"although this version originated in America:"
THere is no evidence that this was the case - it was argued here that it did, but in fact Tom got it from his sister who moved to America - there's no indication that she she didn't take it with her when she emigrated
It was unlike Tom to have ever sung an American song and his text bears no resemblance to any version I ever came across.
THe suggestion that Tom's version is American came from an American lady who appeared to be trying to fit a square peg in a round hole because of the 'St James Hospital' reference
We knew Tom well and recorded him closely for twenty years
I don't necessarily accept that the one Bert sings was made by him, or that it originated on a broadside - the fact is, we have no idea where any of these songs originated
Jim