Sir John Franklin - Autograph Letter Signed to Sir Roderick Impey Murchison
One-page autograph letter signed ("John Franklin"), with integral address panel to Sir Roderick Impey Murchison, from 55 Devonshire Street, Portland Place. Written in a second hand next to Murchison's address is Franklin's name and "November" with an illegible year. Franklin writes in a clear and elegant hand:
“Many thanks, my dear Sir, for the Dante, which is indeed very portable. The generous gift will often remind me of you and your kindness. I am sorry that I am engaged both on Friday and today and therefore cannot have the pleasure of dining with you. Ever yours truly, John Franklin.”
Measuring approx. 8" x 7." Folded for mailing with original black wax seal remnant; split along the middle with some minor loss (including to a second Franklin signature), some edge wear and a small loss not affecting text. Protected in an archival sleeve.
A warm and gracious letter from the famed Arctic explorer and Royal Navy officer Sir John Franklin (1786–1847). Franklin addresses the letter to the eminent Scottish geologist Sir Roderick Impey Murchison (1792–1871), a central figure in British science and president of both the Royal Geographical Society and the Geological Society. Murchison played an instrumental role in promoting and defending Franklin's legacy after his disappearance. This letter offers a glimpse into Franklin’s intellectual and social world prior to his final expedition, showing the camaraderie among leading scientific minds of the day.
