In Congdon, et al., and Tennessee Mining Company vs. Goodman and Bledsoe, the Supreme Court was asked to determine whether a contract between two parties could be enforced when one of the parties had died before it was executed. The court found that while contracts are generally binding on both parties, if one party dies prior to execution then there is no enforceable agreement in place. Furthermore, the court held that any rights or obligations created by an unenforceable contract cannot be transferred to another person unless they were specifically mentioned in the original document. This decision established important precedent for future cases involving contractual agreements with deceased persons as well as those involving transfers of rights or obligations from such agreements.

In Congdon, et al., and Tennessee Mining Company vs. Goodman and Bledsoe, the Supreme Court was asked to decide whether a mining company had the right to exclude others from entering their property for prospecting purposes. The majority opinion held that they did not have such a right as it would be an infringement on public rights of navigation and commerce. However, in his dissenting opinion Justice Nelson argued that while Congress has authority over navigable waters, it does not extend beyond them so far as to grant individuals or companies exclusive rights over non-navigable streams or rivers within state boundaries. He further stated that if Congress were allowed this power then states could no longer exercise control over their own lands which is contrary to established principles of law. Furthermore he noted that granting exclusive access would encourage investment in developing these resources which benefits society at large by providing employment opportunities and increasing economic activity in the region.