Fitzjames, James

FIRST EDITION, 8vo (207 x 136mm.), 28pp., sewn as issued, first and last few leaves somewhat spotted

A good copy
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

James Fitzjames was born illegitimate and was cared for by Rev. Robert Coningham. In later years he lived some time in Brighton with Robert's son, William, who edited this booklet, and his wife Elizabeth for whom this journal was written.

In 1845 Fitzjames sailed to the Arctic with Sir John Franklin. They were last seen at the end of July that year and it is known that after the death of Franklin on 11 June 1847, Fitzjames became captain of H.M.S. Erebus and co-leader of the expedition with Captain Crozier. His fate is unknown.

These journals were sent to the Coninghams with a covering letter from Whale-fish Islands (Disco) on 11 July 1845, shortly before the expedition disappeared forever. They end, "A man just come over from Lievely, a Dane, who has married an esquimaux, says that they believe it to be one of the mildest seasons and earliest summers ever known, and that the ice is clear away from this to Lancaster Sound. Keep this to yourself, for Sir John is naturally very anxious that people in England should not be too sanguine about the season... I do believe that we have a good chance of getting through this year, if it is to be done at all; but I hope we shall not, as I want to have a winter for magnetic observations" (pp.27-28).

The work is rare, with no copies recorded at auction, and just five institutional copies on COPAC, dating the publication variously to 1845, 1850?, 1855 and 1858. William Pearce, the printer/publisher of this work, is recorded as agent of the Sussex Weekly Advertiser in 1859; Arthur Wallis had been agent 1851-55.