| Sender Location | Gurney Hoare's, Esqr, Hampstead |
| Recipient | Eleanor Isabella Franklin |
| Transcript or Index | Gurney Hoare’s Esqr, Hampstead
Friday morning 11th May 1849
My dear Miss Franklin
Your letter reached me in Norfolk yesterday morning, not half an hour before we set off on our journey to this place; so that I have not, till this moment, had an opportunity of replying to it.
I can have no hesitation in saying that, had Lady Franklin asked my advice when the idea of a private expedition first occurred to her, I should, without doubt, have endeavoured to dissuade her from it – simply on this ground, that I do not consider the probable advantage of it to be at all commensurate with the immense sacrifice which she must make to accomplish it. But Lady Franklin did not communicate her proposal to me till she had made up her own mind to it. I first heard of it last Saturday, the 5th Inst., and she then told me that she had engaged a Broker, ordered her money to be sold out, applied to the Admiralty for £500 and for a loan or gift of one or two vessels – in short, that the whole thing was in actual progress. Lady Fr likewise complained that some of her relatives and friends, who had been backward in affording their help in carrying out other measures, were now opposing and finding fault with her plan. It was clear to my mind, however startling the scheme, that her own resolution was positively taken, and in this view I was confirmed by a letter from Mr Barrow, assuring me that her decision was unalterably fixed. The only kind thing remaining to be done, both by him and by me, was, to help her in her object; and it was with this feeling that, after a Sunday’s pause, I wrote to her in reply. I also answered some questions Mr Barrow put to me, having the same object of sending her what assistance I could. With reference to the opposition of her relatives and friends, I told her that I thought the whole thing was a matter of feeling, of which none could judge so well as herself, but that, as her undertaking was a very serious one, I did hope she would avail herself of faithful and judicious advisors – or to this effect. Perhaps you saw my note? I felt she wanted soothing – not irritating, under her present excited state, for she seemed to express herself as if almost everybody was against her.
Now, to answer your three points of difficulty.
1st The time is very short, and with this in view, I told Lady Fr that I thought she might find the “ready doubled” Whaler the best. I agree with Beechey that the 15th June would do, tho’ I should prefer the 1st June, as originally named. With great exertion, under a zealous and intelligent officer, much might be done in this interval.
2nd The Money! It is impossible for me to judge of this, further than to say that, under £10,000, I really do not think that anything efficient can be reasonably expected. From what you say, I should fear that Lady Fr is somewhat deceiving herself as to her means of raising money, even setting aside the enormous sacrifice she is ready to make. It is impossible not to admire the nobleness of mind which makes her ready to give up all in this cause; but whether her all, and whatever else she can raise from other sources, will be sufficient to carry out her plan effectively, is, I confess, a matter of painful doubt to my mind. Lady Parry and I have had more than one anxious conversation on the subject, and we agree in thinking, most decidedly, that you ought not to offer to give up any money which is settled upon you, in order to carry out the present plan. Lady Franklin speaks, with the greatest satisfaction of your money being safe; and we think that this ground of comfort should remain untouched.
As to your concurrence in what Lady Franklin is doing with the means at her own disposal, it is really difficult for me to offer advice. Your position is a very painful one. You must ask help and guidance of God; and the counsel of your best earthly friend, Mr Gell, cannot but be most valuable under such a difficulty. However, you will doubtless feel, as I do, that, as Lady Fr has made up her mind on the subject, she is entitled to all the help you can give her.
3rd As to Lady Franklin’s going in the ship. This must not be. It would hamper the whole thing; and I feel satisfied that no judicious officer would undertake the command on these terms – at least, I would not myself. Indeed, I should leave no means untried to dissuade any officer from allowing this. Lady Fr cannot be aware what mischief might ensue from it, while no good could, I believe, possibly arise from it. A note from Lady Fr which I received from her when I got yours, informs me she has offered the command to Captain Fishbourne – a capital man – I hope he may accept it. If he does, let me know, and I shall feel it a positive duty to dissuade him from allowing Lady Fr to accompany him.
I am going into town this afternoon, and principally with the hope of seeing Lady Franklin. I shall take this with me, and post it if I cannot find an opportunity of putting it into your hand.
I shall greatly rejoice to see Mr Gell, and to talk matters over freely with him.
I should be rather glad that you should keep this note, as a record of my views; and I have no time to copy it.
May the Lord direct you aright!
Yrs, my dear Miss Franklin, Most sincerely, W Parry
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