The United States brought a case against the Heirs and Representatives of Joseph H. Hawkins, Deceased, in an effort to reclaim land that had been granted by Congress to Hawkins' father for military service during the Revolutionary War. The Supreme Court held that although the grant was made before Georgia became a state, it was still valid under federal law because it predated any conflicting laws passed by Georgia after its admission into the Union. Furthermore, since there were no restrictions on alienation or descent of this property at the time of its original grant, it could be inherited according to common law principles and thus belonged rightfully to Hawkins’ heirs and representatives upon his death.

In this case, the United States argued that they had a right to take possession of certain land in Alabama which was owned by Joseph H. Hawkins and his heirs. The Supreme Court disagreed with the government's argument, ruling that it did not have any legal authority to seize the property without first obtaining consent from either Hawkins or his heirs. Furthermore, even if such consent were obtained, it would still be necessary for Congress to pass an act authorizing such a seizure before any action could be taken against them. The court concluded that since no such act existed at the time of this dispute, there was no basis for allowing the government's claim on Hawkins' land.