Typed transcript of letter from John Franklin to his sister Miss Franklin, on his wife's illness and his plans for another Arctic expedition, original dated 2 Dec 1823 Wife is something of an invalid; wife's uncle had died suddenly; wife's uncle had managed her "outdoor affairs" since the death of her father; had helped both of them with arrangements for their house; Dr Thompson recommends rest; house not habitable; staying with Mr and Mrs Kay in Gower Street, then Greenwich; planning to take a lodging near Devonshire Street, to superintend arrangement of furniture; want to remain incognito to avoid interruptions from visitors; preserves have arrived; planning for another expedition; plans submitted to Lord Bathurst; if approved will not leave before February 1825; Eleanor supports his Arctic exploration; Mr Barrow approves and plans also tie in with Captain Parry's ideas; particularly in respect of a North West passage; visit to Nottingham; Mrs Burnside; Catherine to have a governess; visit to Kenilworth Castle, Warwick, Blenheim and Oxford; James living at 41 Great Portland Street, near Devonshire Street; separation of James from his family, inconvenient and expensive; Mr Sellwood appointed election agent for Sir William Ingoldby; condolences to Mrs Faussett's family; kind regards to Mr Short; engraving of his "Phiz" to be done; love to father, sister, Mrs Sellwood and little girls; barrel of oysters sent to Mrs S; kind remembrance from Mr and Mrs Kay [20th cent]