Artists & Writers · 19th Century

Ambrose Bierce’s Last Words

June 24, 1842 c. January 1914 Age 71 American
As to me, I leave here tomorrow for an unknown destination.
— Ambrose Bierce, c. January 1914

Who Was Ambrose Bierce?

Ambrose Bierce was an American journalist known for The Devil's Dictionary and Civil War stories.

The Final Moments

Last letter written before disappearing in Mexico.

Are These Words Verified?

✓ High Confidence

This is from Bierce's last known letter dated December 26, 1913, to his secretary Blanche Partington. The letter survives and is well-documented as his final written communication before disappearing.

Sources

  • firsthand Letter to Blanche Partington, December 26, 1913
  • academic The Ambrose Bierce Site (academic research)
  • archive Bierce, Ambrose. Correspondence

Legacy

Devil's Dictionary is a masterwork of American satire.

satireDevil's Dictionarymysterious disappearance

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Ambrose Bierce’s last words?

“As to me, I leave here tomorrow for an unknown destination.”

How did Ambrose Bierce die?

Ambrose Bierce died on c. January 1914 at the age of 71. Cause of death: Unknown — disappeared in Mexico.

Were Ambrose Bierce’s last words documented?

This is from Bierce's last known letter dated December 26, 1913, to his secretary Blanche Partington. The letter survives and is well-documented as his final written communication before disappearing.