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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D8760/F/FSJ/1/7/3
Former ReferenceD3311/11/1
TitleLetter from Hannah Booth and her daughter Mary Booth to John Franklin, on an improvement in the health of his wife Eleanor
Date17 Feb 1825
DescriptionLetter starts with statement by doctor Henry Halford on her being less unwell than she was and on his hopes of ultimate recovery are higher. Hannah Booth takes hopes from what the doctor says but thinks they still have to trust to God; Mrs Kay will write to tell him about how she received the intelligence of Franklin's letter; Mrs Kay had seen what Sir Henry wrote but made no comment; Hannah will not write again that week and fears they cannot send a more satisfactory account. Mary Booth pleased to write in answer to request from him to hear from everyone; they are delighted to hear of the good progress of the party to Liverpool; they are reading to Eleanor and she is interested in what they are are reading; Mama is well, able to do more than she could at first; reference to the address of Messrs Carey recommended by Mr Garry; remebrances to other members of the expedition.
Extent1 sheet
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
SenderHannah Booth and Mary Booth
Sender LocationNo address
RecipientJohn Franklin
Recipient Locationc/o Thomas Langton, Liverpool; if gone, to be forwarded to Messrs Carey and Co., New York
Archive CreatorSir John Franklin (1786-1847)
Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth
Transcript or IndexI do not think Mrs Franklin out of danger by any means, but I have no hesitation in saying that she is less ill than she was, and that my hopes of her ultimate recovery are much higher than they were.
Henry Halford

Letter from Hannah Booth
My dear John
This intelligence from the pen of Sir Henry I am bound to send, I confess we ought not to give up hope whilst such a great man holds out such language- but still think is much to hope and much to fear and I who have seen sickness in so many shapes am under the influence of doubt from everything I see however our firm trust must be in that Being who can alone bring her either to health and comfort in this life or take her to His everlasting rest – and it is our bounden duty to submit to His decrees. Mrs Kay is writing therefore I am sure she will tell you how she received the intelligence your letter contained and when Mrs Kay took up this which Sir Henry wrote she did not make any remark upon it. I think this will be my last letter for this week to you I cannot say whether I wish your detention another day for I fear we cannot send more satisfactory account were your time [?protracted], James is just come in he is very kind and attentive to us and anxious about your dear wife. I shall give the pen to Mary believe me your most affectionate sister H Booth.

You were kind enough to say when you [missing] you would like to hear from everyone of us and as Hannah has found it possible to spare some room for me to scribble a little I am too much delighted by her offer to refuse it though her letter would certainly be more interesting to you. We were all delighted to hear such good accounts of your journey down to Liverpool and also the favourable report of the whole party as your letter contained. I need scarcely say anything of Aunt as Mama and Mrs Kay are both writing to you on the subject. We read a good deal to her and she seems much interested in what we are reading about. Mama continues wonderfully well and is able to do much more than she did at first. Of course from the few people we see now you are gone, very little news is [?] or I would tell you anything we had heard. I do not know if Mama or Mrs Kay told you the addition of the address [?now] of Messrs Carey was recommended by Mr Garry also said you would receive all the letters directed so. Pray remember us most kindly to Dr Richardson, Lieutenant Back and Mr Kendal and believe me dear Uncle warm wishes for your health whille absent. Safe return to England your affectionate and attached neice. M Booth

Captain Franklin, RN
Commander of the Land Arctic Expedition
To the care of Thomas Langton Esq.
Liverpool
If gone to be forwarded to
Messrs Carey and Co, New York

Postmarked 17 Feb 1825

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Related Names
Name (click for further details)
Richardson; Mary (1807-1845); second wife of John Richardson, naval officer and explorer
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