#this is actually one of his most legible letters in the archives of newfoundland and labrador

[clove-pinks]

I think all of us who have researched a Franklin Expedition crewmember should share how he almost avoided his fate! :')

In Henry T.D. Le Vesconte's case, when he arrived back in England from HMS Clio in late 1844, he almost went on a vacation of several months in France with an old friend from the Opium War.

Excerpt from a letter to his father dated Portsmouth October 17th 1844:

I was at Southhampton Saturday and Sunday I have been waiting here first because the Lords of the Admiralty were out of town, and now because I want to go up with Capt. Fitzj. who will introduce me to Sir Jno. Barrow and his son who is I fancy likely to succeed him. I intend to ask for employment I cannot reasonably ask more, but I think I shall not wait try for an appointment but I have to wait two or three months I shall go to the R N College. I was there yesterday making enquiries as to the use of it and I find they have a very economical manner and they have opportunities of learning a great deal, hitherto there has not been a Lieut. studying as when they have applied for it they have been appointed to ships I have some idea of going for for a month or two into France with my old friend Philip Helpman - now a Commander, but not if it interferes with my views in the service. I do not think you would wish me to go out to you for the present when it appears to me I am in a very good position to move forward having very good friends in my late Capt. with whom I served as 1st Lieut. and Fitzjames will very probably get another ship.

Here's Commander Helpman in O'Byrne's Naval Biographical Dictionary—if only Henry had stuck with his old friend and not Fitzjames!

“a more unassuming, a more gentle man l never was acquainted with.”

It’s crying hours over Francis Crozier in Italy nearly saying no to the expedition.

Thank you @laissezferre and @tttack for the source and for the identity of at least one of Francis’ “quiet friends” in Italy.

(also: “Sir John Ross”??? Oops.)