Vigel v. Hopp

Vigel v. Hopp. "Where the answer is responsive to the allegations of the complainant’s bill, they must, to entitle him to relief, be sustained by the testimony of two witnesses, or of one witness corroborated, by circumstances which are equivalent in weight to the testimony of another witness. Appeal from the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia. The facts are sufficiently stated in the opinion of the court. Mr. Saul S. Henltle for the appellant. There was no opposing counsel. [MAJORITY — Mr. Chief Justice Waite] Mr. Chief Justice Waite delivered the opinion of the court. • This is a suit in equity begun by the appellee to set aside a deed executed by her to the appellant, on the ground that the deed, though absolute on its face, was intended only as security for a. debt, which has since been paid in full. There are numerous allegations of fraud, but the" whole scope and purpose of the suit is to-, establish a trust, and get back the property in that way. The answer denies every allegation- of fraud and trust, and insists that the deed was intended-as an absolute conveyance, and not as security. ,-This is responsive. to the bill, and before the relief can be granted which is asked, these denials must be overcome by the-satisfactory testimony of two ■witnesses,, or of one witness corroborated by circumstances which are equivalent in weight to another. 2 Story, Eq., sect. 1528. - The appellee is the only witness in support of .the bill, and the corroborating circumstances are not, in our opinion, sufficient to overcome the answer. It will serve no useful purpose to enter into analysis of the testimony. Decree reversed, and cause remanded with instructions to dismiss the bill.