The Mechanics Bank of Alexandria (appellants) brought a case against Louisa and Anna Maria Seton (appellees), who were minors, by their guardian. The appellants argued that the appellees had received money from them in 1824 which they had not paid back. The court found that the contract between the parties was voidable due to both parties being under age at the time it was made, and therefore could be voided by either party without any legal consequences. Furthermore, since there was no evidence presented to show that payment had been made or accepted after 1824 when both parties became of age, then neither party could claim damages for breach of contract as all rights arising out of such contracts are extinguished upon reaching majority. As a result, judgment went in favor of appellees with costs awarded to appellants.

In the dissenting opinion of The Mechanics Bank of Alexandria, Appellants vs. Louisa and Anna Maria Seton, Appellees by their Guardian &c., Justice Story argued that the court should have reversed the judgment below as it was based on a misapprehension of law. He believed that there had been no legal tender made to pay off debts owed by William Seton prior to his death and thus any debt he left behind could not be collected from his daughters' inheritance. Furthermore, Story argued that even if such payment had been tendered in good faith before William's death, it would still be invalid due to Virginia state laws which prohibited minors from entering into contracts or making payments without guardianship approval. Therefore, since Louisa and Anna Maria were both under age at the time they inherited their father's estate, any contract entered into with them would also be voidable regardless of whether or not money was actually paid out for those debts beforehand. In conclusion Justice Story concluded that "the Court ought certainly to reverse this judgment".