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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D8760/F/FEP/1/1/21
Former ReferenceD3311/8/3/39
TitleLetter from John Franklin to Eleanor Anne Porden, on learning about her long friendship with Henry Elliott
Date25 Jul 1823
DescriptionReceipt of note about her friend Mr Elliott; happy to cherish the affectionate esteem produced in her by her true friend; hopes to become his friend, in the same way Mr Elliott hopes to be Franklin's friend, "for her sake". Last two days he spent with his sisters having been happy, Eleanor's absence being the only thing to have not completed a happy family circle. Regrets not being able to be with her until 5 o'clock tomorrow; would like her to meet his brother's wife and family.
Extent1 sheet
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
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SenderJohn Franklin
Sender Location3 Great Marlborough Street
RecipientEleanor Anne Porden
Recipient LocationUpper Portland Place
Archive CreatorEleanor Anne Porden, later Eleanor Franklin (1795-1825)
Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth
Transcript or IndexTo Miss Porden
Upper Portland Place
My dearest Eleanor
I was extremely gratified by your affectionate kindness in permitting me to peruse the note of your friend Mr Elliott. I can well imagine the sincere and may I say affectionate esteem which an intimate connection with so true a friend must have produced and it will ever afford me real happiness to cherish this sentiment between you. I should indeed be unworthy of your regard, could I for a moment desire to obtain it at the sacrifice of your esteem for any of your previous and well known intimates. With respect to Mr H Elliott I will reverse his words and say “I hope and wish to become his Friend for your sake”- at the same time that I feel how great will be my individual happiness and advantage in having the honour of such a valuable friend.
We mustered very strongly at my sisters today, and only wanted your society to complete a happy family circle. How greatly did I enjoy the two last days from having passed them nearly altogether with you. I am quite rejoiced that we now begin to converse with each other rather more confidentially and unreservedly than ever, the natural consequence I presume of feeling our affections, our hopes and our interests to be truly united.
I regret having an engagement to dinner or I should have anticipated the pleasure of being with you the greater part of tomorrow and of having another of our agreeable evening walks. I hope however you will dine with my sister as I shall be able to be with you until five: besides I am desirous you should become acquainted with my brother’s wife who will dine there with her sister and the three children. But perhaps the house will be too much for you.
I write in haste
Believe me ever my dear Eleanor
Your most affectionate friend
John Franklin
3 South Great Marlboro Street
25th July
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