During its session begun in May 1782 the General Assembly created the office of commissioner of wrecks. The governor appointed two commissioners for each county bordering the ocean or Chesapeake Bay to assist in saving the crews and cargoes of stranded vessels. Persons who helped save a stranded ship or its cargo were paid by the ship's owner or the merchants whose goods had been saved. If no one claimed the goods they were advertised in the VIRGINIA GAZETTE and, if still unclaimed, they were sold at public auction. Money raised at the auction was sent to the treasurer who kept an account of it for the owner of the cargo sold. The owner, upon proving his claim to the auditor, was given a warrant to present to the treasurer for payment.
From the description of Commissioner of Wrecks accounts, 1837, 1839, 1851-1854, 1856, 1867. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122425619
