Letter of commendation for David Jones from John Nathanial Evans

Date1866

Object numberANMS0239[004]

NameTestimonial

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 112 × 177 mm, 0.002 kg

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Joan Jones

Terms

DescriptionA handwritten letter of recommendation for David Jones from John Nathanial Evans, merchant from Aberayson, Wales. Jones served on one of Evans' vessels for three and a half years, likely the XANTHIPPE, the two last of which he served as mate. Evans confirms that Jones had recently passed is captain's exam and that his 'steady sober habits and general past conduct' would enable him to take command of any vessel. John Nathanial Evans is listed as a merchant/farmer based in Aberaeron but may have originally come from Penygarreg. He is known to have owned a number of vessels including the BERLIN, JOHN PIERCE, CATHERINE ANNE, FARMERS LASS, GWLADYS, PRINCE CADWGAN and XANTHIPPE. 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. Little is know about John Nathaniel Evans although the Holy Trinity church at Aberaeron has a brass eagle lecturn dedicated to him. 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.