Handwritten Letter from Bill W. to Nell Wing
Personal Travel Correspondence Written Aboard the Empress of England
Offered here is an original handwritten letter from Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder Bill Wilson to Nell Wing, his longtime secretary, trusted associate, and later the first archivist of the Alcoholics Anonymous General Service Office.
Written in Bill’s own hand on Canadian Pacific Empress of England stationery, the undated letter offers a wonderfully personal glimpse into the everyday working relationship between Bill and Nell. Rather than a formal piece of A.A. correspondence, this is the kind of practical, familiar communication that passed between two people who worked closely together for many years.
Bill begins simply:
“Nell Dear—
The trip still goes wonderfully, and we send love to all.”
He explains that the ship is expected to dock on Thursday, likely around noon or one o’clock, but cautions Nell that clearing Customs could add several hours. He asks her to determine when the Empress is expected to dock and to notify a contact in Bedford Hills accordingly.
The letter continues with another small assignment. Bill mentions that he has enclosed a note for a woman named Helen and asks Nell to locate her address and telephone her regarding its arrival. He closes the letter affectionately:
“Much love,
Bill”
A Personal Look at Bill W. and Nell Wing
Nell Wing occupied a unique place in the history of Alcoholics Anonymous. She served for many years as Bill Wilson’s secretary and worked closely with him during an enormously important period in A.A.’s development. She would later become the first archivist of the General Service Office, helping preserve the records and correspondence that document the Fellowship’s early history.
That relationship gives this letter significance beyond its contents.
Here we see Bill not writing an article, developing an A.A. principle, or addressing the Fellowship, but simply communicating with Nell while away from home—sharing travel details, delegating small responsibilities, sending greetings, and relying upon her to keep things moving in his absence.
The language is relaxed and familiar throughout. His opening “Nell Dear,” the reference to “we” sending love to everyone, the practical instructions concerning his arrival, and the affectionate “Much love, Bill” create an unusually intimate piece of Bill Wilson correspondence.
For the collector, it is precisely this ordinary quality that makes the letter so appealing. It preserves a small moment from the day-to-day life surrounding Bill W. and the people closest to his work.
Letter Details
Author: Bill Wilson (Bill W.), co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous
Recipient: Nell Wing
Date: Undated; headed “Thursday”
Format: Original handwritten correspondence
Stationery: Canadian Pacific — Empress of England / Air Mail
Pages: Two handwritten sides
Signature: Signed “Bill”
Content: Personal travel arrangements, arrival instructions, Customs timing, telephone messages, and personal greetings
The surviving stationery itself adds another layer of interest, documenting that the letter was written while Bill was traveling aboard or in connection with the Canadian Pacific liner Empress of England.
Condition
The letter remains in very good condition overall.
The handwriting is light but remains substantially legible throughout. The paper shows expected light handling and age-related wear, including original folds consistent with correspondence. There are no major tears or losses visible in the letter.
Please review all photographs carefully for a complete understanding of the condition, handwriting, and appearance.
An exceptional piece of original Alcoholics Anonymous history—handwritten correspondence from Bill Wilson to Nell Wing that captures the personal working relationship between A.A.’s co-founder and one of the most important behind-the-scenes figures in the preservation of its history.
