•November 19,1839 District court hearing in Hartford, Connecticut.
•January 7,1840 District court continues in New Haven, and Sengbe testifies.Judson rules
on January 13 that captives are
free and that Gendney, Ruiz, and Montes are entitled to salvage.
•January 1840 U.S. District Attorney appeals decision to circuit court.
•May 1840 Judge Thomphson confirms district court decision.The Case is then appealed
to the Supreme Court.