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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D8760/F/FEG/1/1/1
Former ReferenceD3287/31/8
TitleLetter from Sir John Franklin to his daughter Eleanor Isabella Franklin, with part of letter to her aunt Isabella Cracroft, on leaving Eleanor to be raised by her aunt while he is on duty in the Mediterranean
Date24 Aug 1831
DescriptionLetter to his daughter: on her good behaviour on parting from Lady Franklin and her understanding that she had to be left with her aunts and cousins instead of going to the Mediterranean; he hopes she will be affectionate to her aunt, who is kindly taking care of her, she must not be naughty, as her aunt will let him know, and she must pray for them and the family.
Part of letter to Bell [Isabella Cracroft]; he continues to like his little comfortable ship; his health is good and he hopes Jane's will be as well, as she ought to benefit from the climate in winter, provided she does not over-exert herself.
Extent1 sheet
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
SenderJohn Franklin
Sender LocationH.M.S. Rainbow, Corfu [Greece]
RecipientEleanor Isabella Franklin and Isabella Cracroft
Recipient Locationc/o Mrs I. Cracroft, 5 Kelsey Gardens, Tunbridge Wells
Archive CreatorEleanor Isabella Franklin, later Eleanor Gell (1824-1860)
Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth
Transcript or IndexRainbow Corfu 24th August 1831

[My dea]rest little girl,
Your Mama has told me that you […] with her on board the Dublin steamer on the River Thames and that you behaved with much good feeling and affection on that occasion. Though you were sorry to part from Mama you did it in a proper manner because you knew it was for your health’s sake and for your good to be left with your <dear> Aunt and Cousins instead of being brought to the Mediterranean which is too hot in the summer for little girls who are not strong and where we cannot get easily proper books or people to teach little children like you. I hope therefore my dearest child that you will be very very affectionate to your dear Aunt who has so kindly taken the charge of you while your Mama and I are obliged to be absent from you, and also to your Cousins who will teach you your books under the direction of your Aunt. You must never be naughty, for your Aunt will tell me everything you do as Mama did when she wrote. You must be a very good girl and pray night and morning for a blessing on Papa and Mama, your Aunt and Cousins and all your dear relations and friends. You must carefully learn your lessons and do whatever you are desired and when your Aunt writes always beg her to send one of your own messages or writing. Then I and Mama shall dearly love you & pray for you and hope when we come back that you will be a blessing to us.
Believe me my dearest girl your most affectionate Parent John Franklin.

Overleaf
[Addressed to] Mrs I. Cra[croft], 5 Kelsey [Gardens], Grov[e], Ton[bridge Wells]
[Remainder of letter cut away to leave only letter to Eleanor on other side.]

I continue to like my little ship very much and so I ought for she is a very comfortable one. My health is good. I am in every way happy and shall be especially so when Jane joins me providing she does so in the state of good health in which she wrote to me. I have no doubt of this climate being very beneficial when in the winter season particularly providing she does not over exert herself. No my dear Bell I must turn from you to complete 3 other letters. Believe me ever most affectionate
John Franklin
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