Testimonial from the second saloon passengers of SS CHIMBORAZO to Captain Ruthven

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Testimonial from the second saloon passengers of SS CHIMBORAZO to Captain Ruthven

Date21 February 1885

Object numberANMS0263[001]

NameTestimonial

MediumInk on paper, brass

DimensionsOverall: 254 × 204 mm, 0.012 kg

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionA handwritten testimonail presented to Captain Ruthven from the passengers of SS CHIMBORAZO after a journey from England to Australia. The letter is signed by 53 the second saloon passengers. The passengers were "deeply mindful of the uniform, courtesy and kindness of which we have received at your hands throughout, to give some definite expression to our appreciation of such kindness and courtesy and beg you will accept our respective signatures here to as fully testifying such appreciation on our part individually. Indeed the thoughtfulness shown by the ship’s officers, one and all, for the comfort of passengers is more than ample confirmation to us, if any were needed, of the good fortune which has been ours in having secured a passage in a ship under your command."HistorySS CHIMBORAZO was built by John Elder and Co, Glasgow in 1871 for the Pacific Steam Navigation Company. Originally destined for the South American run along with two other vessels th GARONNE and LUSITANIA, a downturn in the South American economy resulted in the three vessels being leased and then bought by the Orient Steam Navigation Line. The CHIMBORAZO was a 3,847 ton, iron, auxiliary screw steamer vessel that could carry 72 First Class, 92 Second Class and 265 Third Class passengers at speeds in excess of 13 knots. The ship made at least two voyages a year to Australia between August 1877 and 1891. Before being sold out of service in 1894 the vessel was placed on the northern hemisphere cruise circuit. Captain Jocelyn Fitzgerald Ruthven was born in County Wicklow, Ireland in 1849 passing his Certificate of Competency as a Master of a Steam Vessel at London in 1874. He was appointed First Officer of the SS ORIENT in 1879 - 80 and the SS LUSITANIA in 1880 - 81 before being appointed as Master of the SS CHIMBORAZO in April 1881. He held that position for five years before being transferred to the command of the SS LUSITANIA in 1886 and the SS AUSTRALIAN. Testimonials such as these extolling the seamanship, good manners, courage and confidence in the choice of captain were often prepared by saloon class passengers coming to Australia.The absence of some of the passengers names on the testimonials (when compared with the names of the passengers published in the Australian newspapers) may be due to the fact that several testimonials were given to the captain after a single voyage or as is also the case - that after a lengthy sea voyages it was not uncommon for some passengers to disagree with the running of the vessel or the personality of the captain. SignificanceTo immigrate to Australia in the 19th century was a life changing decison for those who undertook the journey. In addition to the unknown of the life that awaited them in Australia or New Zealand, the journery itself was hazardous and a good captain and shipboard conditions were seen as a blessing. Testimonials such as this one to Captain Ruthven were one way in which passengers could express their gratitude for a safe arrival.