Letter 3

by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley · 2026-03-31

To Mrs. Saville, England

July 7th, 17—.

Dear Sister,

I’m writing quickly to let you know that I’m safe and making good progress on my journey. This letter will reach England on a merchant ship heading home from Archangel, much luckier than I, who might not see our homeland for many years. Still, I’m in good spirits. My crew is brave and seems determined, and the icebergs we pass by, which signal the dangers ahead, don’t seem to frighten them at all. We’ve already traveled quite far north, but it’s summer, and while it’s not as warm as England, the southern winds that push us toward the shores I long to reach bring a refreshing warmth I didn’t expect.

So far, nothing noteworthy has happened. A couple of strong winds and a minor leak are the kind of things experienced sailors hardly bother to mention, and I’ll be happy if nothing worse happens during our journey.

Goodbye for now, my dear Margaret. Please know that for both our sakes, I won’t recklessly seek out danger. I’ll remain calm, determined, and careful.

But I am determined to succeed. Why shouldn’t I? I’ve come this far, navigating these uncharted waters, with the stars themselves witnessing my journey. Why not continue across this wild yet responsive sea? What can stand in the way of a determined heart and a resolute will?

My heart swells with these thoughts. But I must wrap this up. May heaven bless my beloved sister!

R.W.