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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D8760/F/FEG/1/24/1
Former ReferenceD3287/31/3/7
TitleEnd page of letter from Sophia Cracroft to her cousin Eleanor Isabella Franklin, reporting on her journey in Tasmania
Dateearly Apr 1840
DescriptionSophy's alarm at almost being attacked by animal, which was intercepted by "the driver"; the continuation of her journey with Sir John and Lady Franklin, including references to Mr Martyn's at Westbury, Mr and Mrs Ashburner's at Launceston; her decision not carry on along the West Coast but to go to Avoca on Saturday 18th, hoping to meet up with the Franklins again the following week and return to Hobarton via Jerusalem Richmond. She will be glad to see Eleanor, whom she sees as her younger sister; Eleanor is to send the chain she has made for her father on his birthday [16 April]; she will not be there on the day, but will manage as best she can to get it to him. The Eliza sails before Monday the 13th, the same day they all leave. She is glad to being staying with the Ashburners; Captain Parker remains behind and will take care of her at Avoca.
No date but stamped with postmark for 1 May 1840
Extent1 sheet
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
Full Catalogue ListClick here to view a full list for this collection
SenderSophia Cracroft
Sender LocationNo address
RecipientEleanor Isabella Franklin
Recipient LocationNo address
Archive CreatorEleanor Isabella Franklin, later Eleanor Gell (1824-1860)
Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth
TermColonialism
British Empire
Letters (documents)
Transcript or Index[Previous page missing]
... than one shifting our position – I was much alarmed and still more so when one of them refused to go through the gate near which we were and he rushed back towards our hiding place when within a very few yards the driver fortunately intercepted and drove him back, or we would in all probability have been attacked. I could scarcely stand for fright but Mr Birklow praised my behaviour – in truth I was too frightened to speak. I did as I was told – We arrived at Mr Martin’s place 3 miles short of Westbury rather later but as I rode a great part of the way and very fast I was less fatigued than I have been and was able to go to dinner.
The following morning we again started and after going 3 miles in their carriage we got on horseback to go a longer road by Mr Wright and Mr Jolie’s prospection to Mr Ashburners the latter part of the road my Aunt went with Mr Jolie in his little carriage so that I was able to ride pretty fast and thus lessen the fatigue. We took luncheon at Mr Ashburners and came into Launceston about 8 the same day having had a beautiful drive by moonlight. I have quite decided to not to accompany your Papa and Mama round the West Coast to George’s river. I have not strength for it and I spend a few days at Mr Ashburners and then go in the carriage to Avoca on Saturday the 18th. I hope to rejoin your Papa and Mama in the following week when we proceed to Hobarton by way of Jerusalem and Richmond. I think we shall be with you in the same week but I cannot say precisely. Very glad shall I be to see you once more my own dearest Eleanor my youngest sister as you have ever been to me ? And now about the chain for I had your little note yesterday – you must send it next Friday in a letter to me undercover to your Papa at Avoca. I shall not be with him on his birthday- the rest I will manage as well as I can. I am very glad you have managed to finish it in time for him. You will be delighted to see how well he is. The Eliza sails Monday the 13th the same day we all leave this place so she will be in Hobarton with the Resolute long before us. I shall be very glad of a few days real quiet at Mr Ashburners and we shall accomplish the whole journey to Avoca in one day. Captain Parker remains behind and will take care of me to Avoca and now dearest Eleanor have I not written you a long letter enough for 4. I think that you see that when I have anything to say I do not forget you. Kind remembrances to Mrs Williamson and believe me your affectionate Sophia Cracroft.
Places
Place (click for further details)Type
Australia 
Tasmania 
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