Typed document issued by the White Star Line’s law firm Hill Dickinson & Co., eight pages, 8 x 12.75, no date but circa 1912–1920. Packet of three official letters identified on the reverse as “‘Titanic.’ Form of Letters handed to Commanders on appointment and Notice posted in Chart Room.” The letters emphasize the importance of safety and outline the duties of the ship’s captain. In part: “In placing the steamer _____ temporarily under your command, we desire to direct your attention to the Company’s regulations for the safe and efficient navigation of its vessels and also to impress upon you in the most forcible manner, the paramount and vital importance of exercising the utmost caution in the navigation of the ships and that the safety of the passengers and crew weighs with us above and before all other considerations.” In very good condition, with some soiling (primarily to the first page), and moderately heavy overall wrinkling and creasing. These standard instructions issued to the captains of White Star Line ships were one of the subjects of the British Wreck Commissioner's Inquiry; when the letters were initially drafted and issued the company acted as its own insurer, and they do go on to emphasize the grave financial costs of losing a ship. Although they were partially insured by the time of the Titanic disaster, it took several years before any passengers or families of the deceased received compensation.
