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Details
FRANKLIN, John (1786-1847). Autograph letter signed ("John Franklin") to Captain Owen Stanley, London, 31 December 1844.
Two pages, 182 x 113mm, single sheet. Provenance: Ten Pound Island Book Co.
A portentous letter written by Franklin shortly before he received the offer to head his ill-fated last expedition. Franklin thanks Stanley for his news of a planned expedition and confesses his lack of information about it beyond rumors. He says that he was with [William Edward] Parry that day who also did not give further information. Stanley was a scientific officer on Back's Arctic voyage. At about this time or shortly thereafter, Franklin was in fact petitioning the Admiralty to be allowed to lead the expedition to complete the Northwest Passage. After Ross declined it, the 59 year old Franklin was awarded the commission on 7 February 1845. This letter is particularly poignant as Franklin also mentions his wife, Lady Jane Franklin, whose extreme efforts in searching for her husband's lost expedition are renowned.
Two pages, 182 x 113mm, single sheet. Provenance: Ten Pound Island Book Co.
A portentous letter written by Franklin shortly before he received the offer to head his ill-fated last expedition. Franklin thanks Stanley for his news of a planned expedition and confesses his lack of information about it beyond rumors. He says that he was with [William Edward] Parry that day who also did not give further information. Stanley was a scientific officer on Back's Arctic voyage. At about this time or shortly thereafter, Franklin was in fact petitioning the Admiralty to be allowed to lead the expedition to complete the Northwest Passage. After Ross declined it, the 59 year old Franklin was awarded the commission on 7 February 1845. This letter is particularly poignant as Franklin also mentions his wife, Lady Jane Franklin, whose extreme efforts in searching for her husband's lost expedition are renowned.