something up for Sir Andrew. You wouldn’t believe the crowd that was on the dock to see the new ship leave. Of course Mr. and Mrs Parker knew it was to be Titanic’s maiden voyage but I doubt if they anticipated the send off.
No doubt you read in the papers about the near collision, apparently some of the cables were torn out and the ship needed a bit of careful manoeuvring. Captain Smith had the situation well in hand and disaster was avoided. I was wrong about the ship being like Olympic , oh, I don’t mean in size and overall appearance. As to those, she is very much the same but you can’t imagine how luxurious she is. I would love you to see the extravagance of her and explore her many decks with me. I met a steward, who had been in service with me several years ago in New York. He insisted on showing me around the First-Class accommodation. Some of the staterooms won’t be occupied until we reach Cherbourg. He said there were several famous passengers coming on board, some very rich people by all accounts. Anyway, he took me into a suite of rooms that cost forty-thousand dollars! I’m not sure how much that is in English pounds but it certainly seems a great expense to me. Mr. and Mrs Parker’s stateroom is very smart, I have a small room to myself and Jenkins (remember he’s Mr. Parker’s valet?) he’s sharing with another servant further along the corridor.
I can’t believe that I’ve visited the old mother country and found myself a wonderful man like you. Now I’m on my way back to America. Mr. Parker has further business there before we go up to Bar Harbor for a few weeks vacation, then finally back to Quebec for the summer. I have been so happy with you, my darling and yearn to be with you again. The time we are apart seems endless but I will bear it because I know a happy day will dawn when I shall have another ring on my finger...for now I kiss your ring and think of you.
If I have time before we reach Queenstown, I will drop you a postcard. They have some lovely colored ones on board of the ship and the White Star pennant.
God bless you my love, Lizzie
TUCK’S POSTCARD
Queenstown, April 11 th 1912
D.T., Had a very smooth night, sea is calm, weather clear. Expect to see the Irish coast in an hour. Last chance to catch post.
Love Lizzie
POST OFFICE TELEGRAPHS
R.M.S. Carpathia April 17 th 1912
To: Barton, Roselea , Richmond
Safe
Lizzie
ROYAL MAIL STEAMSHIP “CARPATHIA”
April 18 1912
My own darling Ted
I’m sure you have been filled with worry about your loved one aboard Titanic. A great disaster has befallen us all. I fear a great number are lost. I wired as soon as I could. Captain Rostron insisted only passengers wiring loved ones could use the Marconi Service, but they were charging a fearful price – a dollar a word! I only have the clothes I stand up in and my ring...I’d never part with it, even if the sea had taken me, I’d still have had your token of love on my finger. I love you Ted and can’t wait to see you again.
A kind lady, a Carpathian passenger, has lent me a few things to wear. She also provided the dollar for the Marconigram I sent you. I’m safe and sound now, we’ve even been given a small cabin, and we have to share, but we are grateful. Mrs. Parker is with me, but Mr. Parker and Jenkins, I fear they are lost. Ugly rumours have started to spread throughout our rescue ship. They say all the lifeboats have been recovered, but there are so many women looking for their husbands and there is very little hope that any of them have been saved.
Captain Rostron has urged us all to write down our own accounts, paper, pen and ink has been provided. I have begun my account, but Mrs. Parker is too upset to even pick up a pen. We hope to land in New York tonight or early tomorrow morning. It will be a blessing to feel land beneath my feet for we have all suffered terribly.
I will mail this letter directly I arrive in New
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