Letter from Eleanor Isabella Franklin to her cousin Catherine Franklin, written while Eleanor is in Tasmania, with references to events celebrating the return of Ross's expedition from Antarctica and to the girl Mathinna Writing in haste. The twins' birthday is the 24 May: Mama has not returned, Sophy will be doing the honours. The house is being prepared for the ball: Captains Ross and Crozier are in Hobart, arriving from the Antarctic. Eleanor is awaiting news of Catherine's expedition to Germany. A play has been on at the theatre in Hobart called 'Antarctic Expeditions'. The two captains and Sir John and Lady Franklin are characterised along with Eleanor and Sophy. Characterisation is praised for its likeness in people enjoying wine, but disimilarity includes the Sir John character having a 'full head of hair'. A new addition to the cousins, James Franklin Price. Eleanor teaches 'a native girl' called Methinna [Mathinna], who interrupts her every few minutes to show her work. 22 May 1841