<CLIP> Loyalists' grave site found in Sandy Hook > Published in the Asbury Park Press 07/11/05 > BY CAROLE ANN LANG > GUEST WRITER The story presented was so filled with error, that the true story needs to ne told in the words of the participants. The participants were not Loyalists but rather members of the Royal Navy. What may come as a surprise to some is that Royak Bavy was in New York Harbor after the evacuation of that place. The letter is lengthy so will be provided in two parts. The orginal is found in the UK at The National Archvies (formerly PRO) in ADM 1/491, ff. 11-13. Assistance* at Sandy Hook 2d Jany 1784 Sir Captain [Hon'ble Alexander Forrester Inglis] Cochrane in the Sophie** having been detained longer by some Days than I intended; in the first place for the purpose of expediting the Transports yet remaining in these parts; and since by Snowy weather, affords me opportunity of performing with unspeakable regret the disagreeable task, of accquainting you for the inform-ation of my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, of a most distressing Accident which happened in the manner following Vizt Our Seamen are so prone to desertion, that on the 31st Ultimo, between the Hours of three and four, Six of them under the command of a Midshipman, being sent in the Long Boat (which had only two Oars and one Sail) with empty water Casks in her, in order to fetch full ones in lieu thereof, from the Bridgewater Transport; at Anchor a little astern of us; overpowered the Midshipman, cut the Rope they were again to be hauled ahead by, and made for the Jersey Shore - As soon as perceived, Common men being no longer trusted five having deserted the Day before; the Hon'ble Hamilton Douglas Hallyburton***, first Lieutenant of this His Majesty's Ship Lieut James Champion**** of the Marines Eleven Gentlemen of the Quarter Deck; as Pr Margin; and one seaman went eagerly into the Barge in the fullest confidence of catching the Long Boat; but soon after they put off, the Weather thickened with Snow; and the Wind which was E N E freshned [sic] so as very soon to blow hard, When it grew dark we fired a Gun every half hour, untill half past 9 OClock and no Boat appearing, we took it for granted, they had got safe onshore, the Water when they first left the Ship being quit smooth. Yesterday it blew hard all Day, and this morning it being moderate and clear we got sight of both Boats, laying aground on the Jersey Shore (The Barge having her Head toward the Sea and her Grapnail ahead of her at some distance from each other. An inhabitant told us this Morning, that the Deserters had landed safe, and we of course flattered ourselves, that the Gentlemen who were in the Barge, had done so too but no body appearing near either of them we sent an Officer onshore, in the Sophie's Boat, to look for the Gentlemen and bring the Boats off; when to the unutterable grief of us all, we found ashore in a swampy place, a considerable way within the Barge, with their faces landwards, the dead Bodies of Lieut Hallyburton Lieut Champion and eight Midshipmen, the Bodies of three and that of the Seaman, not having been found, some of us flatter ourselves they may be yet safe - * 4th Rate, 50 guns, 1045 tons(bm), 146 ft x 41 ft. Launched 12 Mar 1781 by Baker shipyard at Liverpool. She was the falgship of the new RN North American Station, moved from New York to Halifax at the peace. Commodore Sir Charles Douglas was the new CinC N. America entroute to take command. ** Correctly La Sophie, formerly a large French privateer of 22 guns captured 12 Sep 1782 at the mouth of the Delaware. Purchased as a 6th Rate Frigate of 28 guns, 388 tons(bm), 108½ ft x 34½ ft. *** Date of rank as Lieutenant: 19 Feb 1781 **** Date of rank as 1st Lieutenant of Marines: 03 Jan 1779 [to be continued]