Letters, diaries and miscellaneous documents relating to both Sir John and Lady Jane Franklin. Many of the papers are only copies (some with omissions). not original, as, according to Rawnsley, after Lady Franklin's death her niece and companion, Sophia Cracroft, selected some papers for publication and had illegible ones copied or extracted and the originals were destroyed. The copies or extracts have been corrected and edited.
Folder of news clippings relating to the Franklins including report of the Arctic expedition searching for Sir John Franklin (1852), poem on death of Franklin, drawing of coronation of Charles 7th by John Franklin, photo of Lady Franklin's piano, article by L.A.Triebel.
Typescript copies of letters to Dr Turnbull, 1839-1845. Letters from George Arthur (1839), John Franklin (1844, 1845), including one written from H.M.S. Erebus, and Jane Franklin (1845), relating to Tasmania, mutual friends, politics, Sir John's expedition, the college.
Copy of a letter from Sir John Franklin to Rev. John Lillie (1806-1866), Presbyterian minister and others, Hobart Town, Van Diemen's Land, dated 9th September 1843 from Hobart Town V D Land he writes on resigning his office " the warmth of your expressions of esteem and attachment at the close of my administration, convince me that I have not altogether failed to justify your generous anticipations, and that at least you have appreciated my zealous endeavours to do my duty."
Miscellaneous material relating to Franklin and his appointment, the dismissal of Capt. Maconochie. Lady Franklin's dinner engagement book, stereoscopic photograph of Lady Franklin Museum and assorted correspondence
Xerox copy of letter from Sir John Franklin in Hobart to Lady Franklin in South Australia with Governor Gawler :- New year wishes. The colony quiet and prosperous except for the squabbles of lawyers - refers to cases of Gilbert Robertson v. Thomas Mcdonald and Abbot, when Mr. Anstey was roughly handled by the Attorney General - verdicts farthing in one case and for the defendants in the other. Mr. Jones directed to supervise criminal proceedings at quarter sessions but declined so the Executive Council had been summoned. Mr. Anstey also 'carrying on a correspondence with the Gov. respecting his office' and so Mr. Sorell appointed his successor. Sir John also refers to his proposed visit to Port Arthur, Mr. Henslowe to come in mid-January, Parker's lameness, Government House plans not yet drawn, gardener arrived, Archdeacon Jefferies.
Letter from Jane, Lady Franklin to Archdeacon Davis dated 23 July 1841 from Government House regarding the engagement of of Miss Hayter to help with the education of her daughter
Letter from Sir John Franklin to Capt. Washington, Secretary of the Royal Geographical Society. 1838 Concerns the dismissal of Capt. Maconochie as Sir John's private secretary.