Four Typed Letters Signed to W. Perry and A. W. Luckhurst, Royal Society of Arts; and Typescript of 'Notes of Sir Philip Devitt's Speech at Southampton, 25th March, 1938.'

British mariner (1876-1947), 'Sole Partner of Devitt and Moore' (Who's Who). All five items very good. The four letters all one page, quarto. The typescript: seven pages, quarto. Three letters docketed and bearing R.S.A. stamp. LETTER ONE: He has received the letter informing him that 'any day about 12.30 will suit Captain Steele for the presentation of the Thomas Gray Memorial Shield. I presume that you have duly received the sheild and that it has been engraved and is being sent to H.M.S. "Worcester" [...]'. LETTER TWO: Regarding the presentation of the shield in Southampton, '[...] I shall be glad to know whether top hat and tail coat, or a lounge suit is correct for the 25th?' LETTER THREE: Note of thanks for 'the essay on Stability of Ships, together with Sir Westcott Abell's comments', which he will return as soon as he has read them. LETTER FOUR: 'Thank you for returning Captain Greig's memorandum with regard to the Shield. [...] | Thank you also for letting me know the very satisfactory figures which Captain Richardson has quoted and I am very glad to learn of his success among the Glasgow companies.' Devitt's speech is on the occasion of the presentation of a silver medal to 'Mr. Stewart, who has had the distinction of obtaining the highest marks in the examination for Extra Master throughout this country for the year 1937.' Interesting discussion of qualifications within the merchant service: 'It is hardly believable, but nevertheless true, that only 100 years ago our ships sailed the seas commanded by men without any certificate of competency whatsoever' (p. 2).