TO
CAPT. SIR JOHN FRANKLIN, R.N.
COMMANDING THE NORTH POLAR EXPEDITION.
My dear Sir John,
Fully impressed with the idea, that a token seldom corresponds, and never is expected to correspond, in value to the sentiments it is meant to testify, I still take the liberty of inscribing to you this slight but most sincere tribute, not only of my regard and esteem, but of a gratitude far exceeding the ordinary sense of obligation, for those courtesies, and that hospitality, which, in common with every visitor, I experienced from you in Hobart Town.
In my case, indeed, I have to acknowledge far more than mere conventional civilities. When, after completing the exploration of New South Wales, I ventured on that of Van Diemen's Land, I was welcomed, on my arrival at Launceston, by a kind letter of yours, which is now before me, and which insured to me, a stranger at that time, all the protection and assistance which the pursuit I was engaged in could require. The two years and a half which followed, were often marked by instances of
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