The Langdon Cheves case was a dispute between Lamb, the claimant, and the United States concerning a vessel called The Langdon Cheves. The Supreme Court heard arguments from both sides in 1819. Lamb argued that he had purchased the ship for $3,000 and had made improvements to it worth an additional $1,500. He claimed that he owned title to the vessel but his ownership was challenged by the United States who alleged they held title due to unpaid duties on merchandise imported into Charleston Harbor aboard her. After considering all of evidence presented by both parties, including testimony from witnesses regarding Lamb's purchase of The Langdon Cheves as well as documents detailing repairs made at his expense after purchasing her; Justice Joseph Story delivered an opinion finding in favor of Lamb stating that "the facts proved were sufficient to establish a legal title" in him alone despite any claims asserted against it by third parties such as those brought forth by the United States government.

In the case of The Langdon Cheves, Lamb, Claimant (1819), Justice Story delivered a dissenting opinion. He argued that the majority had misconstrued and misinterpreted the terms of an agreement between two parties in order to reach their conclusion. According to Story, it was clear from both the language used by each party as well as other evidence presented during trial that there was no intention for either party to be bound by any particular term or condition beyond what they had agreed upon at that time. Furthermore, he noted that if one were to accept the majority's interpretation then it would lead to absurd results which could not have been intended by either side when entering into this contract. In conclusion, Justice Story concluded that while he respected his colleagues' opinions on this matter he felt compelled to dissent due its lack of consistency with established legal principles and precedent set forth in prior cases involving similar issues.