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| Archive Reference / Library Class No. | D8760/F/FEP/1/1/11 |
| Former Reference | D3311/8/3/14 |
| Title | Letter from John Franklin to Eleanor Anne Porden, during his visit to family in Lincolnshire, including on the state of his affections for Eleanor before he left on his Arctic land expedition in 1819 |
| Date | 26 May 1823 |
| Description | Apologies that he could not answer her previous correspondence due to him being in Ingoldmells and out of his channel of communication. This letter ought to be a 'formidable' one, due to four letters from Eleanor coming before this. They were all pleasurable. Regrets the passing of Eleanor's father, and assures her he will be remembered. Had made up his mind that he should reveal his affections for Eleanor before his last voyage, but thought it imprudent as there was so much danger inherent in the mission. He thought of her a lot on the voyage, especially in the rough parts. Quotes scripture that reflects his joy at surviving the voyage. Apologises for constantly relating to religious subjects in his letters. Having to go from Nottingham to Matlock to see one of my nieces. Proposes going through Horncastle, then on to Nottingham. Will write again soon. |
| Extent | 1 sheet |
| Level | Item |
| Repository | Derbyshire Record Office |
| Sender | John Franklin |
| Sender Location | Bolingbroke [Lincolnshire] |
| Recipient | Eleanor Anne Porden |
| Recipient Location | Miss Appleton's, Upper Portland Place, London |
| Archive Creator | Eleanor Anne Porden, later Eleanor Franklin (1795-1825) |
| Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth |
| Transcript or Index | Bolingbroke May 26th 1823
My dear Eleanor,
As it [is] your pleasure to be addressed by this title, I begin. Last Saturday on my arriving here I received your letter of May 21st and yesterday that of May 23rd – besides these I have been gratified by the receipt of two others within the last few days, but as I was then at Ingoldmells and out of the channel of post communication excepting once a week, I could not answer them. This letter then ought to be a formidable one, as it should contain the answer to four of yours, each of which afforded me the most sincere pleasure, as indeed does every thing which issues from your mind. Even the lecture as to the inconsistency in my description of the parts of my native county was agreable as coming from your pen. Have I not contrived to repeat “as” as often as can be?
I can fully enter into your feelings respecting the memory of your parents, and can picture the pleasure you derive in frequently contemplating on their virtues. Their affectionate kindness to you deserves to be dearly cherished, and you must no longer suppose that I have considered your dwelling on the past scenes of your life as a token of want of regard for myself.
I was much amused by your reminiscences respecting May 21st and with the desire you had of writing on that very day, to me in Hudson’s Bay. This day has also been imprinted on my memory from the recollection of its being that on which I parted with your lamented Father and yourself previous to the commencement of my voyage. My mind was then almost made up to the determination of pointing out my attachment to you, as we walked towards Mrs Kays, but I considered it unfair to bind the affections of any Lady at the commencement of a voyage which promised so much danger as ours did. You may remember I did obscurely hint at my regard, as we went along, but finding you did not <then> remark it; I changed the conversation.
Often my dear friend have you occupied my anxious thoughts and mind during the progress of our voyage – and particularly I may add in the seasons of distress. My prayers <for your happiness> were then more fervently offered up to the throne of Grace. I cannot however say that I had then determined on proposing our union even if my life should be spared. My petitions were prompted by a sincere regard for your <present & eternal> welfare independent of any view which might have cause [?]there. Many thanks for your addresses to the throne of Grace on our behalf, during our absence, they I doubt not united with those of many others from our friends assisted in drawing down the divine protection and support which was so wonderfully bestowed upon us. There is no text of scripture which I feel a greater happiness in beleiving than this, that “The fervent effectual prayer of the righteous availeth much” availeth, not only in procuring blessings for themselves but for those towards whom the bounty of Heaven is implored. You must pardon my frequent introduction of religious subjects in my letters, I feel most solicitous that we should of all other things entirely agree on this important point.
This is the day you purposed returning to London. You are by this time seated probably on your wonted sopha in Portland Place, planning your proceedings for the next week. I sincerely wish you well over your bustle; but at your command I am resolved not to fidget myself anymore respecting your strength and capability of heavy fatigue. If I understood you right, you do not intend going at all into Berners Street but to remain at Portland Place or as your last letter says to go to Mrs Oviatt’s, to whom by the bye I beg my kind remembrance and thanks for the invitation on 14th July. A letter I received yesterday will change my movements a little, having to go from Nottingham to Matlock to see one of my nieces. Being there I may as well take the opportunity of viewing what is to be seen. We propose going to Horncastle on Saturday next and on the Wednesday following to Newark, where my friends Dr & Mrs R. part – they for Scotland I for Nottingham. The day of separation from such a friend with whom I have lived for four years will be a sore one for me, but these are circumstances we must be prepared to meet. They make frequent enquiries after you, and though you may not suppose it, take a lively interest in you. I shall write again soon. If you write me address until Thursday night to Bolingbroke after Thursday at Horncastle.
Believe me ever truly & affectionately
John Franklin
To Miss Porden
At Miss Appleton’s
Upper Portland Place
London. |