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| Archive Reference / Library Class No. | D8760/F/FEP/1/1/4 |
| Former Reference | D3311/8/1/9 |
| Title | Letter from John Franklin to Eleanor Anne Porden, including references to Eleanor's health and her mistake in thinking he does not want to meet her friends |
| Date | 16 Dec 1822 |
| Description | Apologies for not writing by last packet, will do so this evening. Not surprised that Eleanor suffered in the coastal weather, as in the "dense atmosphere" of Frith Street the fires needed renewing; hopes the air in Hastings does not increase her cough. Would be delighted to meet her friends, and she is mistaken in her apprehension that he would not be. Would be glad to see her drawings of Hastings when she returns. Will be happy to see her again in Berners Street. Hopes to hear from her if convenient. |
| Extent | 1 sheet |
| Level | Item |
| Repository | Derbyshire Record Office |
| Full Catalogue List | Click here to view a full list for this collection |
| Sender | John Franklin |
| Sender Location | 60 Frith Street |
| Recipient | Eleanor Anne Porden |
| Recipient Location | Hastings [in pencil] |
| Archive Creator | Eleanor Anne Porden, later Eleanor Franklin (1795-1825) |
| Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth |
| Transcript or Index | 60 Frith Street
December 16th 1822
My dear friend
Your Sister had the kindness to offer my excuses to you for not writing by the last packet that was sent you, which I hope you received favourably, but I shall beg to speak for myself in that which Mr Kay has informed me, will be dispatched from Gower Street this evening.
I was not surprised at your having suffered so much from cold in the boisterous weather that prevailed during the first days of your residence on the coast, for we were often reminded even in the dense atmosphere of Frith Street that our fires wanted renewing. I sincerely hope the keen air of Hastings will not increase your cough, but on the contrary renovate your strength and afford all the relief you could have anticipated. I am sure you are most agreably situated, having the society of your amiable friends, whom I should indeed be delighted to know; - and believe me I could venture upon being introduced <to> them, without any fear of experiencing the horror you mention. I suspect my dear friend you have a little mistaken my sentiments with respect to mixing in society – be assured no one enjoys a select circle of friends more than myself – or that class of society from whence instruction and information may be received, but my objection lies against the hetereogenous assemblages where form and parade abound, and the sincerity of their feelings towards each other should be judged by any other test than their professions. At this time I feel the more averse to entering into such parties because from the circumstances which have recently occurred every one feels himself at liberty to pay some unmeaning compliment to me. You will perhaps say this feeling betrays some vanity – and I admit the justness of the remark as a general observation – but I can assure you it arises in the present instance from an apprehension that such attention may prompt me to assume individual merit for results which are entirely to be ascribed to the superintending blessing of a divine providence.
I have never seen Hastings but I should have expected that its scenery offered many interesting subjects for the pencil, and I shall be glad to find that some of them attract your attention, although you have disclaimed the talent of an artist or the score of your Barberries(?).
I presume the day of your return is not yet fixed I will not however speak of its being distant lest I should again excite your smile or induce you to give me another gentle lecture. I shall only say it will give me great happiness to see you again in Berners Street
I am happy to say my book feels less irksome though I yet have a wearying task before me. How often do I wish that I possessed your talent, very different then would be my labour!
Wherever your inclination may lead you thither, in the mean time I shall hope to have the happiness of hearing from you, if it be convenient for you to write.
Believe me my dear Miss Porden ever yours most affectionately
John Franklin.
To Miss Porden
[in pencil] at Hastings |