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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D8760/F/FEG/1/15/8
Former ReferenceD3287/31/17
TitleLetter from Hannah Booth to her niece Eleanor Isabella Gell, including references to search expedition being sent to the Behring Strait
Date2 Feb 1853
DescriptionExpecting arrival of nephew; purchased presents for Eleanor, John Franklin and baby to send by their father; wishes that niece could have come with her husband; newspapers say that sailing vessel with supplies being sent to Behring Strait, steamer will tow it through Straits of Magellan; Admiralty will not send out another steamer; 'Isobel'achieved a lot in a short time, would achieve more than a sailing ship with an inexperienced Commander; angry that whims are indulged; hopes that will hear from Captain Collinson or Sir Edward Belcher this season; hopes to see brother and companions come home
Extent1 sheet
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
SenderHannah Booth
Sender Location6 Tottenham Place [Clifton]
RecipientEleanor Isabella Gell
Recipient LocationNo address
Archive CreatorEleanor Isabella Franklin, later Eleanor Gell (1824-1860)
Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth
Transcript or IndexMy dear Niece, We are expecting our nephew your husband this evening as you were kind enough to tell us and I have just been out to purchase my small remembrance of the young ones, for Eleanor a companion which will supply her wants as far as her working provisions will require for sometime, a pincushion accompanys it, it gives girls an idea of tidiness in being supplied with useful things and when they are older they feel they are indispensible, and better things then will be necessary. The Panorama is for John Franklin and the hen and chickens for Baby, I studied to get what would pack in a small space that I might send them by their Papa and as I presume he will not have much room I dare not encumber him with much luggage. I wish you could have accompanied him. I see by todays paper they are going to send out a sailing vessl with supplies up Behrings Straits and another steamer is to meet them to tow them through the Straits of Magellan it is very wonderful that the Admiralty will not again sent out a steamer The Isabel which did so much and in so short a time accomplished it, that surely a tried steamer and its Commander would doubtless effect more than a sailing vessel and an untried Commander really my heart coils in anger at the thought of so much time being wasted in indulging whims and suggestions of those who fancy all has been done. I trust something will be heard from either Capt. Collinson or Sir Edmond Belcher this season, and we shall have comfort from it. I trust in our Merciful God,who has promised he will "never forsake those who on him rely" and I am sure your dear Father will seek no other refuge after he has done his duty let the issue of his endeavour be what many. I have the fullest hope of seering him and some of his loving companions restored to us. Adieu ever believe me your affectionate Aunt Hannah Booth

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