| Description | Written while travelling in Tasmania
He had written previously from the encampment at the base of the King William Mountain range, on the second day after their departure from Lake St Clair. Lady Jane wrote from the Eastern Bank of the Franklin river, and also when they were on board the Breeze. He was busy when the last two packets of letters were sent, but also thinks that Lady Jane’s letters will be fuller and more entertaining than his own. He writes about the discomfort of the journey, and rain and high winds, but was very much interested in the character of the scenery and especially the diversity of the country they travelled through. Sometimes they passed through mountains, and at other times were immersed in deep glens and forests. Even though the latter were dank and damp and very wearying to pass through, they were still interesting. He writes about the verdure and the Australian Ferns, and that the monotony of the walk was agreeably changed by some streams which descended over ledges of rocks in picturesque waterfalls. From forest of this kind they emerged upon the river Franklin, where they had to remain for five days because the river was very high. There were doubts about whether the Breeze had been ordered for the 15th or 18th April, and as it was already 15th, communication with the ship was of great importance. In addition, their provisions needed to be restocked. When Mr Calder last left the Franklin he had constructed a raft, which could be moved across the river on a rope but the heavy rains since then had made the river so full that the rope had broken, cutting off their means of transport. Two men who had worked as bargemen in England volunteered to attempt to cross the river on the raft, and although the attempt appeared hazardous he felt it would have been unwise under the circumstances to decline the offer. On the morning after their arrival the attempt took place, and in spite of the strength of the river they successfully reached the other bank about a mile and a half downstream. The men set off for the Breeze about 3 miles away intending to be back that night. Arrangements were then made for people to bring immediate supplies from the last deposit of provisions; another group was to proceed to Detention Corner for a greater quantity; and a third group was to go back to Lake St Clair where he had requested Mr Clarke to send further supplies because of their detention at the foot of the French Mans Range in Tasmania. Those who remained were put on reduced rations of 3ozs of meat a day. Mr Bagot and Mr Milligan examined the river above the encampment to find a more favourable place to cross the river. The bargemen returned in the evening with the news that the Breeze was there, and they brought rope and blocks to use in crossing the river. He anticipates with delight leaving on the Breeze. The next morning they began attempts to cross the river, but they could not get a line across. A seaman who had come from the Breeze returned to fetch additional materials to help with the crossing and in the meantime Sir John’s party continued to try. Mr Bagot and Mr Milligan worked on making the raft larger and more buoyant while Sir John supervised the scooping out of a pine tree to make a canoe - a means of crossing Mr Burns had recommended. Fortunately, one of the party was familiar with doing this, and Sir John had experience of using a canoe. They decided to fell a tree to make a double canoe. While this was being done Mr Bagot and Mr Milligan brought the news that a rope had been secured across the river with the help of the seaman who had returned. The whole party were to be ready to cross the next morning. The canoe was also completed- it consisted of two canoes fastened together (he describes in detail how this was achieved). The canoes were given the names of Eleanor and Isabella, which were carved on a board and fastened on before they were launched. Even though they were all anxious to reach the end of their journey, and also experienced frequent heavy showers, and the constant noise of the rushing river, he did not feel discomfort, and nor did Lady Jane. They had time for reading and reflection. He had his 56th birthday there, and he does not recall many which were more pleasurable. Eleanor and all the members of the family were present in his thoughts and prayers. Lady Jane gave him a birthday present of a Christian book, and they had the remains of a plum cake or pudding, and toasted his health. He describes the crossing of the Franklin with Lady Jane in one canoe and himself in another, and Mr Bagot standing across both canoes with a paddle. They attached the canoe to the rope which had been fastened across the river, so that it could be pulled across, and they landed successfully on the opposite shore. The other members of the party and the baggage then followed. Eleanor’s name was also stamped on the ferry by having it conspicuously carved on a tree on either side. He received despatches which had been delayed, so heard that Eleanor and all the family were well. They were rejoined by Mr Calder and the parties who had been sent to Lake Clair for supplies, with some provisions but not as much as expected, as Mr Calder had sent supplies to each of the stations in case they were compelled to return the way they had come. They set up camp on the bank of the river, but space was confined and there was not much dried wood in the forest, so it was a less comfortable resting place than usual, but Lady Jane produced a bottle of cherry brandy to commemorate the crossing of the Franklin.
The letter is possibly incomplete, as it includes no address or the usual valedictions; there is also no date, but the content relating to the celebration of his 56th birthday [i.e. 16 April 1842] and his previous letter indicate it is written in late April 1842. |
| Recipient | Eleanor Isabella Franklin |