TO ALTER

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TO ALTER


TO ALTER. To change. Alterations are made either in the contract itself, or in the instrument which is evidence of it. The contract may at any time bealtered with the consent of the parties, and the alteration may be either inwriting or not in writing. 2. It is a general rule that the terms of a contract under seal,cannot be changed by a parol agreement. Cooke, 500; 3 Blackf. R. 353; 4Bibb. 1. But it has been decided that an alteration of a contract byspecialty, made by parol, makes it all parol. 2 Watts, 451; 1 Wash. R. 170;4 Cowen, 564; 3 Harr. & John. 438; 9 Pick. 298; 1 East, R. 619; but see 3S.& R. 579. 3. When the contract is, in writing, but not under seal, it may bevaried by parol, and the whole will make but one agreement. 9 Cowen, 115;5.N. H. Rep. 99; 6 Harr. & John, 38; 18 John. 420; 1 John. Cas. 22; 5 Cowen,606; Pet. C. C. R. 221; 1 Fairf. 414. 4. When the contract is evidenced by a specialty, and it is altered byparol, the whole will be considered as a parol agreement. 2 Watt 451; 9Pick. 298. For alteration of instruments see Erasure; Interlineation. See,generally, 7 Greenl. 76, 121, 394; 15 John. 200; 2 Penna. R. 454.

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