New York Court of Vice Admiralty 9 January 1778

Adv-Genl. etc. v. Duke of Grafton, master Nicholas Hinson

Folder 12

This folder dated 1780 contains 19 numbered documents, 4 court papers and 5 ships' papers, elating to the capture of the "Duke of Grafton", Nicholas Hanson (Hinson) master, by a number of English men-of-war.

1. New York Court of Vice-Admiralty; Adv.-Genl. etc. v "Duke of Grafton". Libel showing that Richard Onslow, Capt of HMS St Alban's, on behalf of imself, Capt Gedouin, HMS Richmond, Capt Hyde Parker, HMS Phoenix, and Capt Caldwell, HMS Emerald, claims that the Duke of Grafton captured by them 27 Dec 1777 in Hampton Road, Virginia, to be condemned as prize. Filed 9 Jan 1778. Endorsed as above.

2. Deposition of Danil Brian born in Bermuda and a subject of George III. He was present at the capture of the Duke of Grafton at Hampton Road. The Captain was Nicholas Hanson, resident of Bermuda. The crew consisted of 7 persons partly American, partly Bermudians. Voyage started at St Eustatia. He was told by the Captain she was bound for New York, but when at sea, a passenger told him they were for Baltimore in Virginia and that therefore they went up Chesapeak bay about 40 or 50 miles where the sloop went aground and was captured.

3. Deposition of Samuel Anthony, a Bermudan, and a subject of King George III, confirms but does not supplement the deposition of Brian.

4. Bill of lading by Cornelius Stevenson, St Eustatia, of goods loaded aboard the Duke of Grafton and consigned to Anthony Van Dam, merchant of New York. Dated 24 Nov 1777.

5. Letter from Cornelius Stevenson, St Eustatia, 24 Nov 1777 to Anthony Van Dam, NY, informing him that by the order of Edward Stiles, the wwriter has consigned by the Duke of Grafton 20 hhds of rum etc.

6. A printed certificate issued at Bermuda on 2 Nov 1776, that the Duke of Grafton, James Holliday master, bound for Turk's Island in ballast has entered and cleared according to law.

7. A license issued by George Buere, Gov of Bermuda, to James Holliday master of the Duke of Grafton, to sail for Turk's Island. 2 Nov 1776

8. Declaration by enjamin Stiles of Bermuda at present master of the Duke of Grafton that he and James Holliday are the present owners. Dated 5 June 1771. Endorsement on back showing change of master.

(reference: Virginia Colonial records: Survey Record No 5731, PRO class HCA 32/312; pg 4, folder 12)