| Description | Writing in fulfillment of promise made in letter to Hannah. Reports safe arrival. Describes aspects of Penetanguishene, accommodation and hosts. Presumes she has heard news from Eleanor of his pleasant journey. Describes development of towns and villages in relation to Western canal. Recounts visit to Niagara Falls and York. Describes life of settlers. Expresses hopes for wife's recovery: had expected to have received letters from Mr & Mrs Kay and Hannah. Reflects on sorrowful days before his departure and of feeling hopeful, on departure day itself, for wife's recovery. Considers religious significance of her illness. Recognises anxiety felt by Hannah and her sister: could not have managed without them. Recognises contribution of "her sisters" [not named] and dear friend Sellwood. Writes of wife's health being precarious: she will need care from his family. Anxious about his sister Catherine: sends sympathy. Asks whether Margaret is expecting a child, which might prevent her travelling to India with James. Enquires about Isabella and about Wright and Henrietta. 7pm: has received, through a newspaper, news of wife's death. Reiterates having found hope in favourable change in her condiition a few days before his departure. Refers to the will of the Almighty: prays for his daughter and hopes she is with his sister in Lincolnshire. Asks for an account of his wife's last days. Hopes that the nurse Baker/Barker can be retained: asks for Isabella to be told that Barker needs religious instruction. |
| Sender Location | Penetanguishene, Lake Huron, Canada |
| Recipient | Eleanor Isabella Franklin |