Historical information

The letter was written by Allan Quinn to his mother. Allen started working as a seafarer when he was 16 years old, and frequently wrote to his mother during his travels. He also created an extensive photograph collection, which corresponds with the letters.

Significance

The letter is part of an ongoing correspondence between Allan and his mother. In this letter, Allan talks about travelling from South America to Canada, and the ship being fumigated.

Physical description

Letter addressed to Mrs S. Quinn, "Sanlorenzo", 63 Ocean Beach, Manly, N.S.W, Australia, in four parts. Part 0157 Envelope Part 0157.1-3 Letter Pages. The letter pages are tissue-like air mail paper. The letter begins "My Dear Mum, This letter is very late..." and concludes with "Your ever loving son, Allan..." In the top right hand corner of the first page is "M/I Ariston, At Sea" and is dated 10/8/47.

Inscriptions & markings

On front of envelope: MRS S QUINN / SAN LORENZO / 63 OCEAN BEACH / MANLY NSW / AUSTRALIA handwritten in black ink. VIA AIR MAIL is printed on the right hand side, and there are two Canadian stamps, both valued at 5 cents. There are three stamped postmarks, the first is round: MONTRAL / AUG 14 / 2 PM / 1947 / P.Q., the second is rectangle: -S / -OS / EPAR/ UTILISEZ LA POSTE AERIENNE, the third is also round: T / 60 / CENTIMES.
On the back of the envelope: (indecipherable) / 7A6714 / OR 7AA6603 handwritten in pencil.