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| Archive Reference / Library Class No. | D8760/F/FEG/1/1/14 |
| Former Reference | D3287/31/8 |
| Title | Letter from Sir John Franklin to his daughter Eleanor Isabella Franklin, during his journey north on the last Arctic expedition, including reference to Eleanor's relationship with John Philip Gell |
| Date | 3 Jun 1845 |
| Description | He rejoices that their journey starts on her birthday, another favourable omen he trusts. He has prayed to God for her and written to the person [John Philip Gell] dear to both him and her, which letters he sends with others for Van Diemen's Land [now Tasmania] to Lady Franklin, who wishes to see what he writes; he is sure Eleanor has the same desire to meet Lady Franklin's wishes; Eleanor's affection for her gives him comfort, and he is sure they will continue to seek each other's welfare; may God bless them both. He has many letters and dispatches to complete and send off to the Rattler while the wind is light. They are all happy and in good spirits. He will request Captain Smith and Captain Stanley to call on Lady Franklin. He has received all the letters to 29 May and thanks her for them. |
| Extent | 1 sheet |
| Level | Item |
| Repository | Derbyshire Record Office |
| Sender | John Franklin |
| Sender Location | H.M.S. Erebus at Sea 20 miles west of Stromness |
| Recipient | Eleanor Isabella Franklin |
| Recipient Location | No address |
| Archive Creator | Eleanor Isabella Franklin, later Eleanor Gell (1824-1860) |
| Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth |
| Transcript or Index | H.M.S. Erebus at Sea 20 miles west of Stromness
3rd June 1845
My dearest Eleanor
I rejoice that our [?western] voyage commences on your Birth-day, another favourable omen I trust! I am happy at having the opportunity of writing to you on this day and in assuring you that my fervent prayers have been offered to the Almighty in your behalf, and my thanksgiving for the manifold mercies you have received at his hands. Nor have I omitted to approach the throne of Grace in behalf of him who is so dear to you & to me. I have written a long letter to him which I now send with others for VDL to your Mama, as she is so desirous to see what I write. My ardent desire is in this as in every other respect to meet her wishes. I am sure my dearest Eleanor that you had the same desire of meeting and anticipating her wishes.
It is this assurance of your affection for her & of my dearest [?wishes] for you that gives me such comfort. I am persuaded that you will continue to seek and pray for each others welfare.
May the Almighty bless you both in these holy purposes and graciously preserve you in safety & me also, so that we may the happiness of meeting together in peace & comfort.
I have my many letters to complete & dispatches to be closed up, which I wish to do now & send off to the Rattler while the wind is light, for if a breeze springs up we may lose the conveyance.
We are all happy and in good spirits. This perhaps either Capt. Smith or Capt. Stanley may have the opportunity of telling you personally, for I shall request both if these can call upon your Mama. I have received all the letters to the 29th May, and thank you for them but cannot enter into details.
Believe me my dearest child
Your affectionate Father
John Franklin |
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