| Description | Reports receipt of letters, despite their needing to have been recovered after an Indian made off with the packet. Approves of arrangements made in relation to the Devonshire Street house: regards Lady Thomas as a suitable tenant. Pleased that late wife's pictures have been moved to the Kay's house. Visualises his late wife every day and reflects on bereavement within a religious perspective. Asks for servants to be given a memento. Gratified at news of his daughter. Pleased that Baker will continue. Expresses hopes for well being of Mrs Cracroft and for Eleanor and her cousin Katherine. Sisters have received mourning rings. Asks Mrs Kay to send a ring to Mr Rawnsley: Eleanor valued his opinions and explanations: if similar comments had been made by Musgrave his youth would not have given them the necessary gravity. Some letters have not arrived, so remains ignorant of his wife's thoughts immediately after his departure. Reviews options for the return journey. Pleased that he may meet Beechey. Reports good prospects for the next stage of the expedition: adequate provisions available and positive response from eskimos. Refers to aloofness of his brother James: "an eccentric man" and offers explanation/justification. Refers to James's possible imminent return to India and achievements: FRS and membership of Geological Society. Reports receipt of letters, newspapers and journals and describes consequent discussions amongst the party. Gives messages to Mr Kay including references to late wife's estate and monumental tablet. Refers to books given to Mr Garry and regrets that Miss Appleton has not written. Reflects on how news of the expedition is interpreted differently by different readers and on the constraints on what a commander may write. Refers to news of "Little Toby" and "Little Misses". About to send drawings and map tracings to the Colonial Office: perhaps Mrs Kay might see them, but Bailly, the person in charge is not the most amenable. Describes a Christmas meal with 50 people present. |
| Sender Location | Fort Franklin, Great Bear Lake, Canada |