New York, Oct. 2d, 1851.

Dear Douglass:—No news of Sir John Franklin! The brig Advance has arrived from the Franklin Exploring Expedition, to this port, but the "lost man," and his hardy followers, they found not. This is indeed critical to the world at large, and more especially to her who loves Sir John, as woman should. God grant that he may yet be found, and that the almost broken heart of Lady Franklin, may be healed with the pure oil of consolation. To Henry Grinnell, Esq.,Grinnell, Henry

The Grinnell family of New Bedford merchants included Joseph Grinnell (1788-1885) who, in 1815 established the "Fish and Grinnell" firm with the purpose of acting as agents for the New Bedford whaling and oil merchants. By 1825 his brothers, Henry (1799-1874) and Moses (1803-77), had joined the firm. Moses would go on to be an ardent supporter of the Union during the Civil War and joined the Union Defense Committee. Joseph built a cotton factory in New Bedford to reduce its reliance on the whaling trade, became president of the Marine Bank in 1832 and president of the Boston and Providence Railroad in 1841, and represented Massachusetts in Congress from 1843 to 1851. DAB, 8:3-4; BDUSC (online). Henry Grinnell was interested in Arctic voyages and financed four expeditions to the Canadian Arctic and was a founding member and early president of the American Geographical and Statistical Society. (Guide to the Henry Grinnell collection, 1850-1873, (Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge, online) who was the projector, praise should be given, for thus sending this expedition in search of Sir John. We should rejoice that all, even to a man, returned, although disease surrounded them oftentimes, as well as danger. I understand that it is Mr. Grinnell's intention to send out a steam propeller, as strong hopes are entertained that something more satisfactory can be obtained, by cutting thro' beyond distant seas, where the late exploring expedition found it impeded.

At present, Castle Garden is the great attraction of the day. The "American Institute" opened doors yesterday, and of course the rush is great. The proud works and inventions of man could there be seen, from the cambric needle to a steam engine, with very great modern improvements. Thousands of ladies congregate there daily, to behold the "wonders." Of course, honest men and perfect rascals roam there, day after day. Before the Fair closes, you will have full particulars of it from me, undoubtedly.

Just at this time, New York City is somewhat thronged with citizens and strangers. - Did you know that Broadway had a floating population of some 80,000 souls, daily? Ah, is not this the brilliant thoroughfare? To describe it as it should be done, is a severe task; but sufficient to say, that day after day, the great fashionable thoroughfare is densely crowded. Beauty and fashion is very conspicuous. The "fall fashions" are raging gloriously, and, oh scissors! how the ladies do come out. It is certainly wonderful. My dear Mr. Editor, do understand one important item. Our Broadway stands unsurpassed for silks and satins, lawns and velvets, liquid dyes, paint and powder, and cosmetics!

As for attractions and amusements, we are at present well stocked. Aside from our concerts and theatre, we have statuary and paintings on exhibition, which are well worthy of notice. I have just been visiting "the rounds," and, as I am highly delighted with what I saw, allow me to say to you, and your readers, that if you visit "New York" this month, fail not to walk, or ride up Broadway to the new Academy of Design, and "just take a squint" of Harley's great and highly celebrated "picture of Webster," who stands there as natural as "Dan" stands in the Senate, when addressing the dignified body. He is replying to Gen. Hayne, (the Webster and Hayne debate in 1830,) and around him, or upon the canvass, which is of a liberal extent, can be seen 130 true portraits, and as large as life, of our most distinguished men. The picture is attracting profound attention. I might go on and give a condensed account of other attractions in our city, but I will defer it until another time.

Yours,

W. C.