Samuel W. Oakey, plaintiff in error, brought a case against John H. Bennett and John H. Illies to the Supreme Court of the United States for an appeal from the Circuit Court of Virginia. The dispute was over a promissory note given by William Hall to Oakey on February 1st 1845 for $1,000 with interest at 6%. After Hall's death his administrator Bennett refused to pay out any money due under this note as he believed it had been paid off before his death; however Illies claimed that he held part ownership in said debt and thus should receive payment upon its satisfaction or collection from Oakey himself. The Supreme Court found that although there was no evidence presented showing that either party had made payments towards this debt prior to Hall's death, they did find sufficient proof indicating that both parties were aware of their respective interests in said debt which meant they could not deny each other’s claims after Halls passing away without first settling them between themselves according to law. Therefore judgment was entered affirming the decision of the Circuit court ordering both defendants jointly liable for payment on behalf of William Hall’s estate

In the dissenting opinion of this case, Justice McLean argued that the plaintiff had a valid claim to recover damages from the defendant. He believed that even though there was no written contract between them, an implied agreement existed based on their prior dealings and mutual understanding. The majority opinion held that since there was no express contract in writing, it could not be enforced by law; however, Justice McLean disagreed with this reasoning and stated that such agreements should still be recognized as binding if they are made in good faith. Furthermore, he noted that any other ruling would lead to injustice for those who rely on verbal contracts without having them reduced to writing. In conclusion, Justice McLean argued against the majority's decision and maintained his belief in upholding oral contracts when all parties involved have acted fairly and honestly towards one another.