Record

D8760 - Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth - 1714-1994
- F - Family records of the extended Franklin family and the Gell family of Hopton Hall - 1714-1994
  - GJP - Records of Reverend John Philip Gell - 1836-1897
    - 1 - Correspondence of John Philip Gell - 1845-1887
      - 1 - Letters from Sir John Franklin to his prospective son-in-law John Philip Gell - 1845

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Archive Reference / Library Class No.	D8760/F/GJP/1/1/1
Former Reference	D3311/32/3
Title	Letter from Sir John Franklin to John Philip Gell
Date	23 May 1845
Description	Took leave of Jane, Eleanor and Sophy on 19 May. They'd stayed at Greenhithe in order to make the last possible farewell. This had the advantage that they met the officers and were reassured. Describes leave-taking. All had dined on board on the previous day. Acknowledges Gell's recent letter with reference to Franklin having written to Lord Stanley about the college. Church of England is raising subscriptions for the college: mentions Marriott visiting Cambridge. Refers to the hope of Gell becoming first warden, with implications for how long he would remain in Van Diemen's Land [now Tasmania]. Envisages arrangements/introductions being made when Gell returns to England in order for him to obtain employment. Dayman returned too late to join the expedition. Writes at length of "wretched accounts" of Van Diemen's Land and about aspects of his removal from the governorship. Gives information about the printing and circulation of his related pamphlet. Refers to interest and resentment generated in England by the expedition. Writes positively of the officers and of the condition of the ship. Seeks divine blessing for the expedition. Closes his letter off the Farne Islands, scene of Grace Darling's exploits.
Extent	3 sheets
Level	Item
Repository	Derbyshire Record Office
Sender	John Franklin
Sender Location	HMS Erebus at sea off Aldborough
Recipient	John Philip Gell
Recipient Location	Hobart Town [Tasmania]
Archive Creator	Rev John Philip Gell (1816-1898)
Archive Creator	Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth
Format	Document
Term	Naval personnel
	Navy officers
	Sailors
	British Empire
	Colonialism
	Letters (documents)
	Franklin Expedition (1845)