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Archive Reference / Library Class No. | D8760/F/GJP/1/1/1 |
Former Reference | D3311/32/3 |
Title | Letter from Sir John Franklin to John Philip Gell |
Date | 23 May 1845 |
Description | Took leave of Jane, Eleanor and Sophy on 19 May. They'd stayed at Greenhithe in order to make the last possible farewell. This had the advantage that they met the officers and were reassured. Describes leave-taking. All had dined on board on the previous day. Acknowledges Gell's recent letter with reference to Franklin having written to Lord Stanley about the college. Church of England is raising subscriptions for the college: mentions Marriott visiting Cambridge. Refers to the hope of Gell becoming first warden, with implications for how long he would remain in Van Diemen's Land [now Tasmania]. Envisages arrangements/introductions being made when Gell returns to England in order for him to obtain employment. Dayman returned too late to join the expedition. Writes at length of "wretched accounts" of Van Diemen's Land and about aspects of his removal from the governorship. Gives information about the printing and circulation of his related pamphlet. Refers to interest and resentment generated in England by the expedition. Writes positively of the officers and of the condition of the ship. Seeks divine blessing for the expedition. Closes his letter off the Farne Islands, scene of Grace Darling's exploits. |
Extent | 3 sheets |
Level | Item |
Repository | Derbyshire Record Office |
Sender | John Franklin |
Sender Location | HMS Erebus at sea off Aldborough |
Recipient | John Philip Gell |
Recipient Location | Hobart Town [Tasmania] |
Archive Creator | Rev John Philip Gell (1816-1898) |
Gell family of Hopton Hall, Wirksworth |
Term | Naval personnel |
Navy officers |
Sailors |
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