You note the lack of accountability in documentation that might lead a court to accept a claim of citizenship. Britian started keeping vital records as a national endeavor in 1838. Should any of the sailors kept for a decision come face to face with a hostile character witness, in the form of a former commander or government representative who held documentation that would decisively challange citizenship claims, whether in the court at New York or London, junior might be living at government expense until sentencing, maybe longer if he's got a good lawyer.

There were five people hanged in a church in Springfield, New Jersey on April 10, 1862. This little event seems to have slipped past being archived, by and large. I have found but one reference to the event, done before the church's congregation. This was in a periodical named the Elizabeth Argus. If anyone ever finds reference to this act in any form please contact me through this board.