H.M.S. Mermaid

The Mermaid (A) being chased from Cape Henlopen (B) by the French fleet at the mouth of Delaware Bay (C), July 7^th 1778.

HMS Mermaid was stationed at the mouth of the Delaware Bay to warn approaching British vessels that Philadelphia had been evacuated by the British Army in anticipation of the arrival of a French fleet sent by Louis XVI to assist the Americans. The morning of July 7^th, 1778 found the French fleet under d’Estaing at the mouth of the Delaware. The Mermaid fled south along the Delmarva coast with the French in chase. Unable to escape, her captain James Hawker deliberately beached the Mermaid on Assateague Island near the then extant Sinepuxent Inlet. Capt. Hawker surrendered his ship and men to Col. Samuel Handy of Snow Hill. Approximately 150 prisoners of war were taken and transported to Cambridge, MD. Eventually, most were sent to Philadelphia for confinement and possible exchange.

Read the complete story of the "Mermaid of Assateague".

View a list of the Mermaid's crew taken prisoner.

Col. Handy and others filed a Bill of Libel with the Maryland Admiralty Court and the Mermaid and her stores were sold at auction. One hundred Worcester County men participated in the salvage of the Mermaid. Many were members of the Sinepuxent Brigade of the Worcester County Militia.

View a list of the men who salvaged the Mermaid.

If you have any information related to the Mermaid, the POWs or the local men who salvaged her that you would like to share please send an email.