Lot 1116

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Description:

LETTER FROM THE LUSITANIA
An interesting and poignant piece from the HMS Lusitania, destroyed by a German U-Boat on May 17, 1915, and widely considered a major factor in the U.S.'s involvement in World War I, an A.L.S. on Cunard R.M.S. Lusitania letterhead, 7pp. 8vo., ["Thursday", n.d.], in pencil by passenger "Elsie" to "Wilson", shortly before the vessel's demise. In part (full transcription included): "...I expect you are wondering what I'm doing...I am doing...well. Mrs. Whisell sent me a large box of chocolates...and such a pretty boudoir cap...she said 'If the Germans get you don the cap and they will think you Dutch'...After we got started I went to the stateroom and behold my small suit case was missing...I was very much worried all the necessaries for the night were in it but the stewardess offered to lend me a night dress...Sunday was a wretched day...I was[in]a dead faint for twenty minutes...Monday was a glorious day and the water has been like a sheet of glass ever since...Wednesday night we had a very fine concert the famous Welsh Choir are on board...Mr. Grisham [?] and I are causing some talk on board, people have got it into their heads we are just married...as I am the only girl at our table you can imagine what I have to put up with if I am late for meals (which I mostly am) they present me with a black list and when they see me coming there is a garrulous shout of hurrah. I suppose I am having a nice time but I do wish our journey was over. We will not land until Saturday they have reduced the speed on account of the war, today they are closing us in with canvas and all the life boats are swung out ready for emergency, tonight there is a whist drive [?]and they will not leave...I am sure there must be a clearance of women and children in America for certainly the boat is packed. I never saw so many children together before but when I come back it will not be on the Lusitania but a smaller boat...I will write you and tell you how we get to Liverpool...I will not post this until we land...". Letter is in fair shape, bearing heavy tape repairs at middle, a large chunk torn at right edge, costing some text, and general soiling and wear. Certainly uncommon in any event, and worthy of further research.

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May 14, 2009 10:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

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