Letter from Marianne Jane Simpkinson to her cousin Eleanor Isabella Gell, including references to the return of Sir James Ross following his search expedition to look for Sir John Franklin and criticism of Lady Franklin Marianne is sending her a line or two to thank her for letter, as she would not like Eleanor to think she did not feel for her in her distress; on the arrival of Sir James Ross, Eleanor's account of the reason of his return and the sufferings he has undergone has made Marianne think that he was justified; at first she had thought it was precipitate to return and that he should have stayed another year, but her opinion has been changed; she hopes the Government will be induced to send another ship to the Bering Straits, but is afraid that her Aunt will do a great deal of mischief and frustrate it by her strange views and attitude; she dreads her being with them this winter, for Mamma has said that that she would do anything to gratify every wish of Aunt F; Marianne would be glad if her aunt and Sophy took up lodgings, as Sophy needs to be with her, but it can't be with Eleanor, as she has no room; her aunt and Sophy are inseparable. Marianne notes that Mr Gell is trying for the headmastership of Rugby and thinks he will have a good chance of success. She recognises that it is an effort for Eleanor to read her letters, let alone write back. The date 1849 in marked in pencil at top. References to the return of James Ross and the headmastership of Rugby makes it late in the year. [late 1849]