ALS signed “R. N. Williams II,” one page, 7 x 10.75, personal letterhead, no date. Letter to a Titanic enthusiast. In part: “Unfortunately, it would take me too much time to tell you about my experience. You see, in contrast to those that left by lifeboat, I went down with the Titanic. That made for a great many incidents, the principal one of-course is the fact that I was in the water for some five hours—by the way the water was 28°. Only about 35 of the 1550 passengers that went down with the ship survived.” In fine condition, with toning along vertical edges and staple holes to two edges. Already a highly-decorated tennis champion, Williams rode the Titanic down, and was able to swim to Collapsible lifeboat A, where he remained in knee-deep water for hours until being rescued by the Carpathia. His legs were so frostbitten, the ship’s doctor wanted to amputate, however, Williams, not wanting his career cut short, opted to walk every two hours around the clock, to help his circulation. He went on to win mixed doubles in the US Open, as well as serving in World War I, being awarded both the Legion of Honor and the Croix de Guerre. Ex. Brian Green Collection. RR Auction COA.
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