Edwardian Era
Personal
Last Letter from the Titanic
From: Esther Hart
To: Mother
April 10, 1912
RMS Titanic
Letter Content
My dear Mother,
We are having a lovely voyage so far. The weather is beautiful and the sea is smooth. Eva is enjoying herself immensely and runs about the deck with the other children. Benjamin is well and sends his love.
The ship is magnificent - much larger and more luxurious than I ever imagined. We have comfortable accommodations in second class, and the dining room is beautiful. The food is excellent and plentiful.
I must confess I still have an uneasy feeling about this ship. Perhaps it is just nervousness about the voyage, but I cannot seem to shake it. Nevertheless, Benjamin assures me all is well, and I am trying to enjoy the experience.
We should arrive in New York in a few days. I will write again when we land.
Your loving daughter,
Esther
Historical Context
Written aboard the RMS Titanic during its maiden voyage, just days before the ship struck an iceberg and sank on April 15, 1912. Esther Hart survived the disaster, but her husband Benjamin perished.
Significance
A haunting document that captures the final peaceful moments before one of history's most famous maritime disasters. The letter provides a personal perspective on life aboard the Titanic and Hart's prophetic unease about the voyage.