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Handwritten letter to Captain Thorpe from Ernest Shackleton
Handwritten letter to Captain Thorpe from Ernest Shackleton

Handwritten letter to Captain Thorpe from Ernest Shackleton

Author (British, 1874 - 1922)
Date23 December 1901
Object numberANMS1475[001]
NameLetter
MediumPaper, ink
DimensionsOverall: 200 × 123 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Gift from Glenn Alfred Thorpe
DescriptionLetter from Ernest Shackleton, Third Officer DISCOVERY, to Alfred Thorpe, Lyttleton pilot dated 23 Dec 1901. Written on expedition stationary, the letter and envelope are embossed with a penguin and the words “Discovery Antarctic Expedition 1901”. The letter was written in Dunedin, New Zealand before the vessel’s departure for Antarctica. Shackleton expresses well wishes for New Year’s Eve and thanks for Thorpe’s “Kindness and good fellowship.” The letter also references looking forward to “seeing your face the first on board again when our southern sojourn is ended”, highlighting the important part pilots played in navigating vessels in port. Part of a collection of objects assembled by Alfred Thorpe (c. 1852 – 1931) relating to his merchant and naval service career and association with Antarctic exploration while serving as pilot and harbour master at Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand. The collection is illustrative of the important role Lyttelton paid in Antarctic exploration in the early 20th century, as both the final major port vessels of exploration and their relief ships visited on their journey south, and also the first they put in at on their return.SignificanceThis collection of objects highlights the importance of the port of Lyttleton in early 20th century Antarctic exploration and the role of pilots and harbour masters in supporting the crews and vessels sailing south. The collection not only illustrates the professional relationship between port staff and ships’ crews, but also the high degree of mutual respect the association engendered. The close working association between mariners and key maritime roles, such as pilot and harbour master, is apparent in this collection.