Burnell & Lanier were indebted to Russell for $190 for merchandise purchased on credit. While alive, Thomas Clinton became indebted to the defendants for approximately the same amount. Clinton had six enslaved workers belonging to Russell, one named Isham . Upon Clinton's death, Lanier took possession of the men, presenting a forged bill of sale for them. Suit was filed to satisfy the debt, and return the enslaved, calling out the fraud of Lanier.