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
  - FSJ - Records of Sir John Franklin - 1810-[early 20th cent]
    - 1 - Correspondence of Sir John Franklin - 1810-[early 20th cent]
      - 15 - Typed transcripts of letters of John Franklin not held in the Gell collection, including several items not written by or to him - [20th cent]

Browse this collection	This entry describes an individual archive record or file. Click here to browse the full catalogue for this collection
Archive Reference / Library Class No.	D8760/F/FSJ/1/15/37
Former Reference	D3311/40/40
Title	Typed transcript of letter from John Franklin to sister [Elizabeth Franklin], on the progress of his second Arctic land expedition, original letter dated 8 Nov 1825
Date	[20th cent]
Description	Settled in winter quarters; nothing much has happened but they are well situated with good prospects; hopes the name will please her; description of winter quarters; surrounded by stockade to keep out snowdrifts; detailed description of interior of John Franklin's and Dr Richardson's quarters; Wilson the piper is John Franklin's servant; detailed description of bed; sleeps "soundly"; length of darkness increasing as winter draws in; detailed description of daily routine; games of chess or sport; setting up a school for the men; Sunday worship; hopes for God's blessings; depth of John Franklin's religious beliefs; Arctic "stillness" helps contemplation of God; reflection on life; can still enjoy pleasures which are not forbidden in the Bible; reflection on duties towards God, etc.; insists that he is "calm, cheerful and happy" despite bereavement; feels that God is with him; his wife has been spared suffering; feels content that daughter Eleanor is being cared for very well by Isabella and other members of his family; Catherine's last illness; assurances to Mr Elliott that John Franklin would care for the children if ever needed; waiting to write to Isabella and Hannah until he gets the next packet of letters, expected in January; thinking about the extended family and children; expects Eleanor to take after him in "rotundity"; hopes that Isabella likes Baker; concern over Tom Booth's studies and welfare, and that he should be introduced to "good society"; has written to all his friends who came to Eleanor's funeral; looking forward to receiving long letters from everyone; recommends Miss Richardson's school in Gower Street for Emily Sellwood; love to everyone; especially to "the fatty" in Ashby. PS: flag made by Eleanor used in opening ceremony of Fort Franklin; remembrance to friends in Horncastle and surrounds
Extent	6 sheets
Level	Item
Repository	Derbyshire Record Office
Full Catalogue List	Click here to view a full list for this collection
Sender	John Franklin
Sender Location	Fort Franklin, Great Bear Lake
Recipient	Sarah Henrietta Kay
Recipient Location	Horncastle
Archive Creator	Sir John Franklin (1786-1847)
Archive Creator	Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth
Term	Mackenzie River Expedition (1825)

Add to My Items

Florence Nightingale

Florence Nightingale

Bryan Donkin Company Ltd of Chesterfield, engineering firm

Bryan Donkin Company Ltd of Chesterfield, engineering firm

Local Studies Periodicals

Local Studies Periodicals

Harpur Crewe family of Calke

Harpur Crewe family of Calke

Horace John Rylands (1886-1961) of Bakewell, First World War soldier

Horace John Rylands (1886-1961) of Bakewell, First World War soldier

Collection Highlights