Gossip in the First Decade of Victoria's ReignAshton, John
History
Gossip in the First Decade of Victoria's Reign
Ashton, John
Great Britain -- Social life and customs -- 19th century
As nothing was heard of the expedition, another was organised, in 1847,
to start, for search and relief, from Hudson’s Bay; and, indeed, no one
can say that the two exploring vessels were forgotten; for, from that
date, till 1857, _thirty-nine different expeditions were sent to look
after them_. The first to find traces of them was that of Capt.
Ommanney, in 1850; then, in April, 1854, Dr. Rae heard, from the natives,
of a party of white men having been seen, four winters previously, and
that their bodies had afterwards been seen. From these Eskimo, Rae
obtained some silver spoons and other small articles which left no doubt
but that they had belonged to the ill-fated expedition. But it was the
_Fox_ yacht, which was fitted out by Lady Franklin, and commanded by
Capt. McClintock, which settled the question of their fate. Early in
1859, a boat, a few skeletons, chronometers, clothing, instruments,
watches, plate, books, etc., were discovered; and, towards the end of
May, a written paper was found, which gave news of them up to 25 Apl.,
1848, and told that “Sir John Franklin died on 11 June, 1847, and the
total losses by deaths in the expedition has been, to this date, nine
officers and 15 men; we start on, to-morrow, 26th, for Back’s Fish
River.” From the Eskimo was learned how one of the ships sunk in deep
water, and the other was wrecked, after which they all perished
miserably, some “falling down and dying as they walked,” as an old woman
told Capt. McClintock.
CHAPTER XXV.
The Queen’s Costume Ball—Copper Coinage of William IV.—New Oxford Street
opened—Sale of Napoleon’s relics—Story of Nelson’s coat—Visit of King of
the Netherlands—Railway speculation—Hire of newspapers—Reverse of
fortune—Prince Albert and his taxes—Waghorn’s overland route.
The Queen gave a Costume Ball, at Buckingham Palace, on 6th June, which
was a magnificent affair, and gave plenty of food for conversation.
Every guest had to appear in a costume appropriate to the period of
English history between 1740 and 1750; but, with the exception of the
minuet, the dances were modern.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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