Letter of commendation for David Jones of the XANTHIPPE
Date1 November 1865
Object numberANMS0239[002]
NameTestimonial
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 269 × 209 mm, 0.006 g
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Joan Jones
DescriptionA handwritten letter of recommendation regarding the actions of Mr David Jones, mate on the vessel XANTHIPPE while it was docked in Singapore. From the contents it appears that Jones, who would later go on to be a highly esteemed master mariner, took control of an unspecified situation that had incapacitated Captain Rees.
The letter commends Jones' ability to get the ship back to sea and in doing so prevents the replacement of Captain Rees.HistoryCaptain David Jones was born at Aberaeron, Cardiganshire, South Wales on February 3, 1841. He died 25 December 1926, aged 85 years. He was, in his early years, master of many famous clippers, including the steamer CARDIGAN CASTLE, on which he made six trips to Australia. In 1885 he accepted a position as chief surveyor of the Marine Underwriters' Association in Melbourne. In 1889 he left this position to take up office with the Victorian Stevedores' Company. He retired eight years later to Armadale, Victoria. He is buried at the Williamstown Cemetery.
Throughout his career Captain Jones received a number of letters of commendation from vessel owners, agents and passengers. This letter from 1865 is from his days before he was promoted but clearly shows that he was already highly capable, on land and sea, and held in high esteem.SignificanceThese papers of Captain Jones provide a continuous link from seaman to master in one sailor's life. The connection with Australia is strong - having captained ships here from England, Captain Jones emigrated and continued his
association with the sea. He was a very highly respected master as is evidenced in these numerous letters of introduction and recommendation by the owners of the vessels he captained.
