Beecher v. Montgomery Ward & Co., Inc.

Plaintiff brought an action for libel against defendant, seeking both general and punitive damages. The jury returned a verdict for defendant and plaintiff appealed.

Plaintiff owed defendant several hundred dollars on an account for merchandise. The parties compro mised the claim for $439, and plaintiff paid the compromised amount. Thereafter, defendant attempted to collect what would have been the balance of the bill had it not been compromised and finally wrote the following letter to plaintiff’s employer:

“Jim Fisher Imports 106 N. E. Grand Portland, Oregon

James A. Beecher Re: Rt. 1, Box 294E