Assistant surgeon on board the Titanic who was responsible for the second and third class passengers. Simpson perished in the sinking and his body, if recovered, was never identified. Very rare ALS signed “J. Edward Simpson, Captn.,” one page, 5 x 8, embossed On board R.M.S. ‘Titanic’ letterhead, Southampton, April 9, 1912. Letter, addressed at the top by Simpson, “From Capt. J. E. Simpson, R.A.M.C.T.; To The Adjutant 1st (F.S) Btn. Middx. Rgt.” Letter reads, in full: “I have the honor to request that I may be permitted to transfer to the unattached list of R.A.M.C.T. officers as owing to professional duties as Ship’s Surgeon in the White Star Line & am prevented from carrying out all my duties in the R.A.M.C.T. for some time.” Three horizontal mailing folds, scattered light soiling and creases, and signature at bottom a bit cramped, otherwise fine condition.
Dr. John ‘Edward’ Simpson of Belfast was 37 years old when he joined the Titanic on April 6, 1912. He had previously served on board Titanic’s sister ship Olympic. He was still technically assigned to the Royal Army Medical Corps Territorials (R.A.M.C.T) as a medical doctor which meant his official duties would require him to remain under the army’s direction. Thus, one last piece of official business before Titanic sailed was for Simpson to write this letter, which bears a beautiful White Star Line watermark, to the Adjutant of the First Battalion requesting that he be permitted to transfer to the unattached (i.e. inactive) list of the R.A.M.C.T. so as to be able to carry out his duties for White Star Line. Since the letter was sent on April 9, 1912 and Titanic sailed the following day, it is unknown whether he was officially relieved of his military duties before sailing, or thereafter.
This original document relating to the official transfer of a notable Titanic crewman is one of the holy grails of Titanic memorabilia. We are unaware of any like document being offered for private sale. Titanic postal clerk Oscar Woody’s letter of appointment is in the Smithsonian, and this letter is equally worthy.
Provenance: Ex Ken Schultz Collection; The Mariners’ Museum, Newport News Virginia (1998); pps. 28-29 Titanic: Fortune & Fate by Beverly McMillan and Stanley Lehrer (Simon & Schuster 1998); Ref. Titanic: Belfast’s Own by Stephen Cameron (Wolfhound Press 1998).
