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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D8760/F/FEG/1/31/6
Former ReferenceD3287/31/13
TitleLetter from Henrietta W. Wright to her niece Eleanor Isabella Gell, including references to the "mesmerism" of a woman by Dr Haddock of Bolton, in which Sir John Franklin is reported safe and returning home
Date27 Sep [1849]
DescriptionLetter only dated 27 Sep, but 1850 has been added in pencil. The reference to the "mesmerised woman of Bolton" suggests that the year is likely to be 1849, as Dr Haddock, a surgeon apothecary of Bolton, performed mesmerism on a clairvoyante woman called Emma, as referenced in a copy letter of 21 Sep 1849 [see D8760/F/FEG/3/1/10].
Extent1 sheet
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
Full Catalogue ListClick here to view a full list for this collection
SenderHenrietta Weeks Wright
Sender LocationWrangle Vicarage [Boston, Lincolnshire]
RecipientEleanor Isabella Gell
Recipient LocationNo address
Archive CreatorEleanor Isabella Franklin, later Eleanor Gell (1824-1860)
Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth
FormatDocument
CopiesA digital copy of this item can be viewed on the public computers at the record office.
TermFranklin Expedition (1845)
Transcript or IndexWrangle Vicarage Sept.ber 27th [1850 - in pencil]
My dear Eleanor,
It appears a long long time since I heard from you and as I am not able to do much in working, reading, or bustling about, I employ my time in enquiring after the wellbeing of those dear to me, who oftentimes furnish me with food for reflection. I have been under the Doctor’s care lately for some internal complaint in my side, has given me considerable pain and inconvenience in [?]forming, and [?]breaking leaving so great a degree of painful soreness, and weakness that I am not equal to tootling about according to my usual fashion – my Doctor says with care rest and a very little medicine I shall come about again soon.
I heard a few days ago from your Mama, it appears she has been staying with Willingham most probably Sophy is with her, for she said “We shall remain here another week – and then return to London”, I don’t wonder at her wishing to be there to receive any tidings that it is hoped may arrive shortly from some of the Captains of Whalers if from no other source – Every day and almost every hour is your dear Father and his friends and companions, in my mind – of course you are aware what the mesmerised woman of Bolton declares, that she is sure your dear Father is on his way home – as she saw [?]his two vessels meet two other smaller ones on the west side of Davis Straights. She saw him, and a white headed commander of one of the smaller vessels embrace, and she declares them to be on their way home together. Your Mama wrote this account, which she had just received from the Surgeon at Bolton – I wish I could place any faith in the report. My hopes however are not yet extinct, and I pray daily that the Almighty may restore those we love to us or grant us some tidings of them – that may set our minds at rest as to their fate.
I can fancy your dear Baby a funny interesting little creature now – don’t let her eat you quite up – remember me, and all my family party most kindly to Mr Gell – he keeps toiling away daily, at his duty in his parish surely it will not be too fatiguing to him – his congregation have been thinned I should fancy of late by the travelling mania that affects Londoners at this season every year.
Kiss the Baby for me and believe me ever to be my dear Eleanor
Your affect.te Aunt
Henrietta Weeks Wright
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