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FRANKLIN, Sir John (1986-1847). English Arctic explorer, explored the present day Northwest Territories of Canada, the Yukon and Alaska.. Discovered the Northwest Passage. Franklin was given command of the HMS Terror in 1845. He was lost in the Arctic with his whole crew in 1847. His icebound ships were abandoned and his entire crew died of starvation, hypothermia and scurvy. Between 1819 and 1822 he lost 11 of his 20 men. Most died of starvation, there was at least on murder and there was suggestion of cannibalism. The survivors attempted to eat their own leather boots and Franklin gained the nickname of “the man who ate his boots.” The town of Deline in the Northwest Territory is built on the site of Fort Franklin considered to be one of the birthplaces of the sport of hockey. In September 2016, the wreck of Franklin’s HMS Terror was discovered in pristine condition. DS, full page, legal folio, thirteenth day of February 1839. A scarce financial document , signed at Government House Hobart Town as Governor of the Island of Van Diemen’s Land [Tansmania]. Franklin directs the Deputy Assistant Commissary General to pay from His Majesty’s Treasury to “F.C. Smith... coroner, the sum of two pounds and two shillings... for attendance at the inquest held as per account annexed....” In very good condition with a fabulous signature of John Franklin. Anything signed by John Franklin can be considered scarce..........$595.00
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