| Description | (1) Written from H.M.S. Bedford, Down, 14 Oct 1813, to Madam [Mrs Flinders]; he is glad to receive letter as additional mark of friendship; he is sure Captain Flinders's time is fully occupied and not to be spared for "mere chit-chat correspondence", no apology needed for no letter from him; he is glad to hear he keeps in good health and spirits; Franklin himself is never better, the West Indian heat has very little effect on him compard with the othe places he has visited; eerthquakes and dreadful hurricanes have taken place at Jamaica since their departure; he heard of the death of John Brackenbury, a victim of yellow fever, and has brought home some of his writings, including poetry which show warm affection for an unknown female.
(2) Written from H.M.S. Bedford, Plymouth Sound, to Mrs Flinders, 27 Oct 1814; his anxiety and apprehension at her irreparable loss, and his fear of offering condolence and sympathy as being intrusive; his being sure that "true piety and a true sense of the All Wise Dispensation of the Almighty" has brought her consolation; he entertained the highest friendship and esteem for him,; he hopes, from reading her letter to Mr Wills, that her state of mind is more easy; he accepts her kind present of his friend's pistols; he offers her assistance in any way he can to contribute to her comfort and happiness; it must be a consolation that her partner was able to complete his publication, advertised as under the auspices of the Admiralty, and he hopes it will be of financial assistance to her; the Bedford is expected to take out troops to America, but where or when they go can not be learned; it has been refitted and they are ordered to keep in readiness; he offers her condolence.
Letters copied out by Eleanor Isabella Franklin, mid 19th cent |