Record

D8760 - Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth - 1714-1994
- F - Family records of the extended Franklin family and the Gell family of Hopton Hall - 1714-1994
  - FJR - Records of John Richardson, colleague, friend and later relative of John Franklin - 1820-1861
    - 1 - Letters of John Richardson, colleague, friend and later relative of John Franklin - 1820-1850
      - 1 - Letters largely by John Franklin to John Richardson, formerly in a bound volume - 1820-1845

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Archive Reference / Library Class No.	D8760/F/FJR/1/1/59
Former Reference	D3311/53/56
Title	Letter from John Franklin to his friend John Richardson, while serving on military duty in Greece
Date	10 Mar 1831
Description	Describes positive observations of Gibraltar and Malta and activities during three week stay in Malta. Describes places of interest around Napoli. Reflects on limited personal knowledge of classical Greece and describes visits to historical sites. Bemoans the rapacity of Elgin and others, stripping works of art for vanity: doomed to be neglected in the cellars of the British Museum. Regrets destruction of the city of Athens. Was senior officer at Napoli but Captain Lyon now arrived. Details his expected moves to Malta and Corfu. Describes bringing a new ship to order: requires a knowledge of gunnery. Keeping company with French and Russian ships: British ships are superior. Asks about Dr Hooker’s work; Beechey’s publication and Back’s and Kendall’s whereabouts. Reports that “our narratives” have attracted much attention including amongst foreign ministers and French naval officers. Has seen Capo d'Istria and Spinks, gunner of the Philomel. Postscript 9 Apr 1831: going to Corfu in a few days.
Extent	1 sheet
Level	Item
Repository	Derbyshire Record Office
Sender	John Franklin
Sender Location	H.M.S. Rainbow, Napoli di Romania [Greece]
Recipient	John Richardson
Recipient Location	Royal Marine Infirmary, Chatham
Archive Creator	Sir John Richardson (1787-1865)
Archive Creator	Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth

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