The letter, dated 10 April 1912, chronicles Col Gracie’s thoughts and sentiments about the "fine ship" he was about to embark on, indicating a sense of foreboding as he remarked he would "await my journey's end." He penned the letter from cabin C51 as the Titanic left Southampton and posted it while the ship docked in Queenstown, Ireland, on 11 April 1912, before it tragically sank in the North Atlantic.
Col Gracie was one of the approximately 2,200 passengers and crew on the vessel, of whom more than 1,500 perished during the disaster. Known for his detailed account of the sinking, Gracie later authored "The Truth About The Titanic," where he recounted his harrowing experience and how he survived by clinging to an overturned lifeboat in the frigid waters. While his survival was rare, many of those who initially reached safety succumbed to the chilling conditions.
Following the disaster, Gracie faced severe health issues, succumbing to complications from diabetes shortly after falling into a coma in December 1912. The recent sale of his letter marks the highest known price for Titanic-related correspondence, highlighting the continued fascination with the ill-fated voyage.
Col Gracie was one of the approximately 2,200 passengers and crew on the vessel, of whom more than 1,500 perished during the disaster. Known for his detailed account of the sinking, Gracie later authored "The Truth About The Titanic," where he recounted his harrowing experience and how he survived by clinging to an overturned lifeboat in the frigid waters. While his survival was rare, many of those who initially reached safety succumbed to the chilling conditions.
Following the disaster, Gracie faced severe health issues, succumbing to complications from diabetes shortly after falling into a coma in December 1912. The recent sale of his letter marks the highest known price for Titanic-related correspondence, highlighting the continued fascination with the ill-fated voyage.
