Written from cabin C51, Gracie's letter, addressed to a friend, emphasized his observations about the "fine ship" as he expressed his intent to "await my journey's end" before forming final judgments. The document, which was sent when the Titanic landed in Queenstown, Ireland, and postmarked the following day in London, stands as a poignant artifact of one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.
Colonel Gracie was among 2,200 individuals on board the Titanic, of whom over 1,500 perished when the vessel struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic. Known for his detailed accounts of the tragedy, Gracie penned the book "The Truth About The Titanic," in which he shared his harrowing experience of survival, fighting against freezing waters as he clung to an overturned lifeboat. Despite surviving the disaster, Gracie suffered lasting health complications from hypothermia and passed away in December 1912.
The auctioneer noted that this is the highest price ever recorded for any correspondence written aboard the Titanic, underscoring the letter's historical significance and Gracie's enduring legacy.
Colonel Gracie was among 2,200 individuals on board the Titanic, of whom over 1,500 perished when the vessel struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic. Known for his detailed accounts of the tragedy, Gracie penned the book "The Truth About The Titanic," in which he shared his harrowing experience of survival, fighting against freezing waters as he clung to an overturned lifeboat. Despite surviving the disaster, Gracie suffered lasting health complications from hypothermia and passed away in December 1912.
The auctioneer noted that this is the highest price ever recorded for any correspondence written aboard the Titanic, underscoring the letter's historical significance and Gracie's enduring legacy.
