Collection of four letters related to an insurance claim by the widow of Titanic disaster victim August Johnson, consisting of a letter from her lawyers Hallett & Martin to the White Star Line, a letter from Hallett & Martin to the White Star Line's law firm, a letter from the American consulate in Southampton, and a retained carbon concerning the response to the inquiry. The primary document is the letter from Johnson's law firm to the White Star Line, in part: "Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson…Widow of August Johnson, has consulted us as to the death of her husband, which took place at the time the 'Titanic' was lost at sea. It would appear that Johnson was engaged as a Quarter-Master on the American Line Steamer 'New York' and at the time of his death was being sent back on the 'Titanic' to New York for the purpose of being discharged…Mrs. Johnson was unable to make a claim for the loss of her husband under the Workmen's Compensation Act in the English Courts. She and her children have been in receipt of maintenance from the 'Titanic' Relief Fund. Her attention is called to the decision of your Company to pay £128,000 for compensation, a portion of which will go to British claimants…She has 7 children, the eldest of whom—a boy of 18—is a soldier on active service in France…Some of the children are very delicate. It should also be pointed out that one was born in the October following the loss of the 'Titanic' in the previous April…May we, on behalf of Mrs. Johnson, ask you to give this application your kindly consideration?" Attached is the letter from the American consulate at Southampton, certifying the accuracy of the facts stated. The other letters are short and are to confirm receipt. In overall very good condition, with scattered tears and creasing.
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