7
I 28th September, 1936.
No. N.L. 2991/36.
My Lord,
I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the
Admiralty to forward herewith copy of report dated the
2nd ultimo from the Naval Attache at Washington concerning
the proposed restoration of the monument erected on the
grave in Fort Hancock Military Reservation, Sandy Hook,
New Jersey, which is believed to contain the remains of
officers and men belonging to H.M.S. ASSISTANCE who lost
their lives in 1783.
2. The Captain's log and the Muster Book of
H.M.S. ASSISTANCE for the period in question, which are now
preserved amongst the Admiralty records at the Public Record
Office, have been consulted.
3. S From these documents it is found that the
ASSISTANCE, under the command of Captain William Bentinck,
sailed from Spitbead on 17th.October 1783 and moored in
Sandy Hook Bay on 21st December following.   On 31st
December she sent her launch on dutyto the JUNO transport,
anchored in the Bay.   Later in the day it was reported,
that the crew of the launch had taken her and deserted
in a body.   Thereupon the barge of the ASSISTANCE was manned
and armed under the command of Lieutenant Hon. H.D.
Hallyburton and sent in chase of the deserters.   The barge
not having returned by the 2nd January (1784) the ship's
cutter was despatched in search of her.   At 4 p.m. the
cutter returned with thebarge which had been swamped,
resulting.•.
The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Morton,
Conaglen,
Ardgour,
Argyllshire.
resulting in the deaths of Lieutenant Halliburton,
Lieutenant Champion of the Marines and 12 men.   The names
and particulars of those who perished are given in the
enclosed list copies from the Muster Book of the ASSISTANCE.
The bodies, except those of Hamilton, Wood and Tomlinson,
had been recovered and were brought on board the ASSISTANCE.
Coffins were made on board and at 10 a.m. on 3rd January
the bodies were taken ashore for burial.
4. As the Hon. Hamilton Dougias Hallyburton, R.N.,
one of the officers who lost their lives on this occasion,
was the younger son of Catherine, Countess of Morton, who
is understood to have erected the original monument, My
Lords feel that your Lordships may wish to be associated with
the proposed restoration of the memorial.
5. I am, therefore, commanded by Their Lordships to
enquire as to your wishes in the matter, and whether you
may be able to furnish any of the further particulars
asked for by H.M. Naval Attache.
I am, etc.,
(Signed) H. EASTWDOD.