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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D8760/F/FEG/1/31/18
Former ReferenceD3287/31/13
TitleLetter from Henrietta W. Wright to her niece Eleanor Isabella Gell, expressing her pleasure at the news of the reconciliation between Eleanor and Lady Franklin, also including reference to the return of Dr John Rae
Date17 Nov [1854]
DescriptionLetter only dated 17 Nov, but 1854 has been added in pencil at top. Paper black edged.
Extent1 sheet
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
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
CopiesA digital copy of this item can be viewed on the public computers at the record office.
Transcript or Index[1854 - in pencil]
Wrangle Vicarage Nov.r 17th
My dear Eleanor
Your kind letter receivd by Richard this morning filled my hear with joy, and sorrow, joy that the intercession of kind friends has broguht about what I ahve so earnestly longed and prayed for, a reconciliation between yourselves and Lady Franklin, the children and wife of my dearly beloved Brother. A heavy weight is taken from my heart and the name of Sir Rob.t Inglis, amongst many others, will for ever remain amongst those I revere. I wish I knew him personally that I might tell him how thankful I am, but it has never been my happy lot to meet with him whose name has always been revered by me, and will henceforth be more than ever dear as I have remarked before.
Every one in my family rejoices with me in this happy event, as we all unite in participating in the sorrow you and your Husband have been called upon to suffer on account of your dear child's illness - painful experience has taught me how to feel for others under such heavy visitations, especially for those who are bound to me by the tender ties of kindred. May our Almighty Father support and carry you both safely through this, and every other afflictions - and if it be his will raise up your dear Infant to be a blessing to you and us all.
I have not received a letter from Lady Franklin yet but probably I shall do in a day or two. In the minds of all your anxieties that of removing to your new abode tho'harassing and fatiguing, must be rather soothing, as you cannot fail to see the hand of a beneficent Father in supplying you with such an unexpected benefit. I have been very ill ever since the strain of my dear Brother in law John Booth's death was followed so quickly by Sir Ed. Belcher's and Dr Rae's return. 60 years of sorrow have begun to tell perceptibly upon my constitution and health and my dear Husband, who sympathizes with me in all my troubles, has much to endure with his own painful complaints. I have not been able to write to anyone lately excepting as I was obliged.
We will send your letter at once to Friskney, a drenching rain today prevents any of the family taking it themselves but it shall certainly go. I have seen my sister once here to pay me a visit when I was quite confined to the house. She looks ill, but writes nmore calmly than one could expect - from my childhood I always looked upon her husband as an elder Brother and all my thoughts were as freely communicated to him as to any of my own Brothers and Sisters - for those whom it has pleased the giver of all good things to withdraw from farther trial, we cannot sorrow. As we may in both cases, my dear Eleanor, indulge in the comforting assurance of Hope that all is well with them and we must struggle on a little longer [?...] we so live and so are, that we may meet our beloved ones again when Sin, sickness and sorrow will be unknown.
I feelpersuaded that Mr Gell would reply kindly to the Bp of Lincoln about mt dear Arthur. As a mother, I may declare, that he never gave me one hour's uneasiness excepting of one period of his life he had delicate health. All who have known him best in [?]his passage through school and the University, as well as since he left Cambridge, are kind enough to speak well of him. We have had no opportunity of seeing the Bp of Lincoln. My Husband and Richard have seen him but once at the opening of a church a few miles from hence after restoration. The fact is that we have been so full of sorrow the last 2 years on many accounts that we have entirely kept out of society, public or private. I wish we did konw a little of the Bp. We have to see Arthur in three weeks time here.
Give my kindest remembrances to Mr Gell. May God be with him in his new capacity as Incumbent. Richard thanks you much for your letter - he will write again shortly.
Believe me to be dear Eleanor with deep sympathy from all around me, my Husband and children included to be
Your affect.te Aunt
Henrietta W. Wright
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