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Primary sourceDocument27 October 1885

Poem Written to His Jailer

Louis Riel · 27 October 1885

A poem Louis Riel wrote to his jailer Robert Gordon while imprisoned in Regina in 1885, shortly before his execution.

Riel wrote this personal poem himself while imprisoned and awaiting execution.

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Source: Wikisource

About this source

What it is

This is a poem written by Louis Riel, addressed to his jailer Robert Gordon, dated 27 October 1885 and written in Regina Jail. In it Riel apologises in English, which he calls imperfect, and reflects on virtue, good desires, and facing God.

Why it matters

Written while Riel awaited execution, the poem reveals a personal and reflective side of a man usually remembered as a political and military leader. It shows his religious faith, his relationship with those guarding him, and his awareness of writing in a second language.

Look closer

  • What tone does Riel take towards his jailer, and what might that tell us about their relationship?
  • Why does Riel apologise for his English, and what does that reveal about his background?
  • What do the poem's religious images suggest about his state of mind near the end of his life?

This document is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Louis Riel on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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