In the case of E.J. DuPont de Nemours & Co., Libellants and Appellants, v. John Vance et al., Claimants of the Brig Ann Elizabeth, a dispute arose between two parties regarding ownership rights to a brig named Ann Elizabeth that had been captured by Confederate forces during the Civil War in 1863 and subsequently sold at auction in 1864. The claimants argued that they were entitled to possession of the vessel as it was their property prior to its capture while DuPont contended that they purchased it from an authorized sale conducted by United States officials following its recapture from Confederate forces after hostilities ceased in 1865. After hearing both sides’ arguments, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of DuPont on grounds that their purchase was valid under existing laws governing such sales since it occurred after hostilities ended and thus did not violate any neutrality laws or treaties with foreign powers then in effect at time of sale.

In the case of E.J. Dupont de Nemours & Co., Libellants and Appellants, v. John Vance et al., Claimants of the Brig Ann Elizabeth, a majority opinion was issued in favor of the claimants; however, Justice McLean dissented from this decision. He argued that under maritime law, when goods are shipped on board a vessel with an intent to be sold at their destination for payment upon delivery or credit terms agreed upon prior to shipment, then title remains with the shipper until such time as payment is made by either party according to those terms. In this particular case he found that there had been no agreement between parties regarding any other form of transfer than what would have occurred if full payment had been made at delivery - thus title remained with Dupont de Nemours & Co.. Therefore Justice McLean concluded that they were entitled to recover damages against all who interfered with their property rights in regards to these goods which were still legally theirs despite not having received full payment yet from their customers abroad.