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| Archive Reference / Library Class No. | D8760/F/FJR/1/1/59 |
| Former Reference | D3311/53/56 |
| Title | Letter from John Franklin to his friend John Richardson, while serving on military duty in Greece |
| Date | 10 Mar 1831 |
| Description | Describes positive observations of Gibraltar and Malta and activities during three week stay in Malta. Describes places of interest around Napoli. Reflects on limited personal knowledge of classical Greece and describes visits to historical sites. Bemoans the rapacity of Elgin and others, stripping works of art for vanity: doomed to be neglected in the cellars of the British Museum. Regrets destruction of the city of Athens. Was senior officer at Napoli but Captain Lyon now arrived. Details his expected moves to Malta and Corfu. Describes bringing a new ship to order: requires a knowledge of gunnery. Keeping company with French and Russian ships: British ships are superior. Asks about Dr Hooker’s work; Beechey’s publication and Back’s and Kendall’s whereabouts. Reports that “our narratives” have attracted much attention including amongst foreign ministers and French naval officers. Has seen Capo d'Istria and Spinks, gunner of the Philomel.
Postscript 9 Apr 1831: going to Corfu in a few days. |
| Extent | 1 sheet |
| Level | Item |
| Repository | Derbyshire Record Office |
| Sender | John Franklin |
| Sender Location | H.M.S. Rainbow, Napoli di Romania [Greece] |
| Recipient | John Richardson |
| Recipient Location | Royal Marine Infirmary, Chatham |
| Archive Creator | Sir John Richardson (1787-1865) |
| Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth |
| Format | Document |
| Term | Letters (documents) |
| Naval personnel |
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