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Lot #151
Titanic: Bridget Delia Mahon

A "half-wit" seeks Titanic restitution: "I will ask the King to release the information and if he don’t explain it I will ask the American government"

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Estimate: $1000+
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Description

A "half-wit" seeks Titanic restitution: "I will ask the King to release the information and if he don’t explain it I will ask the American government"

Collection of three letters related to the insurance claim made by the family of Titanic victim Bridget Delia Mahon. First is a letter to the White Star Line signed by her mother, “Anne Mahon,” and her brother, “Pat Mahon,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, January 24, 1916, in part: “I must have to ask you have I any more money to get from the White Star Line I see in the newspapers that they gave more money…If I don’t get the matter explained in relation to law I will ask the King to release the information and if he don’t explain it I will ask the American government to respond…There was one 100£ granted.” Second, a carbon copy of the White Star Line’s law firm Hill Dickinson & Co.’s letter forwarding the present letter to Solicitor Herbert Z. Deane, January 31, 1916, in part: “We have again had a letter from Mrs. Mahon pressing for information as to the settlement of her cane. We propose to write and tell her the amount for which her claim was settled and the amount paid in respect of costs, as we do not think it right that there should be this continual feeling of discontent in the minds of claimants with whom we think it not unjust to say out clients dealt on liberal terms.” Third, a handwritten response from Solicitor Herbert Z. Deane, one page, July 1, 1916, headed “Titanic, Mrs. Mahon,” in part: “I…regret that you are further troubled having this woman understand the matter fully…the person who writes on her behalf is her son who I am informed is half-witted. I do not think any notice should be taken of the communication.” In overall very good to fine condition. Bridget Mahon was traveling on the Titanic as a third-class passenger as a part of a large group from the same district in County Mayo, Ireland, and she perished in the disaster; her body, if recovered, was never identified.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs And Artifacts
  • Dates: #497 - Ended April 12, 2017