As reported in the January 30, 1846, Alexandria Gazette, the schooner James T. Hatfield from Philadelphia headed to Richmond with a cargo of coal and ran ashore during the evening on January 18th on Currituck Beach, about 33 miles south of Cape Henry. When it grounded on the beach it apparently was in "sinking condition" and had since broken into pieces. The newspaper reports the captain and crew were rescued with great difficulty by the use of a small boat. The ship and cargo were a total loss. They report the boat, or what remained of it, was sold to pay expenses and there was no insurance on the ship or the cargo.