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| Archive Reference / Library Class No. | D8760/F/FKA/1/1/4 |
| Former Reference | D3311/50/12 |
| Title | Letter from John Franklin to his sister-in-law Sarah Henrietta Kay, on the progress of his second Arctic land expedition |
| Date | 3-6 Jun 1825 |
| Description | Writing on daughter's birthday: alludes to grief but appreciates that he is now free of anxiety about his daughter's care. Describes journey from Fort William. Men are fatigued with paddling and where necessary carrying canoes. He and Richardson went ahead in order to prepare provisions at each post. Reports timely arrival of stores in advance of the expedition. Have reached location where pemmican is in general use. Jokes that Mary Anne could eat pemmican or roast goose if she could "pop over". Envisages next stage to Cumberland House. No likelihood after that of being able send letters until the following year. Authorises Mr Kay to act as he thinks fit in financial matters. Refers to meeting the financial needs of "your cousins at Chelsea". Hopes Mrs Steel is provided for. Asks to be sent newspapers and journals. 6 June: sets out his wishes for a marble tablet to be erected in his wife's memory: mentions Mr Flaxman in this connection. |
| Extent | 1 sheet |
| Level | Item |
| Repository | Derbyshire Record Office |
| Full Catalogue List | Click here to view a full list for this collection |
| Sender | John Franklin |
| Sender Location | Lake Winnipeg, Canada |
| Recipient | Sarah Henrietta Kay |
| Recipient Location | No address |
| Archive Creator | Kay family of London |
| Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth |
| Copies | A digital copy of this item can be viewed on the public computers at the record office. |
| Term | Mackenzie River Expedition (1825) |