William Lewis sued Thomas Lewis, the administrator de bonis non of Moses Broadwell who had recently passed away. William claimed that he was entitled to use a certain piece of land owned by Nicholas Longworth, and sought compensation for its use from Thomas. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of William, finding that his right to the land was established through an agreement between him and Nicholas prior to Nicholas' death. Furthermore, they found that this agreement could not be revoked or altered after his passing due to it being considered a vested interest at the time of his death. As such, William's claim against Thomas as executor was valid and he should receive payment for its usage accordingly.

In the case of William Lewis, who sues for the use of Nicholas Longworth, Plaintiff v. Thomas Lewis, Administrator de bonis non of Moses Broadwell, Deceased; Chief Justice Taney delivered a dissenting opinion. He argued that the plaintiff had no right to recover from an administrator de bonis non because he was not a creditor or legatee under the will and therefore could not be considered as having any legal interest in it. Furthermore, he stated that even if there were some equitable grounds on which to base his claim against an administrator de bonis non they would have been extinguished by lapse of time since no action had been brought within three years after administration began. Finally, he concluded that since there was nothing in this particular case which gave rise to any equity or special circumstances entitling him to relief against an administrator de bonis non then his suit should fail and judgment should be entered for defendant accordingly.