In 4,885 Bags of Linseed -- Wills, Claimant; Sears, Libellant case before the US Supreme Court in 1861, Sears brought a libel against Wills for damages to goods that were shipped from New York to Philadelphia. The court found that the contract between the parties was valid and enforceable as it had been made by an agent with authority from both parties. However, they also determined that there was no evidence presented to prove any actual damage or loss suffered by either party due to breach of contract. As such, they ruled in favor of Wills and dismissed Sears' claim for damages without prejudice. This ruling established precedent regarding contracts made through agents with authority from both parties being valid and enforceable even if there is no proof of actual damage or loss suffered due to breach of contract.

In 4,885 Bags of Linseed -- Wills, Claimant; Sears, Libellant case before the US Supreme Court, Justice Nelson delivered a dissenting opinion. He argued that the court should have dismissed the appeal because it was not properly brought to their attention. The lower court had found in favor of Sears and awarded damages for breach of contract against Wills. However, due to an error by counsel representing Sears on appeal they failed to include certain facts which were necessary for proper consideration by the Supreme Court. As such he believed that this omission rendered any decision made moot as there was no way for them to make a fair judgement without all relevant information being presented before them. Therefore he concluded that dismissal was appropriate and urged his colleagues on the bench to take similar action in future cases where appeals are improperly brought forward or lack sufficient evidence needed for review