Work Text:
ABSTRACT
The Franklin Expedition is one of history’s least-documented nautical disasters, owing to the disappearance of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, two ships of the Discovery Service. However, the bequeathal of the William E. Malcom Collection to the British Museum have opened new opportunities for understanding the lives of the lost sailors, how their experiences may have contributed to the events, and how the survivors carried on in the aftermath. This project will examine the newly uncovered documents and attempt to deepen scholarly understanding of the voyage, its crew, and its repercussions.
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[AN: Apparently, ‘deepen scholarly understanding of the voyage’ is not clear enough. Too vague/something. Fix the wording asap]
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SCRAP OF PAPER
My dear Malcom,
I have a most urgent favour to ask of you—hold on to these boxes on my behalf, if you please. The letters I sent you over the years, too. While I do think it is an excess of caution, it would still make me feel at ease if a trusted friend kept them in a safe place for the time being.
Yours faithfully,
John
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DRURY LANE THEATRE FLYER
[ID: The first grand production at the present reduced prices. Theatre Royal Drury Lane. February 28th, 1837. Their Majesty’s servants will perform (for the first time) a New Historical Opera in four parts, entitled Fair Rosamond. The whole of the music composed by John Barnett who will preside in the orchestra.Opera in three acts by John Barnett. Libretto by C.Z. Barnett. Miss Romer - Rosamond. Mr Phillips - King Henry III. Mr Giubilei - Lord de Clifford. Mr Wilson - Sir Alberic de Vere. This grandiose work includes a five-parts madrigal in the fourth act, “Merrily Wake Music’s Measure.” /End ID]
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DIARY EXCERPT – J. IRVING
01st March 1837
Met a fellow last night.
He was with a group of friends, engaged in a conversation about the opera tickets and some dreadfully funny carriage ride. Eavesdropping is in poor form, yes, but one can’t avoid overhearing sometimes, even more so when said conversation happens just a few steps away—tipsy was my first guess, but no; Mr Little just having a laugh at a bad weather and a roof leakage combination. Forget propriety, it got me quite invested too, I’ll admit. Even Ms Morgan seemed to be listening close.
In any case, we never got to hear the ending of that tale as Little took a step backward, slipped on a wet cobblestone, and crashed into me. And then flat on his arse. Ms Morgan yelped, Mr Morgan waved off his apologies, and William struggled to keep his composure while helping him back to his feet. My part in all this was to reassure him that everything was indeed all right. I don’t think I ever saw anyone looking so embarrassed after a mishap. It was sort of sweet, really.
We ended up joining their group after learning that our seats would be in close proximity. [..]
All in all, a pleasant evening. A friend of Little—either Tylor or Davies?—recommended I should seek some pub or another during my stay, and he was gracious enough to offer to take me. It seems like London has quite a few places worthy of a visit.
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[AN: awwww, someone has a crush]
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DIARY EXCERPT – J. IRVING
03rd March 1837
[..] Chelsea Physic Garden wasn’t included in the Morgans’ list. There was not much to see yet as winter is still lingering, but the glasshouse was such an amazing spectacle I might have lost myself a moment. Surely enough, Little took it as my favourite topic and followed along with grace, asking questions and listening with genuine interest.
It was upon his inquiry about the 1817 technique of forcing rhubarb that I understood he was attempting to flirt. In that moment, I didn’t have the heart to tell him I was more interested in sketching those plants than the plants themselves, but it was not an unwelcome realisation.
He is dashing and charming.
With the Lord’s help, it’s the start of something precious.
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[ID: Okay, the rhubarb thing is insane. Really, Nedward? You’re trying to woo a guy by asking for tips about born-in-the-dark rhubarb? 1/10, cringe off the charts, Get him chocolate! flowers! Something! Jirv, how did you not piss yourself with laughter is beyond me. fs, I can’t believe I’m here yelling at victorian dudes to get their act together /End ID]
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TICKET STUBS
[ID: two tickets for a steamboat ride to Greenwich /End ID]
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NOTE
Edward,
thank you for showing me the city and helping me make a lot of cherished memories. I look forward to returning the favour.
(The answer is yes)
J
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POSTCARD
[ID: Last day of leave - you would have loved the hike we went on this morning. Someday I’ll show you if you’d like. (Did you find the cufflink?) John. To Mr Edward Little, Hornsey, London. /End ID]
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LETTER EXCERPTS - E. LITTLE to J.C. LITTLE, Autumn 1837
[..] Edinburgh, his name is John. I think I made a fool out of myself more often than not in the beginning, but he’s been gracious enough to avoid any comment about it. He’s in the Navy, too, which means he understands the hardships of a sailor, and a devout man [..]
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J.C. LITTLE to E. LITTLE, Autumn 1837
[..] I am most delighted to hear about your darling, and glad that your courtship is going well but Edward—have you received a bonding mark at long last?
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CRAVAT PINS PURCHASE NOTE
2 complementary silver cravat pins with carrick bend knots
1 £
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[AN: Sweet, so this is happening. Figure they indeed got their marks]
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ROYAL ACT CONCERNING BONDED PAIRS
[ID: Anno primo & secundo, Victoriæ Reginæ, magnæ Britanniæ et Hiberniæ. At the Parliament begun and holden at Westminster, on the fifteenth day of November, Anno Domini 1837, in the first year of the reign of Our Sovereign Lady Victoria, by the grace of the God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, &c. : being the First Session of the Thirteenth Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. An Act to regulate the legal union of bonded pairs. /End ID]
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INSCRIPTION IN THE CAPTAIN’S DAUGHTER TITLE PAGE
To the most wondrous soul I have had the good fortune to crash into (and charm with rhubarb) - E.
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NOTE HIDDEN BETWEEN PAGES 42-43
[ID: The bonded act is a concern, you’re right. I agree on being cautious in moving forward, even if it’s probably an excess of prudence; there’s nothing I wish less than breaking off our engagement.
A note has been added below. It reads: some deceptions are… necessary. /End ID]
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[AN: what in the what now?]
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WEDDING INVITATION
[ID: Front of the card reads: Mr Morgan requests the pleasure of your company at the bonding ceremony of his son William to Miss Sarah Baker. Monday August the 6th, 1838. Hollylane Residence.
Back of the card reads: Mr John Irving
A note has been added below. It reads: Hey John, bring Edward too! We can’t wait to see those marks! Billy /End ID]
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ROYAL ACT CONCERNING BONDED PAIRS IN THE NAVY
[ID: Anno secundo & tertio, Victoriæ Reginæ, magnæ Britanniæ et Hiberniæ. At the Parliament begun and holden at Westminster, the fifteenth day of November, anno Domini 1837, in the first year of the reign of our Sovereign Lady Victoria, by the grace of God, queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, defender of the faith: and from thence continued, by several prorogations, to the fifth day of February 1839; being the second session of the thirteenth Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. An Act to regulate the legal union of bonded pairs serving in the Royal Navy. /End ID]
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NEWSPAPER CLIPPING - 1839
[..] A recent decree from Her Royal Highness, Queen Victoria, has imposed stricter requirements upon the officers of the Navy. In the past, only couples bearing a bonding mark—the inscription of each other’s names upon their person—have been granted the privilege to be joined in lawful matrimony, whilst betrothed couples have remained largely unaffected. Henceforth, couples of any gender wishing to serve in the Royal Navy must bear such bonding marks, even in the absence of a formal celebration of their union. [..]
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INK RECEIPT - GASTRELL SHOP
5x ink bottles Iron Gall Black Ink
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[AN: there are a bunch of these ink receipts dated 1839-1845. First of all, they never threw away anything? Then, what were they doing with all that ink anyway?]
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TAILOR ORDERS
[ID: Joseph Turner, tailor, fine menswear. Cutaway coat – black. Waist coat - burgundy. Trousers - black. Shirt - white. Top hat. Ascot – black. E. Little. Measurements to be finalized. Down payment 2 guineas. A note has been added. It reads: Remember the boots!
Cutaway coat – black. Waist coat - black. Trousers - black. Shirt - white. Top hat. Ascot – burgundy. J. Irving. Measurements to be finalized. Down payment 3 guineas./End ID]
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LETTER EXCERPTS - J. IRVING to W.E. MALCOM
Dear Malcom,
[..] would you do me the honour to be a witness to our bonding ceremony?
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W.E. MALCOM to J. IRVING
John,
Are you sure?
Please, do not mistake this for a sign of disapproval about your union. I hold the both of you in high regard, and that’s why I don’t wish to see any ill luck befalling you. I am asking out of concern. The penalties are severe: you pointed that out yourself.
Regardless, if you still wish to press on, then I shall be your witness. [..]
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J. IRVING to W. E. MALCOM
We are in a safe position, praise God. We’ll be waiting for you the day before the ceremony [..]
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[AN: what’s going on here?]
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RENT RECEIPT
Colton Boyle received from Edward Little and John Irving, newlyweds and Navy sailors, the sum of 4 guineas, being 2 months’ rent due on the first day of July 1839.
Dated 01 day of July 1839
This receipt to be produced making the next payment for rent
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POLICE REPORT
STOLEN!
In London, November 05, a GOLD WATCH, closed face, with a scratch on the dial, steel hands. ‘Most devoted, E’ engraved on the inner side. Also, a GOLD-PLATED CHAIN, large links.
Notify CHIEF OF POLICE, London
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SCRAPS OF PAPER
Edward,
Stop fretting about it. It’ll turn up or not, it doesn’t matter. All I care about is that you’re all right.
I can always get you another watch for our next anniversary. Would you like that?
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No, I’d rather avoid extra expenses when we’re on half-pay. There are more urgent needs and I’d feel better to have those seen to. Those migraines you get worry me.
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DOCTOR PRESCRIPTION
Dried feverfew leaves for migraine
Vegetable pills (Morison’s) for rash on the skin
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INK RECEIPT - AINSLEY STORE
7 bottles iron gall black ink
1 dip pens set
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NOTE
[ID: You did it! Congratulations, Lieutenant! I’m so proud of you. Love, Ed. /End ID]
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LETTER EXCERPTS - J. IRVING to E. LITTLE
[..] in good health. Has your appetite improved since your last letter? You’ll be pleased to know migraines have been less frequent lately, may God be praised. My arm still itches often and it gets worse when it’s time to reapply the ink. The pills are not doing much, I’m afraid.
However, I don’t want you to worry about it. I’m finding comfort in God and in the awareness that we’ll see each other soon. [..]
My fingers have started to ache, a sure sign that I should stop writing for the day.
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E. LITTLE to J. IRVING
[..] it would be better to let your arm be for now. You can keep it covered, give it time to heal. As for me, I’ve been trying to eat more. The problem is that after a while on ship rations, everything has the same taste. If I never see another hardtack in my life, it’ll be too soon. [..]
By the time this letter reaches you, I should be setting foot on English soil already, provided the weather keeps. Maybe next time we should sign up for the same ship, what do you say?
Please, take care of yourself.
With love,
Ed
(Do you remember whose O’Malley we sold the gelding to? Old Patrick or Sean?)
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J. IRVING to E. LITTLE
[..] It wasn’t O’Malley, it was the dutch. Van der Veen.
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[AN: This is getting freaky. I’m connecting the dots and boy howdy, the picture is shitty D:]
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NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS
[..] a grand expedition set to find the Northwest passage. Sir William E. Parry is to assume command of this noble and splendid venture [..]
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[..] Sir John Barrow’s fervent wish to appoint Captain James Fitzjames as the esteemed commander of the Arctic expedition [..]
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[..] Sir John Franklin shall be in charge of it [..]
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POLICE REPORT - DRAFT WITH NOTES
[ID: London Police Report. 14th March 1845. On Thursday, a cobbler (a note is added here, reading ‘an idiot’. Report resumes) named George B. Barrowman (a note is added here, reading ‘Hornswoggler’. Report resumes) harassed the patrons of The Three Jolly Gardeners. Visibly intoxicated, Mr Barrowman first lashed out at a fellow named Wilbert Moore over an exchange of looks and got promptly rebuffed. Harsh words (‘harsh words’ has been striked through. Notes are added here, reading ‘Lord’s honest truth’ and ‘Stop it’. Report resumes) [‘gibface’ and ‘flapdoodle’] (‘gibface’ and ‘flapdoodle’ have been highlighted. Notes are added here, reading ‘Truth’ and ‘Edward!’. Report resumes) and threats to various family members were exchanged, but it did not come to fisticuffs. Then, Mr Barrowman (a note is added here, reading ‘Hornswoggler’. Report resumes) staggered toward a table full of sailors. Those sailors were on shore leave, enjoying drinks and each others’ company.
Once there, Mr Barrowman loudly asked them to pay for pint. The sailors refused and Mr Barrowman would not heed their advice to ‘go home and sleep It off'. One of the sailors, freshly appointed to HMS Terror as Lieutenant, Mr John Irving, (‘started reasoning with him, once again suggesting to leave the pub’ has been striked through. Notes are added here, reading ‘behaved like an idiot’, ‘that's a lie’, ‘pffft’, ‘and you know it’. Report resumes). Upon hearing that, Mr Barrowman became violent and pulled out a knife.
Mr Barrowman pushed Lt Irving against a table and swung, missing Lt Irving by mere inches. Friends of Lt Irving intervened them, bellowing and fending off Mr Barrowman while another Lieutenant, Edward Little, managed to disarm him (‘managed to disarm him’ has been highlighted. Report resumes), putting on a valiant show of bravery and devotion (‘putting on a valiant show of bravery and devotion’ has been striked through. Notes are added here, reading ‘and then got his arse handed to him’, ‘very funny’, ‘says the man with a black eye...’. Report resumes) before the police arrived and took Mr Barrowman into custody. /End ID]
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[AN: A moment of levity before tragedy strikes! Guards, arrest these men. They need to be sad 24/7. Also, these cops can’t type for shit]
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SIR JOHN FRANKLIN’S EXPEDITION - 1845
HMS TERROR
[..] First Lieutenant (Commander) : Edward Little
Second Lieutenant: George Henry Hodgson
Third Lieutenant: John Irving [..]
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LETTER EXCERPT - E. LITTLE to J.C. LITTLE
[ID: HMS Enterprise. Dear James, I don’t know if you already got word about it. We are alive. I’ll write properly soon. Edward. /End ID]
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DIARY EXCERPTS - E. LITTLE
[..] don’t think I really slept since John was injured. Not that I wish to: despite what doctor Goodsir says, what if something happens while I’m asleep? Something else? I wasn’t there when Hickey attacked him. I don’t—I’m not taking any chances. [..]
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[..] after leaving the meeting, doctor Goodsir approached and asked if I could spare a moment for him. I guess I didn’t do a good job of schooling my expression, because he hurried to reassure me about John’s health. “This isn’t really about Lieutenant Irving, not in the way you believe,” I think he said, and then he gave me a glass jar. Some balm made of, I recall chamomile and lavender among a litany of herbs, “for the rash on his arm.”
I must have stood there for a whole minute, looking like an idiot. With everything that happened, the marks slipped my mind. When was the last time I penned my name on his skin? After abandoning the ships, maybe we managed once or twice, but I couldn’t remember, and Goodsir was saying something about keeping it slathered in that balm and bandaged, and I still couldn’t remember.
I nodded, of that I’m sure. A couple of times to indicate I agreed with him, and after he suggested I could use it too. “If you share the same affliction Lieutenant Irving has.”
He looked astonished when I started laughing.
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Captain Crozier stopped by to ask about John. About me. About our health and bonding ceremony and the kind of life we’ll go back to. He said I should talk to Fitzjames or Le Vesconte. No, Fitzjames and Le Vesconte.
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[..] Fitzjames said I’m supposed to draft up a report and explain what went down. The captain will get court martialled for losing the ships, and officers will be questioned. It’s a daunting prospect, no matter if it’s deemed routine.
John is—better, I should think. Not well, just better. It’ll take him some more time to get back on his feet, but at least the silence that surrounded his sickbed is gone. He’s strong enough to talk some, sip water, a spoonful of broth.
Yesterday he pulled a face at lemon juice, complaining about how sour it tasted, and I swear my lungs closed up. No air going in or out for the longest of moments. I think I just stood there, petrified, while my hands started shaking. In hindsight, it was the same feeling I got when Goodsir told me about John’s injuries. Back then, though, I had a reason to be upset. Yesterday—yesterday it was a regular day. We’re on the Enterprise. We’re heading back home.
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[AN: Oh yes, but also, oh no!]
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DOCTOR PRESCRIPTION
Soothing balm - apply twice per day
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NOTE WRITTEN IN THE BACK
Refrain from touching ink with your bare hands, if you please. The severe rash you developed is due to it, and you’ve been exposed to harmful substances already. While I am aware of the peculiar circumstances you’re finding yourself in, I must insist on caution.
H. Goodsir
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LETTER EXCERPT - J. IRVING TO W.E. MALCOM
[..] The Scripture says, ‘I shall not want’. These days, I feel it to be especially true. Despite everything, I have been saved—we have. From being stabbed, from the arctic ice, scurvy and lead poisoning; from an odd, bear-like creature, the exhaustion of hauling, the restlessness that comes with being stuck in a place without a horizon.
We are back home. I do not know how the trial will go, and I’m aware Edward is worried about the marks. Nothing to be done about that. If the Admiralty decides to make an example out of us, an example it shall be. Starting with the Captain, everyone knows.
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FRONT COVER OF DISCHARGE PAPERS
[ID: Discharge papers. Edward Little. A seal with ‘with honour’ is on the side. /End ID]
[ID: Discharge papers. John Irving. A seal with ‘with honour’ is on the side. /End ID]
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[AN:
