In the case of American Bridge Company v. Heidelbach, the Supreme Court of the United States was asked to decide whether a contract between the American Bridge Company and the Heidelbachs was valid. The Heidelbachs had contracted with the American Bridge Company to build a bridge across the Ohio River. The contract specified that the bridge was to be built in accordance with the plans and specifications provided by the American Bridge Company. The Heidelbachs argued that the contract was invalid because the American Bridge Company had failed to provide the plans and specifications as required by the contract. The Supreme Court held that the contract was valid and enforceable. The Court found that the American Bridge Company had provided the plans and specifications as required by the contract and that the Heidelbachs had accepted them. The Court also found that the Heidelbachs had failed to provide any evidence that the plans and specifications were inadequate or that the American Bridge Company had failed to fulfill its obligations under the contract. The Court concluded that the contract was valid and enforceable and that the Heidelbachs were obligated to pay the American Bridge Company for the construction of the bridge. The Court also held that the Heidelbachs were not entitled to any damages for the alleged breach of contract.

In American Bridge Company v. Heidelbach, the Supreme Court was tasked with determining whether a bridge company had the right to build a bridge over navigable waters without obtaining permission from Congress. The majority opinion held that such permission was not required and that the company could proceed with construction of its proposed bridge. However, Justice Field dissented from this ruling and argued that Congress must be consulted before any structure is built across navigable waters as it has exclusive authority in matters concerning navigation on these waterways. Furthermore, he noted that if private companies were allowed to construct bridges without consulting Congress then they would have too much power over public lands which should only be granted by an act of legislation passed by Congress itself. In conclusion, Justice Field believed that since building a bridge across navigable waters affects interstate commerce it should require congressional approval before proceeding forward with construction plans.