This Supreme Court case involved Israel W. Raymond, the owner and claimant of 844 tons of coal aboard a ship called the Orphan, appealing against William Tyson who had filed a libel against him. The dispute arose when Tyson claimed that he was entitled to receive payment for services rendered in relation to the cargo on board the Orphan. However, Raymond argued that as he owned both the vessel and its cargo, no such payments were due since they would amount to double compensation for his own property. The court ultimately sided with Raymond's argument and held that it would be unjust for him to pay twice for something which belonged solely to him. This decision established an important precedent regarding ownership rights over vessels and their cargoes in maritime law going forward.

In the case of Israel W. Raymond, Owner and Claimant of the Cargo of the Ship Orphan, consisting of 844 tons of coal v. William Tyson, Libellant (1854), Justice McLean delivered a dissenting opinion in which he argued that under admiralty law it was not necessary for libellants to prove their title or ownership before they could recover damages from a third party who had wrongfully taken possession of goods belonging to them. He reasoned that since there is no such requirement in civil cases involving property disputes between private parties, then why should it be required when dealing with maritime matters? Furthermore, he noted that if this were indeed true then any person would have an incentive to take possession without legal authority as long as they can produce some evidence showing their claim is valid; thus making it difficult for rightful owners to reclaim what belongs to them. In conclusion Justice McLean stated his belief that while proof may be needed at trial regarding ownership rights and other issues related thereto; however these matters should not prevent someone from recovering damages due simply because they cannot provide sufficient evidence beforehand.