1909.2.9 Letter Explaining Postal Delay and Apologizing for Misunderstanding

Letter

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The Recorded Image Project

Name/Title

1909.2.9 Letter Explaining Postal Delay and Apologizing for Misunderstanding

Entry/Object ID

RE.LE.COLLBER-55

Description

A letter clarifying that delayed communication was due to mail being held at the post office, accompanied by an apology and renewed warmth, along with instructions to destroy a sensitive document.

Subject

Postal delay, reconciliation, financial hardship, and concern over sensitive correspondence

Subject Place

State/Province

Oregon

Country

United States

Category

Travel Correspondence

Letter Details

Letter Date

Feb 9, 1909

Time Period

20th Century

Transcription

Transcription

Dear Bessie: I have just discovered the reason for my not hearing from you. From some one’s carelessness the mail was held at P.O. and not delivered to Hotel as I instructed. When I called at P.O. and “howled” the mail you have been sending me was delivered to me in a bunch. So I apologize for any complaints I have made to you, and was at a loss to understand why I did not hear from you when all the time the letters were buried in the P.O. I got your two postals and two very nice letters in the bunch, and also the three ties you so kindly sent me. They are surely just the ones I at once put me on. I was needing ties, but did not feel able to buy any at this time. So they came in just right. The note you refer to I gave to Ryan, and you put it away somewhere, I don’t know where. But you must find it and destroy it. Because a paper of that kind might cause serious trouble if it should get in other hands. So please hunt it up and tell me when you destroy it. I am enclosing another one which you will kindly add your name to and forward at once to Marie A. I will write you more this evening, too busy to hear of your sickness myself. With much love from us all, Lovingly, Geo. W.D.

Transcriber

ChatGPT

Language

English

Ethnography

Notes

📬 Postal System Insight (Very Valuable Detail) Mail held at post office Not forwarded to hotel as requested Delivered “in a bunch” 👉 This is a great historical detail showing: Fragility of communication systems Reliance on correct routing instructions Common travel issue for salesmen

Create Date

April 1, 2026