Schooner George M. Adams ~ 1 May 1897

Annual Report of the Operations of the United States Life-Saving Service for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897:

Stranded about 4 a.m. 1 mile SSE. Of the station and 75 yards offshore, the casualty being discovered a few moments later by the patrolman as he returned along his beat, whereupon he discharged his night signal and hastened forward to give the alarm. The keeper, having first telephoned the Bodie Island crew for assistance, to which call they promptly responded, set out with his men and the beach apparatus, drawn by the Government team, for the scene, where they arrived at 5.45 a.m., and at the first shot laid a line across the vessel and landed the master in the breeches buoy. The latter did not desire to have his crew taken off at that time, but while discussing the situation the vessel came in close to the beach, broadside on, forming a lee, and her hands, 8 in number, launched their yawl, and, making fast to the whip line of the buoy, were hauled ashore in safety, with their effects, by the two life saving crews, three trips being thus made. All the shipwrecked sailors were now taken to the Nags Head Station, whence 6 of them left on the 3d inst. By steamer for Norfolk; but the captain and two men remained until the 14th instant, saving what they could from the schooner, with the assistance of the surfmen, and finally disposing of her at public auction.

Steamer Hesperides ~ 9 October 1897

Annual Report of the Operations of the United States Life-Saving Service for the fiscal year ending June 30 1898:

Stranded during hazy weather on the SW. point of Diamond Shoal, 8 miles from station, on the morning of the 9th. As the weather continued thick all day she was not discovered by the life savers until early next morning. Keeper notified the crews of Creeds Hill and Big Kinnakeet stations, arranging for the former to go direct to the wreck and for the latter to assist the Hatteras crew. The surf boat was launched, and at 9.20 a.m. the surfmen boarded the steamer, followed by the Creeds Hill crew. As the steamer was hard aground, with 6 feet of water in her engine room, the keepers advised the master to abandon her, but he would not consent until two hours later, when the surfmen lowered three of the ship’s boats, and after putting in them the crew of 24 persons, with their personal effects, started ashore and landed them on the beach abreast of station. The Big Kinnakeet crew aided in effecting the landing and unloading the baggage. Dry clothing was furnished to those in need. Eleven were sheltered and succored at the station until the 11th, and all were finally sent to Durante Station for passage to Elizabeth City. The vessel proved a total loss. (See letter of acknowledgment.)

Hesperides

CAPE HATTERAS LIFE-SAVING STATION, October 11, 1897

SIR: We, the undersigned, members of the crew of the British steamer Hesperides, bound from Cuba to Baltimore, with a cargo of iron ore, wish to make the following statement: On the 9th instant, at 9.30 a.m. (presuming ourselves well clear of shallow water), made out Cape Hatteras lighthouse for a few minutes, the weather at the time being very hazy on the land. Soon afterwards the steamer took the ground on the outer Diamond Shoal. The weather being very fine and the water smooth, we did not anticipate any anger and made no signal of distress, but during the remainder of the day we could see neither the land nor the lighthouse. On October 10, at 6.30 a.m., could make out the land distinctly, the weather still continuing fine, and at 8 a.m., could make out the land distinctly, the weather still continuing fine, and at 8 a.m., sighted a boat under sails bearing toward us from the lighthouse, which on coming alongside proved to be the Cape Hatteras life saving boat, and soon afterwards the lifeboat of the Creeds Hill Station came alongside.

     After a long consultation, we came to the decision that the floating of the ship was an impossibility and decided upon abandoning her. We have great pleasure in expressing our heartfelt thanks for the splendid service rendered and the kindness displayed by all in aiding us to gather together our personal effects and bringing us ashore; and afterwards in attending to our wants and comfort. We also wish to extend to all connected with this humane institution our warmest thanks. Respectfully yours, G.O. WILLIAMS, Master ; MORRIS JONES, Chief Officer ; LLEWELLYN T. GRIFFITH, Chief Engineer

Ship Mathilda ~ October 27, 1897

The Baltimore Sun, Oct. 27, 1897

Schooner Samuel W. Hall ~ 24 December 1897

Annual Report of the Operations of the United States Life-Saving Service for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1898:

Stranded on the beach at 4.20 a.m., ¼ mile NE. of station. Keeper notified New Inlet and Gull Shoal stations, and then started out with the surfboat. The heavy sea and strong current made it inadvisable, if not impossible, to launch the boat, and therefore the beach apparatus was hurried to the scene. By this time the crews from the other two stations arrived, and a line was fired over the vessel and the hawser was soon set up. Four men were safely landed, but the hawser chafed through and parted under the crosstrees while the fifth was being hauled ashore. Life savers hauled him through the surf in safety, sent off the hawser again, and finally landed the last two men. Took them all to the station for shelter and succor. Next day the surfmen boarded the schooner, furled sail, and landed the stoves and provisions. On the 27th the 6 seamen left for Norfolk; on the 29th the vessel was condemned by board of survey and was stripped of her rigging, and on January 19, the cargo having been disposed of, the master left the station. (See letter of acknowledgment.)

CHICAMACOMICO LIFE-SAVING STATION, NORTH CAROLINA, January 18, 1898

SIR: Please accept thanks from me for the valuable services rendered by the keeper and crew of this station and the keepers and crews of the New Inlet and Gull Shoal stations in saving me and my crew from a watery grave at the wreck of my vessel on December 24, 1897, near this station. I also wish to mention the kind treatment to myself and crew while at the station. Respectfully submitted, THOMAS MUMFORD, Master of Schooner Samuel W. Hall