Letters and memoranda: a directory with comments
The North Pole expedition (Parry)
• After an overlong search for anchorage, the Hecla reached Treurenburg Bay and found shelter at Hecla Cove in the fjord on Jun 19. Before leaving for the Pole on Jun 21 Parry ordered to land the stores in case the ship was driven out to sea. Crozier then assisted them to Walden Island. Jul 20 Parry realised how significant their drift South was; Jul 24 Ross got hurt crushed between a boat and some ice. They turned round on Jul 27 and reached Table Island on Aug 12, where they were glad to discover Crozier's extra depot (minus bread, which got eaten by bears). More on Parry voyages.
• The boat – "Finding there was likely to be so much open water in this neighbourhood in the autumn, I sent directions to Lieutenant Foster to have a spare boat deposited at Walden Island, in time for our return, in case of any accident happening to ours" (Parry, p. 54).
• The writing gets smaller and smaller to fit everything on the page, and the letters are miniscule in the last part from Table Isle with all the important information about the boat and provisions.
The Cove expedition (Ross)
• Sir Francis Ommanney's son Richard was Ross' second lieutenant on the Cove. Future Franklin searcher, he would captain the Plover.
• For more about the Cove expedition, see Career.
The Antarctic Expedition (Ross & Crozier)
Fitting-out
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| Edmund John Niemann, Panorama ('Chatham and Dockyard in the Distance') |
• Humphrey Lloyd (1800-1881) was a physicist focusing on optics and magnetism. In 1839 he was the professor of natural and experimental science at Trinity College, Dublin. During the magnetic survey of the British Isles he had performed a study of Ireland together with Sabine. Magnetic field research stations to be established around the world were modelled on Lloyd's observatory, with the instruments and procedures created by him.
• In early 1839 Crozier would spend time in both London and Dublin. The news about Ross' expedition happened to break after he'd returned to Ireland.
• Fitting out commenced in April. In June they were ordering provision, slops, armament, and other necessary stores.
• The outfitting was in large part based on that of Hecla and Fury, and their experiences onboard those ships were described when making official requests.
• The book – a perennial theme, bargains and too steep prices.
• John Bodman, 43, did sign up as Captain's steward – only to be discharged Sep 7. Thomas Jopson, 22, took over Sep 12 (unlike Bodman, he'd been to sea recently).
• Ross requested permission to send Crozier to Dublin on Jun 25 (Prof. Lloyd had told the Royal Society that everything was ready, and Ross was "desirous to secure that these delicate instruments be brought over without risk of accident on the way"; Ross' letter book, no. 24). Next letter from Jun 30 is the first time Ross is noted as officially on leave, with Bird taking over (until Jul 16). Crozier left for Ireland after Jun 30.
• Grubb Optical Engineering Works built some of the instruments.
• On instruments and science, see also The History of the Rossbank Observatory, Tasmania [PDF, 38 pp].
• Quick chance note sent by ship. Contains final p.s. signed "FC".
• Date clues: "Sunday 4th," Mr Moore. Aug 4 1839 was a Sunday. Ross requested permission to enter Moore on Aug 7 (no. 49), and Moore signed up Aug 10 (muster book). Ross also requested stationery Aug 6 (no. 43).
• "I think Grubb tole [sic; told] me that Ross would supply it" – interesting typo: the last letter in 'tole' is definitely not a malformed 'd', so it might be a phonetic transcription (how it sounded in his head).
• In July and August they continued topping up provided supplies, ordered charts, items related to specimen collecting and books for the library, received instruments.
• Apropos, Ross discovered on Jul 17 that Crozier had requested an insufficient amount of tea and ordered an extra 500 lbs (no. 35).
• Terror shifted from Chatham first, Sep 10 (log). In his narrative, Ross says that both ships moved to Gillingham Sep 19 (p. 1). Memos in Ross' letter book switch to Gillingham, River Medway on Sep 21.
• Crozier would again experience similar problems in 1845. As Fitzjames notes on Jun 1, "Crozier has [a Fox] of his own, or he would have fared as bad. and he is much annoyed because he asked the Hydrographer people in the Admiralty to pay his bill for repairing it & putting it to rights and they refused."
During the expedition
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| Davis, Erebus and Terror in the Ross Sea |
• See Memoranda for much more on this and other inter-ship messages as well as the Hobart letter.
• Dec 23 Crozier received an official memo from Ross directing to issue extra provisions for Christmas (no. 83).
• Correspondence from St. Helena was brought to England onboard the Bombay (Ross, p. 29).
• This letter is clearly tailored for the recipient – very informal, with several in-jokes, mostly light in mood or focusing on the positives.
• Regarding bare larders, stores were on his mind at the time – Jan 23 Terror's bread was declared spoiled and 'committed to the deep' (Cunningham, p. 45; no. 100, no. 107).
Between expeditions
• Ross' wife – see next item.
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• Dan and "Dan's people" – Daniel O'Connell and the other prisoners were freed on 6 September 1844 after the House of Lords overturned their convictions (on a technicality). O'Connell, also known as an abolitionist, had successfully campaigned for Catholic emancipation, became an M.P., and then focused on repealing the Act of Union. When one of his meetings was banned, despite everyone dispersing peacefully, O'Connell was charged with conspiracy and imprisoned. Though the early release was a huge triumph, it was essentially the end of his independence movement.
Crozier's father veered away from the Presbyterians who supported the uprising of 1798. O'Connell was entirely unwelcome in Ulster, and Crozier apparently had no sympathy for the Catholic cause either. It's interesting that while he calls them "ruffians", one of the journalists noted "the respectability and wealth" of those participating in the celebration, and another suggested that not a single person was arrested; there's agreement on the sober state of the multitude though.
• The scrape – seemingly related to Sophia Cracroft and whatever happened between them prior to him leaving for Ireland. Crozier fell in love with Cracroft in Tasmania during the Antarctic voyage, and when she and the Franklins suddenly returned to London in 1844, it appears that Crozier proposed to her and, perhaps unsurprisingly, it didn't go well (see also Kimmins' suggested outline of the events). Worth noting that Lady Franklin was again sending messages to Crozier through Ross instead of direct, just like after the too "radical" discussion of 1841 (Jul 20, MS 248/175/4). She would soon regret not writing Crozier after learning that he already left for the continent (Oct 9, MS 248/175/10).
• Ross married Ann Coulman Oct 18 1843 at Wadworth. Crozier was his best man (see Other Items below).
• Oct 9 Jane Franklin wrote to Ross and mentioned Bird telling her about Crozier leaving (MS 248/175/10). Ross came close to learning the news from her instead of the traveller.
Belatedly replying to Ross' of Oct 10, explains that it was a painful decision to leave without visiting them in London; however, the solitude has been beneficial, and he's been doing a lot of reflecting; prompted by a baptism he's witnessed, enquires more about Ross' son; "most lovely weather and delightful walks every day"; expresses concern regarding Franklin's troubles; notes the low prices of travelling and living in France ("Capital for Halfpay bachelors is it not?"), but worries about people stuck there because of high prices at home; enquires about Ross' book; tells more about Mr Moore.
• The route so far: Plymouth, Jersey (where he received Ross' letter), Saint Malo, Pau, an excursion to Spain, Hautes Pyrenees. Next: Marseilles, Leghorn (Livorno), Florence.
• Economical migrants – Loftie, the friend who invited Crozier to Florence, was one of those who relocated their families in order to save.
• While Crozier is feeling some pangs about leaving so abruptly – and then not replying for a month, – he sounds more like his usual self. The time spent actively has had its effect.
• Fluhmann claims that Crozier was writing illegible and incomprehensible missives from his travels. There's nothing unusual about these letters, technically or otherwise.
The North-West Passage Expedition (Franklin)
Preparations
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| Thomas Cole, Florence (1837) |
• Probably due to miscommunication, Crozier initially believed that Ross' letter had arrived some time ago, but it was sent Dec 19 and delivered the previous day, Dec 29 (as mentioned in the next, "ten days coming"). More on Ross' December correspondence.
• In the previous, Crozier gave his direct address. Now Via dei Serragli 132, the place is famous for Hawthorne writing his novel The Marble Faun there.
• Crozier's words about leadership are very important. Equally important is what he never mentions. He has no comments on the feasibility of the expedition, or its goals. He'd question certain technical aspects, but in general it's Ross, Parry & Franklin's decision, and that's enough.
• These threads of implicit validation went both ways. For Franklin, Polar veteran Crozier's accept was indisputable legitimisation of his own leadership bid. Per the Jan 9 letter to Ross, however, Franklin seemingly didn't think that Crozier (F.R.S., F.R.A.S.) had serious scientific qualifications.
• Upon receiving the two letters, Ross informed Franklin that Crozier had agreed to go as second. He'd had then forwarded Franklin's thanks and evaluation (Franklin to Ross, Jan 9) that Crozier's presence was not urgently required, but he should get ready. Neither expedition nor Franklin were confirmed at that point. Ross' letter arrived delayed by floods in Northern Italy.
• Charles Richards – other lost companions: John Bushnan (1796–1824), Horatio Nelson Head (1799–1829), Henry Foster (1797–1831), George Francis Lyon (1796–1832), Henry Parkyns Hoppner (1795–1833).
• The sculpture – neoclassicism was in vogue during that period; for example, Hiram Powers' Florentine workshop was an essential stop for anyone doing 'the tour'.
• The expedition was confirmed Jan 16, but that was all Ross could tell Crozier to encourage him to return.
• Ross contacted Franklin after receiving this reply, and Franklin shared that he saw a letter Crozier had written to his agent that same day (to notify about Barrow), "in which Crozier says not having heard any thing further about the Expedition he supposes it has blown over and that when the bad weather has passed he purposes setting off Rome & Naples," and added, "but your letter I trust will reach him and bring him back as you think in a few days."
• Levinge – it appears time constrains prevented it ("I fear too late to be of Service if he Mr. L. had not written himself to the admiralty," Crozier to sister, Feb 19; also Franklin to Ross, Feb 24). Franklin selected his officers on Feb 24 (before receiving Crozier's reply to the confirmation letter, which came four days later), and only left the choice of 1st lieutenant to Crozier while strongly suggesting Little.
• "Yours of 18th" – a typo; as it doesn't bring any tangible news, Ross' letter was probably sent Feb 8.
• Another terse message, and the doubts are multiplying. Once again, just like in the October letter, when Crozier is explaining his decisions, he sounds like he's convincing himself too.
• "Lord H_ final decision" – things started moving quickly in London. Just a couple of days after Ross sent the message that Crozier is replying to here, Franklin was confirmed. Ross immediately informed Crozier, without waiting for his answer. So when Crozier was also confirmed by Haddington on Feb 10 they had to write to him again. Franklin noted, "we may hope Crozier will soon be on his way home."
• Explaining how much he doubted the appointment, Crozier mentions to Ross a couple of times that he's even keeping his family completely in the dark.
• Same day Crozier also replied to Franklin, telling him that he's on his way, but the letter reached London quicker than he did (Feb 28). Franklin's decision not to insist on his prospective second's early return meant that Crozier missed all the early expedition preparations, including selection of crew, that took place in February.
• One of the letters available as a copy made by John C. Crozier (Library and Archives Canada; also reproduced in John Kerr's slapdash article). The copy cuts off after the first page and is also edited.
Form: 1 p, ~60 words
• The short, somewhat distractedly written note is only addressed "Dear Sir." The mention of gazettes would point towards William Jerdan of The Literary Gazette as a recipient. Jerdan had reported on the Antarctic expedition as well.
• Crozier encouraged Goodsir on Jerdan's behalf to write an account of the expedition's early progress (Goodsir to brother, Jun 3).
• First and last lines of the letter only. The library states, "This letter was found with other letters removed from an album of letters and autographs collected by Mr. Lewis R. Lucas."
• Ireland – this is the absence that Franklin tells his wife Jane about on Apr 1. He reports that "[preparations for the expedition] have required my undivided & closest attention especially during Croziers absence. He returned on Friday last [Mar 28] and on Saturday we spent the whole day at the Admiralty & Somerset House in giving more detailed information respecting the stores & instruments we required than the general demands for them had afforded_ We have now therefore got every-thing in a fair way."
• Date clues: "Tuesday Morn," "on your return to Town." While the ships were at Woolwich, Franklin travelled to Brighton due to his health. He appears to have left on Apr 6 (Sunday). On Apr 5, Franklin instructs Fitzjames, "I will write to Captain Crozier and inform him of my determination [about going to Brighton] which has only been arrived at this morning_ Have the goodness to take any official letters that may come to Captain Crozier whom I will request to open & act upon them." Initially Franklin intended to be away for a couple of days and hoped "to get back to Woolwich on Wednesday." This tallies with Crozier telling him he's not required early and planning for the following day. Franklin was still, or again, in Brighton Apr 12 (Franklin's letter to Richardson).
P3404
• Charles Magee – Crozier's brother-in-law, father of "the boys and Jenny," Francis, William (donor of the portrait), and Jane. In his letter to Mary Louisa Whyte (Apr 11; D2918/3/7/129, PRONI), Magee mentions that the family all met in Dublin (end of March) to see Crozier before he left for the Arctic. Crozier was clearly missing them already.
• Small – Crozier's sister Charlotte.
• "within an hours walk to Ross’s during my stay at Woolwich" – Crozier puts it as if it was a reasonable distance; modern maps agree that it's about an hour on foot from Woolwich to Ross' address. Compare with Franklin's "I have not seen either Ross or [Lady Ross] since I dined with them for Blackheath lies completely out of my track to Woolwich – and to go there would completely cut up a day" (to Jane, Apr 1).
During the expedition
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| Erebus and Terror parting company with Blazer and Rattler. Source |
• The usual lighter tone employed when writing to his sisters returns.
• "The first Lieut: is really a very superior fellow" – Lt Little was warned by Yule, 2nd master on the Erebus in the Antarctic (Yule to Hooker, May 2; h/t handfuloftime) that his Captain was not particularly gentlemanly. Franklin also told Ross, "Lieutenant Little is however quite ready to go if Crozier wishes to have him and I learn from Mr Little he has some knowledge of Crozier though it is slight" (Feb 24). Little must have put his apprehension aside, as Crozier clearly approved of him.
• Second of the letters copied by John C. Crozier. He edited out comments on the servants (Robert Nixon, replaced by Jopson), 'pets', alcohol, ham from home, greetings to Sally & Sarah (helpers?), and changed 'uneasy' to 'concerned'.
• Fragment first quoted in Fate of Sir John Franklin: The Voyage of the 'Fox' in the Arctic Seas in Search of Franklin and His Companions by Sir Francis Leopold M'Clintock (5th ed., 1881, p. 45). Fluhmann, p. 85, sans explanation, calls Henry a "nephew".
• John Henderson – Crozier's messmate on HMS Fury, 1821-3.
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| Verso with seal not shown by museum. See source for more images |
• 'Canadian Mysteries' provide some manuscripts, but their transcripts are haphazard.
• Notes on the RMG transcript:
in that I have no patience – in short I have no patience
Rattler towed – Ratler [sic] towed
make a good season work of it – make a good seasons work
page change not indicated at "we can only make a good"
reducing my compliment – reducing our compliment [sic]
In Fury if you recall – In Fury if you recollect
your Loving friend – your sincere friend
• "living alone" – again, as in early 1840 and more recently in the letter to Charles Magee, on the solitude of the ship's captain (especially acute compared to their time as midshipmen); attaining a more complicated meaning in the letter to Ross.
• Date – July 9, corrected from 10; Ross added a note that the cover is dated July 13, so it was kept open until the day Baretto Junior headed for England.
• "I have little to say and our many detentions keep me in anything but a fit mood for letter writing" – Franklin to Ross, "Crozier I know is writing to you, but this must not deprive me of a similar pleasure" (Jul 9).
• "we are I fear sadly late" – Franklin to Sabine, "we appear in the estimation of every one to have arrived early enough for our future operations" (Jul 9).
• "make a second 1824 of it" – Crozier alludes to the third Parry voyage, that had a very inauspicious start and ended early (they were now using the same anchorage). Ironically, 'a second 1824' would've been a dream scenario – make a valiant attempt, lose one ship off Beechey, get home safely.
• Seaweed and plants – Franklin, "I went on shore this morning with Crozier that he might gather some specimens of the plants" (Jul 10). Franklin delegated all duties and embraced the part of a cheerleader.
• "James dear I am sadly alone" – on Crozier's loneliness.
• "I am attending to Baro: obsns carefully and get the dew point of Cabin once a day regularly" – see 'Meteorological instruments' on Parks Canada site.
• It seems Crozier had already removed himself from the staff while approaching the anchorage at Greenland. After they accidentally sailed past Whalefish Islands, Fitzjames noted, "I went on board the Terror in the evening_ & found Captain Crozier knew the mistake but fancied we had given up the idea of going there" (Jul 3).
The L.H. Crozier items
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| Erebus and Terror |
- Royal Geographical Society, rgs021312, J.E. Davis, Terror. HM Ships Erebus & Terror passing an ice-berg in Lat 62° 30' S. and Long 157° E returning northward;
- Royal Geographical Society, rgs021313, J.E. Davis, Erebus and Terror;
- Royal Geographical Society, rgs021314, J.E. Davis, HMS Terror weathering an ice berg;
- Royal Geographical Society, rgs021315, J.E. Davis, Mount Terror 10,800 feet and Mount Erebus 12,300 feet in latitude 77ʻ 26' South and longitude 168ʻ East discovered by HM Ships Erebus and Terror, Captain Ross & Crozier;
- Royal Geographical Society, rgs021316, J.E. Davis, HM Ships Erebus & Terror Midnight February 20th 1841: Wearing to clear a pack of ice in Latitude 76°10’ & Longitude 164°45’ W;
- Royal Geographical Society, rgs021317, J.E. Davis, HM Ships Erebus & Terror in Latitude 66° 37' S and Longitude 159° 48' W;
- Royal Geographical Society, rgs023568, J.E. Davis, HM Ships Erebus & Terror at Cape Crozier;
- Royal Geographical Society, rgs700573, Flag made by the ship's company of HMS Terror for Capt. Crozier (image) –– more on the flag;
- Royal Geographical Society, rgs701239, Portrait in oils of Captain F.R.M. Crozier, 1796-1848 (image)
The Magee items
- Aberdeenshire Council Museums, P3404, Collection of Arctic Plants [Flora Arctica];
- Aberdeenshire Council Museums, P3404.1–5, Crozier, F.R.M., Algae of Cape Horn and Falkland Isles collected by Capt. Francis R.M. Crozier of H.M.S. Terror;
- Arbuthnot Museum (Aberdeenshire Museums), ivory miniature of an Inuit kayak –– missing (source);
- State Library Victoria, H5203, Captain Francis Rawdon Moira Crozier R.N. (image) –– original miniature in private hands/missing; more on the portrait
Other items
A book of orders, Parry III, in private hands;
"To Captain James Clark Ross, RN
from his old Messmates & attached friends
Captain F.R.M Crozier, RN & Captain E.I. Bird, RN"- A bust in alabaster, in private hands;
- Bonhams, Auctions 18784, lot 10, & 24633, lot 242, Crozier (Francis Rawdon Moira), A collection of 36 dried botanical specimens [Polar Plants] –– unclear provenance;
- Bonhams, Auction 19552, lot 16, J.E. Davis, Bringing in the year 1842 (crews of Erebus and Terror) –– provenance: Francis Crozier;
- Christie's, Auction 7261, lot 152, J.E. Davis, Mount Sabine in Latitude 71° 50' South and Longitude 169° 00' East – West 40 miles – Discovered by H.M. Ships Erebus and Terror Jan 11th
1841 –– inscribed "To Mrs Sabine with Captain Crozier's Compliments";
- Christie's, Auction 7261, lot 153, J. E. Davis, Mount Sabine in Latitude 71° 50' South and Longitude 169° 00' East – West
40 miles – Discovered by H.M. Ships Erebus and Terror Jan 11th 1841 –– inscribed "For Mrs Sabine with Captain Crozier's Compliments";
- Harlowe-Powell Auction Gallery, Lot 1222, A Historic 19th C English Sterling and Silverplated Coffee and Tea Service –– includes Crozier and Bird's gift to Ross [h/t ltwilliammowett]; more on Ross' crest;
- Royal Museums Greenwich, AAA2385, spoon, and AAA2489, tea spoon;
- Royal Museums Greenwich, JEW0221, A thirty hour duration watch set in a silver case –– Crozier's gift to Sergeant Cunningham;
- Royal Society, Diagram of barometric curves, AP/25/3, 1840;
- Sotheby's, Lot 265, Franklin Expedition, Richard Beard Studio, A set of 14 daguerreotypes of the officers of the Franklin expedition, 1845;
- HMS Terror
- Powerhouse Museum, prev. Royal Australian Historical Society (RAHS), Military epaulette, possibly owned by Francis Rawdon Moira Crozier, Arctic and Antarctic explorer with Sir John Franklin, 1839-1843 (page)
- Whangarei Museum, Captain Crozier’s Chest (page)