New York Court of Vice Admiralty 18 January 1779
Alexander McPherson v. the Crow Lane

Folder 16

This folder dated 1779 contains 12 numbered documents, 3 court papers and 9 ships' papers, relating to the capture of the "Crow Lane", Clive McBane master, by the "Experiment", Alexander McPherson commander.

Court Papers:

1. New York Court of Vice-Admiralty: Alexander McPherson v. the "Crow Lane". Libel showing that on 1 Jan 1779, off Cape Henry, one of the capes of Virginia, the "Crow Lane" master Clive McBane, was captured by teh "Experiment", Alexander McPherson commander and brought into New York. Her condemnation is prayed.

2. Deposition of Malcolm McCauley, born in Shire Ross in North Britain and a subject of King George III, who was aboard the Crow Lane at the time of capture off Cape Henry on her voyage to Virginia. Deponent, a common seaman aoard her, states that the Crow Lane was built at Bermuda and was owned by George Wells a merchant there, and that Clive McBane was appointed master by him. There was a crew of 7, 4 of them from North Britain and two from ireland, and the other a Bermudan. The Crow Lane's last voyage began at Bermuda, and that she sailed to Trk's Island and that she was proceeding from there to Virginia when captured. She was laden with about 1200 bushels of salt, shipped at Turk's Island.

3. (there is no #3)

Ships' papers:

4. License to Clive Bean (sic) master of the Crow Lane bound to the Caicos to take 4 crew on board, issued by George Bruere, Gov of Bermuda.

5. Scrap of paper giving permission to Clive Bean to load salt at Salt Key. Dated 1 Dec 1778. Signed Andre Symmer, agent for His Majesty.

6. A printed receipt, dated 7 Nov 1778 from EL Burch, receiver for the port of Bermuda for 6/- received by him from Clive Bean of the Crow Lane recently arrived from Turk's Island. This sum for the use of Greenwich Hospital, be a 6d a month from each of his crew.

7. License by the Gov of Bermuda, for the Crow Lane bound for the Caicos to depart Bermuda, the master having given security and cleared in the Secretary's office.

8. Ship's register. A printed form that George Wells, Jr of Bermuda has taken oath that the Crow Lane, whereof William Cox is master, of 30 tons and built in Bermuda in 1720, is now the property of himself and William Hall, Sr. Sworn 30 Jul 1778. Over the page is a certificate that Clive Bean is now master, dated 29 Sep 1778. Endorsed "Sloop Crow Lane's register".

9. A printed clearance certificate issued to the Crow Lane at Bermuda on 7 Nov 1778, bound for the Caicos.

10. Turk's Island. A certificate by Andrew Symmer, "Agent for His Majesty" that the Crow Lane bound to Bermuda, has a load on board 1100 bushels of salt. Dated 5 Dec 1778.

(reference: Virginia Colonial records: Survey Record No 5727, PRO class HCA 32/302; High Court of Admiralty- Prize Parers: pg 3-4, folder 16)