Letter of recommendation for Captain David Jones from John Potter

Date27 March 1888

Object numberANMS0239[011]

NameTestimonial

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 255 × 203 mm, 0.004 kg

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Joan Jones

Terms

DescriptionA handwritten letter of recommendation for Captain David Jones from John Potter of John Potter & Co. Victoria Line of Steam and Clipper Ships to Australia & C., London. The letter commends Captain Jones for six years of service on the CARDIGAN CASTLE during which time the firm “found you obliging, industrious and sober, and always paying careful attention to your duties." HistoryCaptain David Jones was born at Aberaeron, Cardiganshire, South Wales on February 3, 184. 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.