Temporary record

In 1888, the Ocean Wrecking Company of Philadelphia began operations to salvage treasure from the HMS Braak, sunk in Delaware Bay in 1798. The Braak was built by the Dutch in 1787 and was then captured successively by the French and British. Capt. James Drew of the Royal Navy took command of the Braak in 1797, and he and his crew of 87 men sailed the next spring to the West Indies to participate in the war with Spain. The Braak was preparing to return to England after capturing two Spanish galleons (or five, according to some reports) when it capsized in a sudden squall, losing 40 of the ship's crew and over 200 Spanish prisoners. The salvers expected to recover as much as $25 million in gold and silver bars and precious stones, and proceeded to sell shares in the treasure to speculators.

The Ocean Wrecking Crew's salvage attempts of 1888 were unsuccessful because, according to the Company, they set out too late in the season and the search steamer, the City of Long Branch, was "entirely unsuited for the purpose of ocean wrecking," being a Mississippi River-type stern wheeler that was unable to hold a steady position above the wreck. Financial shortages may also have contributed to its lack of success. In 1889, the Company raised funds for a second expedition by again selling shares (a $100 certificate brought a return of $3,000 if $10 million was salvaged, or pro rated if the amount were lower).

This accession includes an 85 page log-book from the steamer, City of Long Branch, dated 31 July 1888 to 24 September 1888. In addition to details of the ship's position, activities, and the weather, the log-book documents the financial problems that afflicted the first salvage effort. Also included are physical specifications for the City of Long Branch and a list of her personnel. Charles A. Adams is listed as the ship's Captain, Seth Pancoast is the medical officer.

The other items in this accession include 3 pages of notes on the history of the Braak sinking and its possible location; a "copy of bearings" of the Braak taken from information provided by a witness to the sinking; an 1888 manuscript Certificate for Charles A. Adams (Captain of the City of Long Branch) promising him $50,000 if $10 million was recovered; a promotional pamphlet for the Ocean Wrecking Company's 1889 expedition; one letter from James Kane (possibly an officer of the Ocean Wrecking Co.) following the failed expedition of 1888 noting that funds are available for the next attempt; and a letter from S.H. Coppage of Kentucky, who claims to be able to locate lost or buried treasure with an unspecified instrument.

One newspaper article concerns the grounding of the battle ship, USS Oregon off the coast of China in 1900 and attemts to raise her.

M-2373

Adams, Charles A.
Braak (Vessel)
City of Long Branch (ship)
Coppage, S.H.
Diving, Submarine
Log-books
Ocean Wrecking Company
Pancoast, Seth, 1823-1889
Salvage--Delaware Bay
Treasure-trove--Delaware Bay
Kane, James G.

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