upon error brought, the principal, objection was, that the nolle prosequi, upon-a joint contract of two, was a discharge of both. Mr..Chief Justice Lee said, “ it is agreed, on all hands, that in' trespass against several, the plaintiff may enter a nolle prosequi, as to one, and that will not discharge the other; and therefore, I cannot.see, why it may not be done in this case; and I do not see, how so proper-an. ádvantage can be taken upon the statute of Ann, as to the bankrupt, as is now taken by the entry, of this nollepfosequi.” Wright, Justice, was of the same opinion, and so was Dennison, Justice; and the latter added, that “the plea of the bankrup't is not a plea to the action, but. only a personal discharge; but that if one defendánt was to plead á -plea' that was to go to-the action of the writ, he thought it might thén.have a, different consideration, but that this' is not the case here. This .cáse is exactly the same, ,as when an action is joint 'and several; for, the statute 10th Ann, ch. 15, has made the partner nota bankrupt, liable for the whole'debt. This case is/the very same, as to this matter of entering a nolle prosequi, as'if it had been trespass against several defendants.” .

It is apparent, from this summary..of the reasoning of the • Court, that the case' turned.-upon t’he consideration, that'the , contract, -by the operation' of the statute of Ann',, was several as well as-joint; and all the Court concurred, that, under such circumstances, the nolle prosequi would be good, being governed, in the analogy, to-.trespass, where the cause of action-was several as wcll.as joint. What was stated by Dennison, Justice, was not the exclusive ground of his. particular opinion, but only a suggestion, that the case might be, (not would be,) different upon a piea to the merits. Now, the general reasoning comes very close to the case at bar; for here the bond is several, as well as joint, and an action might have been maintained severally against the defendants; and what is not immaterial to be considered, all the parties were retained, who had joined in their- pleas, and between whom there existed a right of mutual contribution. Even in the case of bankruptcy,, the practice is, in England, to require all the joint contractors to be sued, as is proved by the case of Bevil vs. Wood, (2 Maul & Selw. 23,) which makes it really less strong than a joint and several contract.

• The’ case of Moravia, and another, vs. Hunter & Glass, (2 Maul & Selw. 444,). which has been relied on, at the bar, was assumpsit against four, defendants; two of whom were not served; D., one of the othe,r defendants, pleaded — 1 .'Non assumpsit. 2. A special plea of bankruptcy. 3. A general plea of bankruptcy, -as to whom the plaintiff entered a nolle prosequi. The other, defendant pleaded non assumpsit,- and a verdict was found against him. ■ The form of the nolle prosequi was, that the plaintiffs, inasmuch as they “ cannot deny the several matters abovepleaded, by the said D., freely here in Court confess, . that they will not.further prosecute their suit against him.” -It was moved,-in arrest of judgment, that the nolle prosequi, so entered, had. confessed • the non assumpsit, as well as the other pleas; and therefore, the other defendant was also discharged, and the distinction of Dennison, Jus.-, in Noke vs. Ingraham (1 Wils. R. 89,) was., relied on. But the Court held; that the nolle prosequi -was, in effect, only-a confession; that as far as-regards D., he .had a defence in the matters pleaded by him. This case does not,-in terms, overrule the distinction, but it doés establish, that the Court upheld- the nolle prosequi, notwithstanding the pleadings did set up a. plea to the merits, and not merely a persona! discharge. The contract does not appear to have been joint and several;' and to have arrived at its ¡conclusion, the Court must have considered, that the confession •c.f the plaintiffs, that they could not deny the several matters above pleaded, ought not to be deemed an admission of the truth of the pleas, except so far as to waive further proceedings in the suit, against the party who sets them up as a defence. This conforms to the, definition given in the book, of a nolle prosequi. “It is,” as Serjeant Williams states, (1 Saund. R. 207, note 2,) “ a partial forbearance by the plaintiff to proceed any further, as to some of the defendants, or to part of the suit, but still he is at liberty to go on as,to the r.est.”

. These are. the only cases in England, which the researches of counsel'have-brought to our notice,bearing directly on the point before the Court; and upon,looking into the elementary treatises and books of practice, we have not been able to find any more /general doctrine. Indeed, the latter confine themselves exclusively to the enunciation of the principles above stated, with the qualifications annexed to them in these authorities, as, see 1 Chitty’s Plead., 32, 33. 546. Com. Dig. Pleader, X 2. 3. 5. 2 Tidd’s Practice, 630. 2 Arch. Practice, 219, 220. 2 Lilly’s Practical Register, 280. In America, the cases have gone a step further. In Hartness vs. Thompson, (5 John. R. 160,) where an action was brought.against three, upon a joint and several promissory note, and there was a joint plea ofnont. assumpsit, and the infancy' of the defendants, that was set up at the trial; it was held no ground for a nonsuit; but the plaintiff upon a verdict found in his favour against the other two defendants, might enter a nolle prosequi, as to the infant, and take judgment upon the verdict against the others. In Woodward vs. Marshall,(1 Pickering’s Reports, 500,) in the Supreme' Court of Massachusetts, upon a joint contract and suit against "two persons, one of whom pleaded infancy, . it was held that ¿.nolle prosequi might be entered,-as'to the infant, and the suit prosecuted against. >the othér defendant. These decisions were admitted -to be against the cases of Chandler vs. Parker, (3 Esp. Rep. 76,) and Jaffray vs. Frebain, (5 Esp. Rep. 47,) but the Court thought the practice adopted - by themselves was most convenient, and ■ therefore gave-it a judicial sanction; These cases were distinguishable from that in i Wilson’s R. 89, in the fact, that the'plea went, not only in' personal discharge, but proceeded úpon a matter- which established an original defect in the joint contract; whereas the plea of bankruptcy was for matter arising afterwards." The distinction was not thought to be sound. Indeed,-the-Court-seem to have, considered-the question rather as a'matter'of practice, to be decided upon convenience and. policy, than as matter of principle.

Hitherto the question has been discussed, as’if the nolle prosequi had been entered ¿e/bw;,;when"in fact it was-.entered after judgment' -against the defendants. The next inquiry is; whether this creates any substantial difference in the c’ase.. In Lever vs. Salkeld, (2 Salk. 455,) in trespass against two defendants, and verdict 'for the plaintiff,-one being an infant, the plaintiff took1 judgment against the other, and entered a non pros/sir ter the judgment against the infants, and took- out execution upon the judgment;. upon error brought, it was objected- that a nonpros. ccmld not be entered after judgment, for the judgment could not va.ry from the demand of the writ/' It was argued' on tire other side, that torts were several, and. that a non jiros might be entered after, as well as before judgment, and cases to this effect were cited. Lord Iiolt is reported to. have said, that he supposed there were interlocutory judgments, wherein it might well be; but a final judgment differed, for that being once wrong, a subsequent entry would not set it right. The case was however adjourned, and nothing more appears of it. This case is not very'accurately reported, and it may-have been that the judgment was joint, and the nolle prosequi afterwards, which would remove the objection toils authority. The circumstance of its being adjourned, shows that the doctrine thrown out by Lord Holt, was not deliberately ..considered by him, and was deemed not clear. In truth, it is directly against the case of Parker vs. Lawrence,' decided in the Exchequer chamber, and reported in Hobart’s Itep. TO. That was trespass against three ; one pleaded not guilty, and the other two a justification, to which the plaintiff replied, and there was a demurrer to the 'replication. Pending the demurrer, the issue was tried, and damages and judgment given against him. After judgment, the plaintiff entered a nolle prosequi against the other two, and a writ of error was afterwards brought by all three ; and it was alleged for error, 'that the nolle prosequi .discharged all three. It .was agreed by the Court, (in conformity with the doctrine then prevailing,) that, if the nolle prosequi had been before judgment, it would have discharged the whole action; and. so it would, if the judgment had been against them all,'and then the plaintiff had entered a nolle prosequi against the other two; for amonsuil, or release, or other discharge of one, discharges the rest. But here the action was at am end, as to the one, by the judgment against him, and no judgment was had' against the others, so -that they were divided'from him, and are not subject to'the damages found a'gainst him. It was adjudged that he was not discharged, and there was. no error. This case is of great authority, having been deliberately decided by a very high Court. It is cited as authority,by Chief Baron Comyns, in his digest, (Pleader, X. 5,) who also cites '(Pleader, X. 8',) the case in Salkeld, .as one in which there was a final judgment against all the defendants. The reason of the thing would seem entirely in favour of the judgment in Hobart, and it stands supported.by a much earlier case, in the year Books, (14 Edw. 4; Brooks abridg. Trespass,pl. 331.) If the plaintiff may, in. any case,' recover a judgment against one on a joint action against two, who sever in their pleadings, it is wholly immaterial to the regularity and effect of that judgment, in what stage'of the cause the suit has ceased to be prosecuted .against the other. It is sufficient, that in the event the judgment is consistent with the general principles.of the action. If a nolle prosequi' may be entered, .after verdict, and before judgment, without discharging the other party, there is no good reason why.it may not be done after, judgment, when there has been no proceeding which binds the plaintiff to consummate a judgment , against, the party whom he wishes to dismiss. In each case the. judgment upon the whole record is consistent with the writ.

The result of this examinatión into authorities, is, that there is no decision exactly in point, to the present case; that there is no distinción between entry of a nolle prosequi before, and the entry after judgment,- applicable to: the prcsent'facts. That the authorities, and particularly the American, proceed upon the ground that the question is matter of practice, to be decided upon considerations of - policy and convenience, rather than matter of absolute principle; and that therefore this Court is left at full liberty to .entertain such a decision as its own notions of general convenience, and legal analogies would lead- it to adopt. We .are of .opinion, that where the defendants'sever in their pleadings, a nolle prosequi ought to be allowed. It-is a practice which violates no rules of pleading, and will generally, subserve the public convenience. In the administration of justice, matter of form, not .absolutely'subjected (o authority, may well yield to the substantial-purposes of justice.

Mr.' Justice-Johnson,

dissenting.

The facts appearing upon the records, from the count, pleas, apd replications, are these. This action was on a bond given for the. faithful discharge of the office of-the Cashier,, by Philip H. Minor. It was joint and several. The .defendants, craved' over jointly, and pleaded performance, to which plaintiff replied.

They afterwards had leave to withdraw the.joint pleas;,and the four securities jointly filed various pleas, .to which plaintiff replied; and issue being taken, proceeded to trial, and obtained this verdict.

After the verdict,, the principal to the bond Was ruled to plead, and he-.then files a variety of pleas, similar .in'effect, to those pleaded by the securities. The.Court then.gave judgment upon the verdict, and the plaintiff’s attorney enters this nolle-prosequi; and judgment is given for the principal, on the 'bond. That the plaintiffs take nothing by their bill, but for their false clamour, be in mercy, and that the defendant go thereof, without day, and receive hiV costs.

it was insisted by the' defendants, that, in this state of the pleadings and reeprd, the plaintiffs ought riot to have had judgment belowr — that there is error, and the judgment should be reversed. What further order this Court wouid be bound to render upon a reversal, it is not material to inquire. I readily assent to the doctrine, that, in adjudicating ■ upon questions- of practice, a Court should have regard to public convenience; but it would be extending this principle to the violation of its own spirit and intent, if carried to the extent of overturning known established rules, both of law and practice.

To this extent, it appears to me, the present decision goes; and that this judgment cannot be affirmed, without shaking as well established principles, as adjudged cases; and opening a door to inconveniences, which must soon compel this Court to retrace its steps.

The judgment, as it stands below, is against four out of five joint and several co-obligors; and the obligor omitted, or'ra-. ther who has judgment in his favour, is the Cashier, for whose good conduct in office, the other three became bound: Now,' this judgment is either a bar to a future suit against the principal, or it is not. If a bar, then the record exhibits the inconsistent case of four being made liable for one, who was not liable himself. And if it is not a bar, then, by possibility, it may be established by the verdict of a future jury , that the co-obligor, for whose misfeasance, alone, these defendants have had judgment against them, had, in fact, committed no misfeasance. A rule of practice, .that may lead to such consequences, cannot rest upon .public convenience.

Nor is it more easy to reconcile it to princinlc. No authority need be cited, to establish, that wherever Igment ought to have been arrested below, this Courtis bound to reverse for error. Now this judgment is against ond of the canons of the law of contracts. It was at the option of the plaintiff, whether to treat the bond as a joint or several contract. He has elected to treat it as joint; and.must, therefore, abide by'the law of joint contracts, as to both right and remedy; and, up- . on these; when under seal, it is an invariable rule, that all must be sued, if all have sealed the instrument, and are in life.

It is true, that, in general, the non- joinder of co-obligors must be pleaded in abatement; but it would be oppressive and inconsistent to apply this rule to a case, in which it-was impossible to plead in abatement, and that was precisely this case; since the discharge of the principal from the action, was produced by the act of the plaintiff, after judgment, at a time when it was impossible, by any form of pleadings, for the defendants to avail themselves of this right. But this case comes within an exception to the general rule on the subject .of pleas in abatement; since, by'the plaintiff’s own showing, in his declaration and replication, all the co-obligors named in the instrument, seal-,cd it, and were' in life at the .commencement and close of the suit.

This distinction, if it be necessary to cite authority for it, clearly appears from comparing the case of Rice vs. Shultz, 5 Bur. Reports, 2611, with the case of Hermer and Moore, noticed in the report of that case. In the one, it was necessary to plead in abatement, because the facts, did not appear on record, which were -necessary to- maintain the defence. In the other; the judgment was arrested, because the facts of the plaintiff’s own showing, madeout that he ought not to have judgment, which. Were, all had sealed the instrument-- — and all were alive. It cannot be questioned, that in a joint, contract by five, where all remain equally bound — all in life, and all within reach of the process; more especially, where they have been all actually arrested, the plaintiff mus.t recover against alii or none. This is that case; and yet the plaintiff is allowed here to- take judgment “against four, and discharge the fifth, the principal, by nolle prosequi,' after-judgment.

It cannot be doubted,, that had this nolle proseqwi been entered) before trial, the defendants must have been permitted to pléad if, puis dañen continuance, and that the plea must have been' sustained. And what reason is there, for placing them in a' worse situation, by suffering the nolle prosequi to be entered after judgment ? It is said they severed in pleading,- and suffered the cause to go to trial, without objection. But was it in the'power-of these defendants, to compel their co-obligors to join them in pleading? o'r if the plaintiff choose to proceed erroneously to trial, were 'the defendants, under any'obligation to arrest him, and set him right ? It das his own folly, if he ruled them to trial, or consented to go -to trial, or committed any other error, in proceeding to judgment I have stated it fo be not indispensable, in my- view of the subject, that the nolle.prosequi should be a bar in this case to a new suit against the principal. The derangement of the rights and liabilities of the- parties,, produced by it, appears a sufficient abjection both,-to the principle and practice. For, certainly, it goes to enable a plaintiff to recover, by'this device, ■ against parties, who otherwise could have defeated his action by suitably pleading.. By a novel practice, as it rebles to joint contracts, he is here, permitted, to evade an important legal principle. But, if this nolle prosequi can be shown to be a: bar to' his ac.tion against the principal, co-obligor, it would seem to be in-contestible, that this judgment ought to be reversed. And I am yet to learn, that, in a joint action in contract against several, a nolle prosequi as to the whale ketiou, against one. is not a baT-as to him.

The cases are very few in the Books, in which the effects of a nolle prosequi, in such a case, has been tried by the only suf-' ■ficient test — a plea in bar, to a suit upon the same contract. But as far as they have gone, they maintain the bar.

If a- bar, in cases in which the suit is against a single de-‘ fendant, there can be no reason assigned why it should not be a bar as against one of the several defendants. And to this point, Beecher’s case, reported in 8 Coke, 58. Croke James, 211, is direct and positive.

. That was a suit upon a bond, and the judgment there is nearly in the words of the judgment in this case.' On a second-action, upon the .same-contract, this was held to Le a-bar; and it became necessary to remove the judgments, by a'writ of error, for some technical informalities,, before this obligee could recover in the original contract.

It is true, that Serjeant Williams 'has said, in his note to 1 Saunders, (207 a.) lt that a nolle prosequi is now held to he no. fear to a future action, for the same cause, except in.those cases where, from the nature of the action; judgment and execution against one, is a satisfaction of all the damages sustained by the plaintiff.”

And by reference to the next page of his' note,- it -appears; that the exception here introduced, is intended to embrace ac-. -tions for torts; and therefore his rule is intended to apply to •actions on-contracts.

But the authorities he cites, are far from bearing him out in his doctrine. The case of Cooper vs. Tiffin, (3 T. R., 511,) upon which he relies, decides nothing but a question of costs-; and the position, that a nolle prosequi is no more than, a discontinuance, and the party may sue again, is only zxi obiter dictum', in case -where the point was not presented...

So, also, of his other case, in 1 Will. 89. The. facts did not raise the question on the effect of the nolle prosequi, as to-the defendant who was discharged by'it'; and the Judges, in-considering whether the plaintiff could have judgment against some of the joint contractors, where the other was discharged by bankruptcy, expressly decid'e upon the ground, that he being discharged by law, leaving the other bound for the debt, produced an analogy between that case and the case of a suit in-trespass, where oneonlymight.be sued separately-. But it is.said, and so 'Serjeant Williams assérts, " that the true nature and extent of a nolle prosequi, in civil-cases, was not accurately de-•lined and ascertained, until modern times.”

My own opinion is, from all the investigation I have been able to make, that it was much better understood, in forxnpr times, than it is at this day. That if it were now better understood, we should perceive fewer of those inconsistencies which are supposed to exist in the decisions on this subject. Thus Serjeant Williams-has mixed up the cases on ¿oris, with those on contracts, in such a manner as could only produce confusion. To sustain the doctrine that-a nolle prosequi, in an action of defat, is a bar to another suit oh the same bond, he quotes Green vs. Charnock, (Croke Eliz., 762,) which was trespass quare clausam,fregit. And for other cases which he says establishes the principle “that a nolleprosequi is not of the nature of a.'retraxit, or a release; but an agreement only, not to proceed as to some of the defendants, on a part of the suit.” Without restricting the doctrine tp any class of cases, he cites ,a string of authorities, in every one of which- the decisions were in actions of. trespass, or tort.

Yet it cannot be contended that the use of the nolleprosequi in Cases of tort, in which the defendants may be joined and dis-joined at the pleasure of the plaintiff, can afford precedent or authority for the use of it, in tases of joint contract; in which the law, regarding the nature of the-contract, and the rights of the parties, imposes on the -plaintiff the obligation to sue them .jointly.

To me it appears that there is afaunc ant authority to prove that the nolleprosequi, though entered by attorney, with the judgment that defendant “ eat sine die,” has the effect of a retraxit'. Lord Coke certainly places them on the same, foot, both in his Institutes, (1 Inst. 139,) and his comment upon Beecher’s case (8 Rep.,) and in both instances he describes the nolle prosequi as one of two kinds of retraxit, appropriate to different cases, but both producing a bar. And yet in one only is the term retraxit introduced into the-entry of judgment. (See also 2 Rolls Abridg. nolle prosequi.)

In Green vs. Charnock, (Cro. Eliz. 762,) they are certainly treated as s'yiionymous and equivalent. That was trespass, qua-re clausam fregit, against C. & SI S. made default and judgment of nil dicit was then taken against him. C. pleaded in bar, plaintiff replied, See. and judgment in demurrers for plaintiff. A nolle prosequi was then entered against S. and writ, of inquiry and judgment against C. And the case proceeds; thereupon-they brought error, and the error assigned, was because this, nolle prosequi is against one, .when judgment is taken against both; being that a retraxit against one is as strong as a release against the one, the which being to one defendant, is a good discharge to both.” So again, in the case of Dennis vs. Payne, Cro., ch. 551, P. & P. gave-their joint and several bond to D. who sued the one severally, and after plea, entered a .retraxit. He afterwards brought suit upon the bond, against the other, P. who plead the retraxit to the-first in bar. There was .no question made upon its being a bar, either direct or by cstoppal; as to the obligor first sued, it is, in terms, admitted. But the benefit of that discharge was claimed by the second P. and on this the judges divided, one maintaining that its effect was that of a release, and the other, that of an cstoppal, only to be. taken advantage of by him, in whosp favour it was entered; and Croke, who held it to be an cstoppal, identifies it with a nolle, prosequi, by observing that it is “ quasi an agreement that he will no further prosecute; “non vult ulterius prosequi.” So that both admit ir to be a bar against the one discharged. So in Hobart, 70, and in 3 Kebble, 332, p. 31, in the year 1674; nolle prosequi and retraxit are considered as synonymous. So in Silky’s Practical Register, in 1719, a nolleprosequi is defined thus : “this is, that the plaintiff will proceed no further in his action, and may be as well before as after verdict-; and is stronger against the plaintiff than a nonsuit, fora nonsuit is a default lor non-appearance, but this is a voluntary acknowledgment that he hath no cmsc of action:” (Title Nolle Pros.)

So Serjeant Salkeld, who comes down to the time of Queen Ann, riders to Beecher’s case for the law of retraxit', and gives the definition oi retraxit in the words of the entry of a nolle prosequi, (Title Retraxit, 3 Salk.) So in 4 Wood, 87, in .the year 1691, it is distinctly asserted, that an entry “ of a venithicin curia, etfalitur hie in.cuña, with a judgment that defendant eat und'c sine, die,” is equivalent to a retraxit. At what period a different idea begun to prevail, I have not been able to discover; certainly 1 can find-no adjudged case to support it.

In the case of Walsh vs. Bishop, in Cro. Char. 239. 243, re--icrrcd to by Serjeant Williams, as introducing a different doctrine, is directly against him. That was an action.of trespass and battery against two; they severed in pleading, and after verdict against both, a nolle prosequi was entered against one, and the other moved it in arrest of judgment. In that case, it is admitted, in terms,' by the Court, that as to the one, the nolle prosequi was an absolute bar. And by reference to the same case, in page 239, it will be seen, that the argumo.nl rested upon the right óf a plaintiff to proceed against one of several defendants in trespass.

If this plaintiff, ever had a right to proceed- against these four defendants, in originating this suit, 1 should have felt' no doubt. That is the case in trespass, that is the case where, one defendant is bankrupt,, or an infant, or pleads ne. unques executor. 1 Will. 89. 3 Espin. R. 76. There is-a modern book of practice of great respectability, (I mean Sellon, title, Nolle Prosequi,) in which this doctrine’is summed up to my entire satisfaction. The form of the entry is there given in words, and conforms entirely to the entry in this ease, except that the words are here added, that “ the plaintiffs take nothing by their bill,.but for their ‘.false clamours be in mercy;’” which can at least detract nothing from' the effects of the judgment. Yet it is there laid down, as the law of his day, that such a judgment, when it goes to • the whole cause of action, operates in effect, as a retraxit. The judgment in this case goes to the .whole cause of action, and as between the plaintiff and the Cashier, is of the same effect, as if there hád been no other defendant to'the action. In a subsequent part of the-article, the same author, (Sellon,) recognises the distinction between cases of trespass, or tort, and cases of'contract; and lays down the rights of the .parties in each, In. accordance with the views I entertain on the subject, to wit: that if the nolle prosequi be entered, so as to produce any derangement in- the rights of the defendant, to deprive them of a legal defence, or subject them to increased difficulties or liabilities, it is error.

• The case in Maul & Selwyn, which was supposed to have overruled, the previous decisions, is in. perfect accordance with the/n; for, although the defendant had pleaded non assumpsit, he had also pleaded his discharge as a bankrupt. On the contrary, if the language of the Court in that case 'be considered as affording the true rationale of the entry of the nolle prosequi, it would be fatal to the plaintiffs in this cause. The Court. say, it amounts-to an- acknowledgment that the one defendant had a defence. But what defence did this co-obligor set up.that the other defendants ought to have the benefit of? His pleas, were, in terms, those which had been pleaded by these co-obligors. If this confession of plaintiffs went to those pleas, then were- these defendants discharged,, since they could not be liable if he was not guilty.

■It is a question of no importance — one of no influence upon the law of the case, whether a nolle prosequi may be entered before,, or after judgment, or when i't may be entered; otherwise than as it affects the' legal relations of the parties, and the rules which govern suits at law.

And here, I think, I may very confidently maintain, that in no case can a nolle prosequi be legally entered, as to one of the defendants, unless the suit might originally have been maintained against those who remain; or, unless the remaining defendants might have availed themselves of pleading the non-joinder of their co-obligor, if their rights were affected by his exclusion from the action.-

In the first class are comprised all actions of .tort, in which no prejudice is done to the defendants, since their co-deffcnd-aut need not originally háve been made -a party. And I may add also, .the case.of bankrupts- and infants, both of whom, when joint contractors, may be admitted as defendants, upon declaring against their co-obligors, according to the-truth of the case.- They may, also, without prejudice to their co-defendants, be discharged by nolle prosequi; but even as to them, it seems the precedents imposed a restriction 5 for, it is ndt permitted, if they have blended their fate with that of their co-defendants, by joining in their pleas. They have then waived their privilege. If their pleas impart no waiver of their privilege, the. right of the plaintiff to his nolle prosequi, as to them, is conceded; because the relations of the parties are not altered, nor their rights in any way prejudiced. But I conceive the nolle prose-qui cannot be entered at. any point of time, when it would place the defendants in a worse situation, or deprive them of any advantage of making their defence.

Surely the precedents for entering the nolle prosequi after judgment in actions of trespass, against some'defendants, and going on to levy satisfaction from the’rest, can afford no precedent here; since it is, in the one case, what the law enjoins; in the other, what it forbids.

Nor are the precedents of cases in which the one defendant never was bound, or is discharged by operation of law, without discharging the other,- any better authority. In all these cases, the relative rights and liabilities of the'parties remain the same. No legal absurdities can ensue, and no more is given against them, by the judgment, than what could have been legally claimed of them by the action.

There is one curious result produced by this decision, which, is not among the least of the objections to rendering a judgment for the defendant in error." It cannot be contested, and the whole' argument is admitted, that if the discharge of the principal produce a bar -in his favour, this judgment should be. reversed for .error. But the conclusion, that it is no bar, is now to be deduced from a string of decisions, in evert one of .which, Serjeant Williams- himself admits, that no recovery could be had against the1 defendant who has been discharged by the nolle prosequi. It is true, he attributes this,fear to the nature of the action; blit this is at least-acknowledging that the material question, in the trespass cases, never could arise in the present rease.' In the only case, however, even in trespass, in which the question in this .case came distinctly before the Court, I mean the case of Green vs. Charnock, (1 Croke. 762;) in which there was an interlocutory judgment agalnst S.} and judgment pronounced against C., and a no/leproseqtd as to S.; it was adjudged, that the nolle prosequi as to S. was a release to him, and therefore to C.; and the judgment against C.„ -was reversed in error brought, and yet. there they did not join in pleading. If, in the present case, the defendants -had all pleaded, whether jointly or severally, and verdict had been.for the one defendant, on'any plea to the merits- it is clear, that, not-withstanding1 a verdict had passed for the plaintiff against the remaining four, he could not-have had judgment, (1 Sound. 317.) And the distinction between the actions of debt and trespass on this point, has been, until now, considered as known and established, (1 Plow. 66. 6. 8 Rep. 120. 133. 2 Lilly Ab. 210. 107.) Upon the whole, I am very clear, that this judgment ought to he reversed, and judgment below entered for defendants.

Judgment affirmed, with coats.  