In this case, the plaintiffs in error were Maria Matheson, John Darrington, Robert D. James, Billups Gayle, John Gayle and Edward M. Ware. The defendants were the Branch of the Bank of State of Alabama at Mobile (the "Bank"). The plaintiffs had sued for a debt owed to them by one William Boddie who was deceased at that time and whose estate was insolvent. They argued that they should be allowed to recover from his debtors or those holding his assets as security for debts due him; namely the Bank which held certain bonds given by Boddie as collateral on an outstanding loan he had taken out with them prior to his death. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled against the Plaintiffs finding that since there was no evidence presented showing any fraud or collusion between Boddie and the bank when entering into their agreement nor any other special circumstances surrounding it then under existing law only creditors having claims against Boddie's estate could have recourse against such assets held by third parties like banks as security for loans made before his death - not creditors suing after-the-fact like these Plaintiffs here did in this case.

In this case, the plaintiffs argued that a state bank was not allowed to issue notes of less than five dollars. The Supreme Court disagreed and held that the Bank of Alabama had the right to do so under its charter. Justice McLean dissented from this opinion, arguing that it violated both constitutional principles and public policy. He noted that Congress had previously prohibited banks from issuing small denomination notes in order to protect citizens from fraud and speculation. Furthermore, he argued that allowing such practices would lead to an increase in inflationary pressures on currency values which could have serious economic consequences for individuals who relied on these notes as their primary source of money or credit. Finally, he contended that if states were permitted to issue small denomination bills then they should be subject to federal regulation like any other form of banking activity since it affects interstate commerce.