William Galdie, Factor on the Sequestrated Estate of James Anderson v. William Gray

James Anderson formed a partnership with John Brown, Robert Carrick, and William Gray for the purpose of manufacturing linens in Glasgow. The partnership was known as Brown, Carrick, and Company. Although the firm was successful, Anderson became insolvent, and his personal estate was sequestered by the court. William Galdie was appointed factor. Partner William Gray, who was a creditor to Anderson, sought to attach Anderson’s interest in Brown, Carrick, and Company; two other creditors named Archibald and John Coates did the same. In response, the firm raised a process of multiplepoinding. In that proceeding, Gray claimed a preference, asserting that as a partner in Brown, Carrick, and Company, he had a common law right of retention with respect to Anderson’s interest. Additionally, Gray claimed a preference based on a clause in the firm’s partnership agreement. As factor, William Galdie opposed these claims, arguing that any right of retention was held by the partnership, not by the partners as individuals. Galdie further argued that the cited clause in the partnership agreement did not apply. Gray’s claims were initially rejected by the court; thus, Gray became the petitioner and Galdie the respondent in subsequent phases of litigation.