In The Heirs of Don Carlos de Vilemont v. The United States, the Supreme Court was tasked with deciding whether or not a Spanish grantee could claim land in Louisiana after the state had become part of the United States. Don Carlos de Vilemont had been granted title to certain lands by Spain before Louisiana became part of America and his heirs sought to have that title recognized by U.S courts. However, the court ruled against them on two grounds: firstly, because they were unable to prove their right to ownership under Spanish law; and secondly, because it held that any rights which may have existed under Spanish law were extinguished when Louisiana became part of America due to its doctrine of sovereignty over all territories within its borders. As such, no valid claim for land ownership could be made based upon a prior grant from Spain once those lands fell within American jurisdiction.

In The Heirs of Don Carlos de Vilemont v. the United States, the Supreme Court was tasked with determining whether or not a certain tract of land in Louisiana belonged to the heirs of Don Carlos de Vilemont. In an 8-1 decision, it was held that title to this land did not pass from Spain to France and then on to the United States as part of its purchase agreement for Louisiana in 1803. Justice Daniel dissented from this opinion, arguing that there were two distinct titles at play: one between Spain and France; and another between France and the United States. According to Justice Daniel's dissent, both titles should have been respected by all parties involved - including those claiming ownership through descent from Don Carlos de Vilemont - since they had been established prior to any dispute over possession or title arising out of these lands. Ultimately, he argued that if either party could prove their right under either title then they would be entitled to possess it regardless who currently holds legal title according thereto