Melvin v. Western Union Telegraph Co.

The opinion of the Court was delivered by'

Mr. Ci-iiEE 'Justice Watts.

This is an action for damages based upon mental anguish suffered by the respondent, as the result of the nondelivery of a telegram, addressed to him at Johnsonville, S. C. The telegram read as follows: “Come home at once you are needed.”

The telegram related to the illness and impending confinement of respondent’s wife. If it had been promptly received, respondent would have left Johnsonville and returned to his home in Florence, and would have been able to be with his wife, during her suffering and illness, several hours…