echo Foreword
Greetings, dear reader. I’m sure we’ve all heard of the Titanic before, perhaps even watched the blockbuster or even documentaries, to understand how it sank; why it happened; what happened during the catastrophe; so on, and so forth. But have you thought of who might have perished with the ship? Who were the victims? No, not the fictitious Jack and Rose – the unnamed victims of the disaster.
I was rummaging through my late great aunt’s cabinet when I found letters to her fiance, who was on that ill-fated ship. I’ve been obsessed with their story ever since, and did extensive research on whatever was exchanged between them prior to the sinking, during, and after.
This compilation, dear reader, is the fruit of my labour.
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Letter, Mister Felix Murray to Miss Cordelia Faust
4th April 1912
My dearest Cordelia,
Words cannot express how much I miss you, my love. It’s been two months since I’ve last heard your voice. If I stay here a month longer, I fear I will forget it…This is a fear so deep, so true, that I cannot possibly overcome it. Sales in Ireland have exceeded my expectations, so I may be able to afford a better wedding dress for you. A merchant’s job is never easy – I wish to melt in your warmth and finally rest upon my return. My ship will be here in a few days, and I will be home in about two weeks, should all plans sail smoothly. I will be boarding the RMS Titanic. Have you heard of it? It is said to be “unsinkable”, and is a beautiful, gigantic luxury vessel. I was able to obtain a third class ticket from someone at work who had a change of plans. Thank goodness for that! If it weren’t for him, I may only be back in another month aboard another ship.
I keep a picture of you in the locket you gave me last spring. Everytime I gaze into your eyes, I see our beautiful future together as husband and wife. I love you so deeply, it aches me that we are so far apart. I will come back soon, and we shall share a warm dinner together, like how we always did. I look forward to our reunion, and our union in holy matrimony. I wish to see your deep green eyes once again, and get myself lost in them. I wish to kiss you softly on the altar, and let you feel the warmth of my love.
(P.S. Happy Easter, my love! I hope to celebrate it with you together next year.)
Yours only,
Felix Murray
Letter, Miss Cordelia Faust to Mister Felix Murray
8th April 1912
My dearest Felix,
Happy Easter, my beloved! You have once again timed your letter well – I received your letter today, on Easter!
My sisters have always told me merchants are the least romantic men in the market, yet you are the living testament of how fraudulent that notion is. Why must you make me fall in love with you deeper, Felix? Don’t I love you enough already? I feel the butterflies fluttering restlessly in my belly, and you aren’t even in my presence physically. I have been longing for your return for 68 days. For 68 days, I’ve been unable to get any peaceful shut-eye, fearing that I will dream of you, then wake up knowing that you aren’t by my side.
We’ve known each other since we were playmates – this must be the longest we’ve been apart from each other. I miss you too, my beloved. I feel that my affection for you has heightened ever since we’ve been apart. Perhaps distance really does make the heart grow fonder. I hope to see you again soon, and give you all the kisses I have always hoped to give you within the two months we’ve been apart. I do look forward to our nuptials, and our wonderful future together.
Oh, and – there is no need to buy a new dress for me! Cousin Loretta has already tailored a beautiful wedding gown for me to my liking – I hope you will like it too, Felix. We should have some savings for our future family, after all.
(P.S. Do enjoy your trip home aboard the RMS Titanic, I’ve heard wonderful stories about how luxurious and unsinkable it is!)
Yours faithfully,
Cordelia Faust (soon to be Murray)
Letter, Mister Felix Murray to Miss Cordelia Faust
11th April 1912
My beloved wife-to-be,
By the time you receive this letter, I will already be aboard the Titanic. I will tell you all about my experience on the ship upon my return, then we shall continue our wedding plans together. Perhaps we could have our honeymoon on the Titanic, should my trip be satisfactory. I am currently packing all the gifts and souvenirs I bought for you, my love. I also bought several famed confectionaries for you. We can savour them together during tea.
I love you so much, Cordelia. I do not think I say it enough. I hope to see you soon, and I hope to hear your sweet voice again; that voice that always lulls me to sleep.
I am running late for my ship! If I do not leave now I may miss it. I shall end this letter here.
Yours only,
Felix Murray
Telegram, Mister Felix Murray to Miss Cordelia Faust
12 April – The weather seems lovely. The RMS Titanic has docked in Queenstown. Hope to see you soon. A letter will be mailed to you. I love you.
Cordelia Faust’s Journal
12 April – I received a telegram from my beloved fiance today! I wonder if he will truly enjoy his trip on the RMS Titanic, considering how he always gets nauseated from his
seasickness. I hope, and I pray, that the ship will have a smooth maiden voyage, and that the sail would not be too turbulent.
14 April – Felix wrote me another letter. He’s always so excited about travelling. He must’ve thought about writing to me last-minute, considering how rushed the letter is, and how scribbly his handwriting gradually became. His quirks make him so charming… oh, how I miss him. I wish to have tea with him again, and see his smile.
“The Yorkie Gazette”, 15 April 1912
Breaking News
THE RMS TITANIC HAS SUNK.
SEVERAL VICTIMS SAVED.
The unsinkable has sunk. Several reports stated that the RMS Titanic hit an iceberg just last night in between eleven o’clock to twelve midnight. Many victims have been saved from the ship, yet the fate of many others remains unknown. Another ship, the Carpathia, rushed over to aid the sinking ship after receiving distress signals from the RMS Titanic’s transmissions. More details should be made available soon.
“The Evening Sun”, 15 April 1912
ALL SAVED FROM TITANIC AFTER COLLISION
It has been reported by several sources that there are no casualties, as all victims aboard the RMS Titanic have been saved. Rejoice – this is great news for all!
Cordelia Faust’s Journal
15 April – My family woke me up from my slumber early this morning to inform me of the RMS Titanic’s sinking. My beloved Felix is aboard that ship. I heard that they are still rescuing victims. He should be on one of the many lifeboats of the ship, surely he must be saved. I shall remain optimistic upon his gradual return. Several newspapers have reported about the many victims saved by the lifeboats and the Carpathia. Felix must have been one of them.
16 April – Felix has not sent me a telegram. He always does so in an emergency. He should be able to send one if he is on the Carpathia already. He could be on a lifeboat right now, but I am so ineffably worried about my dearest fiance… Oh, what am I saying? He will come back, he said so in the letters.
17 April – My parents and sisters will not stop wailing hysterically around the house. Felix is like a son to them, hence their worry. But he will be coming back, I know of it. I must stay strong for my beloved.
18 April – The Carpathia should be docked in New York tonight. Felix must be there! My heart yearns for his long-awaited return.
19 April – I’ve been standing at the dock for twelve hours, vigilant. I could not get a wink of sleep from the cries of the bereaved families surrounding me. It is so terribly dark and cold here, but I’m sure it must be worse for the poor victims of the Titanic still stuck at sea. Many other families are here too, at the dock, waiting for their loved ones. I tried asking around to see if anyone has caught wind of a “Felix Murray”. He’s always such a kind and altruistic man, perhaps he’s helping the Carpathia’s crew in rescuing the other victims.
He is alive.
He should be alive.
He must be alive.
I need him to be alive.
Where are you, Felix? We are supposed to be wed a week from now. Please, come home. Come back to me, dearest. I will dote on you with all the kisses you need. I will embrace you with loving arms. I will sing your favourite songs to lull you to sleep, like how you did as we sat in front of the fireplace. I will prepare hot tea for us to enjoy as you tell me how you survived that wreck. I will swear to be the most loving wife anyone could ever have as we stand on that altar. I will hold those calloused hands of yours tightly to affirm my love for you, and I will never let go.
“The New York Times”, 19 April 1912
Breaking News
TITANIC SINKS FOUR HOURS AFTER HITTING ICEBERG;
866 RESCUED BY CARPATHIA, PROBABLY 1250 PERISH;
ISMAY SAFE, MRS. ASTOR MAYBE, NOTED NAMES MISSING
Rescuers there too late. It has been confirmed this evening that the Carparthia arrived at daybreak on the 15th of April to the position from which distress signals were sent out by the Titanic. However, the Carparthia arrived only to find the lifeboats and the wreckages of the acclaimed Titanic remained. In total, there were about 2100 passengers aboard the Titanic, while only 866 safely boarded the Carpathia, many of them being women and children. More ships are now circling around the wreck site, searching for survivors.
“The Yorkie Gazette”, 20 April 1912
THE BEREAVED GATHER AT THE PORT;
THOUSANDS MOURN THE LOSS OF LOVED ONES;
A LADY REMAINS HOPEFUL
It has been a day since the Carpathia docked in New York. While many families and friends gathered at the port could welcome the safe return of their loved ones merrily, many others do not have the privilege of cheering for the return of the missing and deceased. In the midst of crowds so joyous and sorrowful, Miss Cordelia Faust has remained calm, composed, and hopeful. Sailors and crew working on the docks noted the young lady’s vigilance in waiting for the return for her fiance, Mister Felix Murray, saying that she has been here “since before Carpathia even anchored”. She has not strayed away from the dock for two nights consecutively.
“I have neither been able to eat, nor sleep for the past two days,” said Miss Faust. “I do not believe all hope is lost – I’m sure there are many other survivors of the Titanic that are still being picked up by other ships coming to their rescue. I am sure my beloved fiance is being rescued now… I shall continue waiting for him.”
Letter, Miss Cordelia Faust to Mister Felix Murray
20 April 1912
My dearest Felix,
Where are you, my beloved? It has been a week since you last contacted me. Did you board the Titanic, Felix? Did you perchance miss your ship? I do not mind waiting another month for your return from Queenstown, as long as you’re on another ship safely. That was your original plan, was it not? To board another ship that was set to sail later this month before your co-worker sold you that ticket to board the Titanic.
I had been waiting for you for two whole days at the dock, anticipating your arrival. Yet you never came. You promised that you’d come back – and I know that you always keep your promises.
I hope you are safe and sound in your boarding house, if you did not board the Titanic. You must be so tired from your work, so get some rest. I will be waiting patiently for your return.
With highest hopes,
Cordelia Faust
“The Irish Herald”, 21 April 1912
Missing Persons
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN?
LAST SEEN AT THE QUEENSTOWN PORT
Name: Felix Murray
Height: About 5’7”
Physique: Fit
Age: Early 20’s
Career: Merchant
Brief Description: Always dons a black fedora; neatly styled handlebar mustache; almond shaped hazel coloured eyes; wears a silver locket around his neck.
Should you have any information on his whereabouts, do contact Miss Cordelia Faust, a lady from New York City, through mail.
Letter, Miss Cordelia Faust to Mister Felix Murray
23 April 1912
My dearest Felix,
Our wedding is due a month away! I am sick with paranoia in regards to your whereabouts, but my heart still flutters at the prospect of being married to you. I have baked your favourite cookies, my love. Perhaps we can have a picnic at the park once you return.
With love,
Cordelia Faust
Telegram, Miss Cordelia Faust to Mister Felix Murray
25 April – Why are you unresponsive, my darling Felix? I miss you very much. I am also worried. Please return soon.
Letter, Miss Cordelia Faust to Mister Felix Murray
26 April 1912
My dearest Felix,
I am so worried about you, my beloved. You always respond to me within a week. Are you still staying in the Irish boarding house? I bought your favourite chamomile tea for you, we can have tea together, as you wished we would once you return.
I miss you, my dearest.
With love,
Cordelia Faust
Letter, Aoife’s Boarding House to Miss Cordelia Faust
29 April 1912
Dear Miss Cordelia Faust,
We are writing to inform you that Mister Felix Murray left our boarding house on the 11th of April, at a quarter past ten in the morning. You will not be able to reach him here any longer.
We advise you to stop mailing letters to our address, as they are flooding our mailbox.
Best regards,
Aoife’s Boarding House
Cordelia Faust’s Journal
1 May – It is May already – the month of our wedding. The Heavens have made it abundantly clear to me that Felix may not be coming back. But I, the ever faithful fiancee, shall remain hopeful in my dearest husband-to-be’s return. My sisters have already begun grieving for Felix, and most peculiarly, my sanity. But who has truly lost their wits more – the pessimist who succumbs to the possible verdict of Death, or the optimist who remains hopeful for the blessing of Life. I choose to believe it is the former.
5 May – The recovery crew were able to retrieve many bodies from the Titanic, and although many were identified, many others weren’t. I requested to identify a body, lest Felix be one of them. But upon hearing me saying, “third class passenger”, they denied my request. What good is humanity if we are all separated by class even in death? Perhaps the Heavens are telling me that he is alive, and I should not even be thinking about his possible death.
10 May – Our town will be holding a memorial for those who have perished along with the Titanic. My family and the townsfolk have been pestering me all day for a picture of my darling Felix to be displayed along with the other victims. Do those hooligans not understand the meaning of “no”?
Letter, Miss Cordelia Faust to Mister Felix Murray (undelivered)
17 May 1912
My beloved Felix,
People keep calling me “insane”. Is remaining hopeful so bad? I heard some children calling me the “Loony Lady” just this morning. I feel that the insults and concerns of others have irrevocably damaged my spirits and psyche. The line between grieving and hoping has blurred so much that I am afraid I am losing touch with reality and myself. Felix, I need you now, in this dire frame of time…
Yours only,
Cordelia Faust
Letter, Miss Cordelia Faust to Mister Felix Murray (undelivered)
21 May 1912
My dearest Felix,
My mother came by today. She told me I have to let you go — that even if you had been aboard another ship, you would have arrived by now. But how could I ever let you go when our wedding is in just two days? How could I leave you behind when you promised you would be back? And how can I even begin to imagine a life without you by my side?
We quarreled terribly over it. I hate upsetting my mother, especially for all the sacrifices she had made for me, but I know she can’t be right about this. After all, I trust that I know you better than anyone else. I know you wouldn’t do this to me… right?
Please tell me you are safe.
Your wife-to-be,
Cordelia Faust
Letter, Miss Cordelia Faust to Mister Felix Murray (undelivered)
23 May 1912
My dearest husband,
We were supposed to be wedded today in joyous matrimony. It takes two for a marriage; but it takes one between us, I suppose. You have a way of making things unique, Felix. That’s why I fell in love with you.
Your ever faithful and loving Wife,
Cordelia Murray
Letter, Miss Cordelia Faust to Mister Felix Murray
4 November 1912
My Felix,
Please… Just come back to me.
Yours and only yours,
Cordelia Murray
Patient #15 Admission
The American Hospital For The Clinically Insane
24 April 1913
Name: Cordelia Faust
Age: 24
Reason for admission: Family members report of her unusual manic behaviour stemming from delusions of a “husband” she is convinced exists. She is susceptible to episodes of severe melancholia. She has been acting in this manner for over a year already, ever since she lost her fiance.
“The Yorkie Gazette”, 23 August 1987
Interesting News!
ARTIFACTS RETRIEVED FROM THE TITANIC BY TITANIC VENTURES, INC
Thanks to the efforts of Titanic Ventures, Inc, we are now able to see what the citizens of a bygone era carried with them aboard a cruise liner of the past. The RMS Titanic was a famed vessel that had her maiden voyage in April 1912, with promises of being “unsinkable”. In an ironic turn of events, the Titanic was tragically capsized after hitting a seemingly innocuous iceberg, and became a cautionary tale of the consequences of poor safety provisions.
With that being said, the ship has turned itself into a time capsule of the past due to its storage of miscellaneous vintage artifacts that will give us a glimpse into the lifestyles of the people aboard the ill-fated Titanic. Among the various goods salvaged from the wreck were a safe, a pair of glasses, a leather valise, and a whiskey bottle.
“The Yorkie Gazette”, 30 September 1987
Interesting News!
LETTER IN A BOTTLE RECOVERED FROM TITANIC WRECKAGE
A bottle excavated from the once grand, now ghostly Titanic has been found, and to the surprise of Titanic researchers, it contains a letter written by one of the victims, who is believed to be a third class passenger among the masses who perished. Here is what it reads:
My dearest, loveliest Cordelia,
I promised I’d be back, but the gales of the cold Atlantic sea have changed my fate. The Titanic has struck an iceberg, and we are sinking. I am afraid, Cordelia. For my life, and most importantly, I fear that I will never see you again. I will always love you, Cordelia, and my heart will sink along with this wretched ship. May we meet each other on the heavenly promenade leading to the Gates of Heavens in the future.
Please be at peace and be reassured that in these last moments of mine, I will think about you, and only you. We cannot change our fates. It was an honour to have loved and cherished you so deeply since we were children playing cards. I love you so much, Cordelia.
With regret but with love,
Felix Murray
The letter is heartbreaking, indeed. The Titanic was a tragedy that has broken the hearts of many, and ruined the lives of the innocent passengers on board the once “unsinkable” ship. Another artefact similar to this heart wrenching letter has been found too, which is…
“The Daily Buzz”, 2 October 1987
Remembering the Deceased
HONOURING CORDELIA MURRAY, WHO LIVED TO BE 98
Formerly known as Cordelia Faust, her family decided to honour her memory by calling her Cordelia Murray, a name she had always preferred, until her eternal slumber. Prior to her passing, she had always been an old lady of good health, despite her troubling past. From losing her fiance to a fatal shipwreck to being admitted to a psychiatric hospital (in which she stayed for a whopping two decades), the poor Madam Murray had to persevere through these tragedies all alone. In her final days, she was said to be obsessing over an article which contained a letter from her late fiance, and was wailing non-stop, calling out his name. The heartbroken old lady passed at 2AM, holding a portrait of her late fiance, Felix Murray, tightly. She was surrounded by concerned family members. She is now remembered as a loving aunt, great aunt and a faithful partner. Her last words were said to be, “Is this my retribution for devotion?”
Her wedding dress and her fiance’s portrait will be cremated alongside the late Madam Cordelia Murray. Her remains shall be scattered at sea after her funeral service. To send your condolences, mail…
Letter, Miss Cordelia Faust to Mister Felix Murray (undelivered)
30 September 1987
My dearest Felix,
They say time heals all wounds, but after almost a lifetime of waiting, the ache in my heart only deepened in your continuous absence. I am now 98 years old — an age I could never have imagined when I first heard of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. An age I once believed would be spent alongside you.
I fear that this will be the last letter I write to you. I can barely hold this pen upright, and I am tired or asleep more than I am awake. Everytime I close my eyes, you seem to be right by my side, whispering sweet nothings and lulling me to sleep. Yet, I still cry every time I open my eyes and find you gone. Please do not hide from me, my love. I do not blame you for this emptiness in my heart, and I hope my sunken eyelids and weathered skin are not scaring you away.
I still write to you, even though I know these letters will never reach you, but pretending you might read them is the only way I can keep you close. Thank you for always appearing in my dreams, but this time… this time, let me come to you.
I remain, as ever, yours,
Cordelia Murray
Written By: Julia and Yu En
