In this paper, the realizations of apologies as evidenced in the Essex pauper letters of 19th century England are explored. The paper takes a critical look at the forms and functions of apologies, arguing that apologies in such texts are conventionalized in form. Taking into consideration the social norms of writing specific to this speech community, the study makes a distinction between two main functions of apologies and argues that apologies under scrutiny are not a politeness device that repairs and redresses an offence; rather, they exemplify a politic behavior that helps in the negotiation of interpersonal relationships and the attainment of the writers’ discursive goal.