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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D8760/F/FKA/1/6/1
Former ReferenceD3287/31/8
TitleLetter from Elizabeth Franklin to her sister-in-law Sarah Henrietta Kay, describing the progress of John Franklin's second Arctic land expedition, including news of the death of his first wife Eleanor
Date20 Jun 1825
DescriptionRefers to letter dated 22nd April from John Franklin, anticipated travels across Lake Huron, Lake Superior and the Mackenzie River, hospitality received at the Naval Station, 2 married officers and their wives and a lieutenant, journey through New York state, towns and villages established, importance of the Western Canal, bad roads, visit to Niagara Falls, crossing Lake Ontario to York, capital of Upper Canada, inferior to most American villages, better roads, prefers Canada, description of settler's life, few settlers "become rich", letter written before he knew of Eleanor's death, imagines her to be at Tunbridge Wells, discovery of wife's death written in a newspaper before finished the letter, initial shock of discovering that his wife had died, baby Eleanor is with her Nurse Baker, weaning, request to procure a bonnet for baby Eleanor.
Extent1 sheet
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
Full Catalogue ListClick here to view a full list for this collection
SenderElizabeth Franklin
Sender LocationHorncastle [Lincolnshire]
RecipientSarah Henrietta Kay
Recipient Location6, Gower Street, Bedford Square, London
Archive CreatorKay family of London
Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth
TermMackenzie River Expedition (1825)

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Related Names
Name (click for further details)
Franklin; Elizabeth (1777-1850); sister of Sir John Franklin
Kay; Sarah Henrietta (1785-1859); wife of architect Joseph Kay
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