Eliphalet Lyon v. Samuel G. Mitchell, Appellant

Summary

The Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court's judgment, holding that the trial judge's jury instruction requiring proof that the plaintiff's actions directed attention to the steamers and led to negotiations was correct, and that the contract was not void as a matter of public policy. Accordingly, the plaintiff was entitled to the agreed commission, less the amount paid to the government agent. The Court rejected the argument that the consideration of political influence rendered the contract illegal. Justice Grover dissented, arguing the contract was void and the jury instruction erroneous.