Heart Wrenching 19th Century Manuscript Letter In Which an Alcoholic Man Writes His Mother to Make Amends for His Past, Describe His Recent Troubles, and Share His Newfound Faith in the Roman Catholic Church

On offer is a letter from a man named David to his mother that is so intimate, reading it feels like taking a peek into the heart of a man who likely lived nearly 200 years ago.

The origin of the letter is something of a mystery. There is no accompanying envelope. We know it was written at some point in the 19th century, however the date and location are unknown, as is David’s last name. We know that David sent the letter to his mother at “152 King St E” and that his mother was living with the Elliott family at the time. 

Fortunately, the contents of this letter, however, transcend time and identity and speak directly to the human experience. In this letter, David writes to his mother, who lives far away, to inform her that his body is failing due to his long history of alcoholism, but that he has found the Roman Catholic faith, and is putting his faith in God. He thanks his mother for sending him money recently - he had been unemployed due to his alcoholism and the money his mother sent was of great help. However, David explains that he does not want more money, but wants to be a better son to her, and a better man. He tells his mother that he had to let his companion Hattie go “free” as he could not be what she needs. He describes his recent hospitalization and near death experience, crediting his newfound faith in God in saving him. He closes his letter inquiring on loved ones who live with or near his mother, and again promises his mother that he will be a better man now. The letter is equal parts tragic and hopeful. 

Some excerpts follow:

“Oh! My poor dear Mother it is a fearful life I have had…and I am sorry for it. I pray you pardon me for once more breaking a promise to myself. I rec’d your kind remittance and it came most opportunity for I could not get work and was under drink and God sent the Holy Virgin in a special way to make me love you more properly than I have done yet…”

“I could not impress myself upon her yet she loved me under it all and I am a mistaken man for I am a changed one though I’m able to cope with my troubles and I have been so ever since I met Hattie for I met for the first time a Lady who could at the same time inspire me with love…I have taken many of the tenets of the Roman Catholic religion into my heart…”

“I have long been better in the society of Ladies than ever before I fell into heavy drinking and even when under drinking I continually pray and stick to the higher standard of all as to morality I do hope you and Andrew are quite well and the Elliots with whom you are staying…”

This letter would make a tremendous addition to the collection of anyone interested in the history of mental health and addiction, familial relations, religion or simply 19th century communication. The mystery surrounding its author only adds to the intrigue of this meaningful piece of history. 

The letter is six pages, written on the front and back of one folded sheet and one loose sheet. It measures approx 6.75x4.5 inches. It shows signs of its age with age toning and a large bend down the centre, but the black ink is clear and legible. Overall Fair+.