| Description | Eleanor being in a very alarming state, as the disease continues its rapid progress; that night they have been expecting her last sigh every hour, but she has rallied frequently, so she may linger thourgh the day; Sellwood has experienced the awful trial Franklin has yet to witness, so he can fully enter into his feelings; great as the loss would be, it it may be alleviating for God to allow her to die before he departs and allow him to arrange for the care of his daughter; he has taken consolation from taking the sacrament with her and heard her assurance of faith; she is more collected and resigned now that the paroxysm have stopped; it is extremely satisfactory to him that she expressed her wish before everyone that he should not delay his expedition; she does not think the circumstances have hastened her illness, but that it had been long in progress and advanced since their return from Tunbridge Wells; Hannah has been of infinite service to her. Franklin has taken advice of Sellwood's friend Tinney and signed a deed of trust for Sellwood, Mrs Kay and Mrs Garry to act during his absence, appointed them executors to his will and guardians to his child, who is to be place under the care of Isabella [Cracroft] until his return or the child reaches age of 6, when she will be sent to school and that her present nurse be retained; he allows Isabella £100 for the care of the child, wages for the nurse and clothing and other expenses, in addition to what he has already given Sellwood for Isabella and the usual mortgage interest; Mr Garry is to manage the house properties in London. Apologies for dealing with practical matters as he is leaving soon, but it does not detract from grief and suffering; Eleanor has rallied slightly. Postscript from Hannah Booth, Eleanor continues to rally, hopes that Eleanor will be more settled once John Franklin has departed on the expedition, belief in God |
| Sender Location | 55 Devonshire Street, Portland Place |