Archives

17th March 1917

Dear Sirs,
S.S. "Hessle"
We thank you for your two letters of yesterday and note contents. You will no doubt have received the sale contract this morning. On receipt of the deposit of ten per cent we will make arrangements for your clients to inspect the "Hessle" afloat, at her next French Port, which we expect will be Fecamp. She is due to leave there today for Middlesborough, and we expect she will go back there, as she has done on her last four voyages.
Kindly ask your friends to let us know as soon as possible after the inspection afloat, whether they accept the vessel subject to inspection of the bottom and tail shaft in drydock, and if they do so, we will try to arrange to get a drydock for her on arrival back at Middlesborough. It is very difficult sometimes to get a drydock, and we should have as much notice as possible. We have no doubt whatever that your friends will find the "Hessle" satisfactory when they see her, but if for any reason the sale does not go through we should what to get our Licence out for the next cargoes of Pig Iron from Middlesborough.
After acceptance on inspection afloat your friends should also apply to the Shipping Controller for his permission to purchase, so that there may be no delay on this account.
Yours faithfully.

(sd) John H. Wetherhall & C°

Copy of wire received March 21st 1917

""Hessle" owners agree alterations as follows after plans charts stop Model not existing Chronometer uncertain as possibly Captains Property stop After broken damaged stop After Middlesbro on Tees or at buyers option at Fecamp without bottom inspection stop Understand no drydock available in Fecamp stop regarding consent Shipping Controller this must according Order in Council be obtained by Purchasers stop North of England and requisition clauses agreed to stop Owners expect signed contract and deposit tomorrow morning all subject controller sanction."