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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D8760/F/FEG/1/15/13
Former ReferenceD3311/122/35
D3311/122/43
TitleLetter from Hannah Booth to her niece Eleanor Isabella Gell, relating to the furore over the marriage of Emma Cracroft to George Benjamin Lefroy
Date3 Nov 1853
DescriptionShe was so shocked by Eleanor's letter that she wrote to her sister [Isabella Cracroft]; it is a trial for Eleanor and her husband; Isabella's child is married not from home but from that of one which her brother could not enter. No member of the Booth or Gell families had been honoured by having discovered places named after them; she asks Eleanor to stay, with her child Eleanor and maid; she returns Beechey's letter on hopes surrounding Nova Zembla and Spitzbergen; hope still exists on the abundance of food; she has written to Aunt Cracroft to have the wedding at her house with a social breakfast with the Lefroy family.
Extent2 sheets
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
SenderHannah Booth
Sender Location6 Tottenham Place [Clifton]
RecipientEleanor Isabella Gell
Recipient Location16 Upper Seymour Street, Portman Square, London
Archive CreatorEleanor Isabella Franklin, later Eleanor Gell (1824-1860)
Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth
Transcript or IndexMy dear Niece
Your letter has really almost transfixed my ancient frame to a spot from which I found no escape but posting a letter to my sister at Winchester to prevent an event painful every way to our feelings, first from its being a great trial to you, and my dear nephew your kind and good husband for you both. My sympathies are most taxed how my dear sister can have given up the last maiden breakfast to her child is most wonderful. Had it been for [?f...] any expectations there might have been some excuse but all your Mama has is to go to her own family, consequently nothing could come from her. No if for [?]Eclat it is what we despair as much as your dear Father would. Your Aunt has a comfortable home then why part from her daughter to he married under the roof where my dear Brother could never enter (if he ever returns) from the present arrangement of Mr Griffin’s property - yes like you we have felt that no mention of any of our family was honoured with a name in any of the discoveries made Gell ought to have its prominent position, as we all by the alliances we have made ought to have had a spot to record our kindred with one who has led to so much knowledge in the Arctic regions. If you would come to us and remain a little time we perhaps change might benefit you bring Eleanor and a maid we shall be glad to see you, none more welcome than you and your husband. Harriet is gone to Marychurch. Emma is still here but so wooden in feeling as ever, towards her father’s family she asks no advice - none from us will she take kindly – I return Captain Beechey’s kind letter. He gives no hope of Nova Zembla or Spitzbergen, Still God can protect whom he will and let us trust in him. I feel really to acertain the ardour of your dear Father and his dear comrades have carried them beyond the point others dare to follow a little. Food seems abundant as mentioned by all who have been engaged in the pursuit of our dear lost ones - from our view this gives hope of life but unable to quit the shores that detains them My mind will rest on God my helper adieu. I have written strongly to your Aunt Cracroft to have the wedding at her own house united with Mr Lefroy’s family at a social breakfast ever with our love (?) wishes to you both, believe me your affect. Aunt H Booth. What is the number of the nautical magazine you mention?
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