PREPARATIONS AND PLANS FOR THE SUMMER SEASON
Whilst the spring depot-laying party was absent, Scott, on September 15,
took a small sledge party counting Bowers, Seaman Evans, and Simpson away
westward. They covered over 150 geographical miles, and commenced by
taking over to Butter Point a quantity of stores for Griffith Taylor's
forthcoming western summer journey.
The provisions deposited, Scott marched up the Ferrar Glacier to
Cathedral Rocks and did some scientific work and surveying. He found that
the Ferrar Glacier moved 32 feet in seven months. He then came back down
the Glacier and continued his march on sea ice, following the coast into
the five mile deep bay known as New Harbour, thence outward and North
Eastward to Cape Bernacchi and on past Marble Point, where the broken-off
portion of Glacier Tongue was found aground as stated already.
After an examination of this ice mass the party pressed on past Spike
Point to Dunlop Island, sledging coastwise parallel to the Piedmont
Glacier, named by Griffith Taylor after Dr. Wilson. A thorough
examination was made of Dunlop Island, revealing many facts of
extraordinary scientific interest.
On 24th September the sledge team retraced their steps from Dunlop Island
to a camp near Marble Point, and, after spending a night close to the
remnant of Glacier Tongue, they shaped course direct for Cape Evans,
which was reached about 1 a.m. on 29th September.
Travelling mostly on sea ice, and well away from the frigidity of the Ice
Barrier, Scott was not troubled with any particularly low temperatures,
but he experienced a nasty blizzard on the two days preceding his return
to headquarters.
Apart from the value of this journey in observations of a technical
nature, Scott gleaned much information, which he was able to impart to
Griffith Taylor concerning the very important journey to be undertaken by
the latter.
Once back in the Hut, Scott set to work to put the final touches to his
elaborate plans, drew up instructions, got his correspondence in order
lest he should miss the "Terra Nova" through a late return from the Pole,
and even wrote a special letter urging that special promotion to
Commander's rank should be given to Pennell and myself.
About this time he called on us severally to relieve him if we could of
the responsibility of paying us for the second season. Most of us signed
the document, but not all could afford to do so.
The general outline plan for the Polar journey was now understood by all
concerned in it to be as follows:
_The Motor Party._--Day, Lashly, Hooper, and myself to leave winter
quarters about October 22, the two motors dragging fuel and forage.
_The Pony Party,_ consisting of Scott, Wilson, Oates, Bowers,
Cherry-Garrard, Atkinson, Wright, Petty Officer Evans, Crean, and
Keohane, to be independent of the success of the motors, to work light
loads and easy distances out to Corner Camp, full loads and easy
distances to One Ton Camp, and full distances beyond this point.
_The Dog Teams,_ starting later, to rejoin Scott at One Ton Camp.
The first object was to get twelve men with 43 weekly food units
provision (four men per weekly unit) to the foot of Beardmore Glacier.
Thence, with 3 units of four men and 21 units of provision, it was hoped
to extend the advance unit (Polar party of four men) the required
distance. The route intended was the actual one taken, as shown on the
accompanying map.
All our instructions were clear, and we knew what was expected of us long
before the start for the Southern journey was made.
The plans and instructions complete, we had a full month for our own
individual work.
I had plenty to do in conjunction largely with Debenham, and accordingly
he, I, and Gran set out on September 23 with sledge, tent, and a week's
food supply to complete and extend our surveys, and in Debenham's case to
"geologise."
We had an interesting but somewhat chilly time. Theodolite and plane
table work are not suited to very cold climates. We all three worked long
hours, usually turning out between 5 and 6 a.m. and not wasting time over
meals.
Whilst away surveying we mostly worked on the sea ice, and pitched our
tent there. On October 2 at, midnight a terrific squall struck our tent.
We knew what Wilson's experience had been and consequently we were out of
our bags in a moment. Being close to land we got Gran to collect rocks on
the valance, while Debenham and I held on for our lives to it, otherwise
the tent would have blown away via McMurdo Sound into the Ross Sea.
Eventually all was serene, the tent securely anchored by rocks piled
close around, and we three were snoring in our bags.
We lay still until the following afternoon, by which time the blizzard
had abated, and one could see a mile or two; accordingly we were up and
about, so that when the visibility suited, Debenham and I were once more
at work and Gran was away to Cape Evans for the purpose of replenishing
our food bag.
It is worthy of mention that Gran could easily carry sixty pounds weight
in a "rygsaek," (Norwegian knapsack for ski running and towing) and hung
about him whilst keeping up a speed on ski that made the best of us
sweat.
Debenham whilst in the neighbourhood of the Turk's Head found much of
interest to geologists, and was pleased at what we collected in the way
of information. "Deb" was one of the best cooks in the expedition, so we
fared well whilst he was with Gran and myself.
Gran kept us alive with his reminiscences, which were always amusing, and
he certainly possessed the liveliest imagination in the Expedition. He
ought to have been a brigand chief. Sometimes his imaginative foresight
led him to commit slight breaches of discipline, as the following
anecdote will show. On midwinter night when our table was gay and festive
Gran noticed an unopened pint bottle of champagne towards the end of the
feast, when "bubbley" was being superseded by port and liqueurs. Cleverly
he coaxed the champagne bottle on to his lap, under his jersey, and
finally into his bunk, where it remained hidden until such opportunity
should arise for its consumption.
Gran was too generous to finish it himself, and too wise to divide it
with many--a pint was for two and no more.
It so happened that whilst we two were working around Glacier Tongue this
spring doing survey work we had to come in to Cape Evans for some
purpose. We had a hard run out on ski to our camp, and my short legs
found great effort necessary to keep pace with the swarthy ski-runner.
Once arrived at the survey camp I puffed and blew and sank nearly
exhausted on my sleeping-bag in the tent. I told Gran we must have some
tea before re-commencing work, and reached out to get the cooker ready.
Gran asked me what I fancied most in the world, and my reply was--a pint
of champagne.
He laughed and asked me what I would give him for that same, to which I
articulated, "FIVE POUNDS," and sank my tired head between my knees.
Noiselessly the Norwegian glided from the tent to reappear with the
stolen champagne bottle. I smiled delightedly, and soon we were hard at
work cooking the champagne into its liquid state once more, for it was of
course hard frozen in the low temperature.
When we got the stuff melted it had lost its "fizz," but it tasted
nectar-like even from our aluminium sledge mugs, and such was the
stimulus from it that we worked until darkness had set in. I have never
paid the five pounds, for the reason that Gran chose a dinner party at
the Grand Hotel, Christiania instead: from a financial point of view I
should have gained by paying--but that is another story and has no
connection with the Frozen South.
On October 13 we finished the coast survey in McMurdo Sound: generally
the weather was wretched, but this notwithstanding we got along fairly
well with our work. Once back in the Hut there was plenty to be done
preparing for the Southern Journey.
My particular work consisted of rating chronometers, sewing, packing,
stowing, making sundials, calibrating instruments, and preparing little
charts which could be rolled up on a bamboo stick and carried in the
instrument boxes of the sledges.
Poor Clissold, our cook, fell off an iceberg while posing for Ponting,
and was on account of his severe shaking unable to accompany the Motor
party for which Scott had detailed him.
After dinner on October 17 Day started his motors, and amidst a perfect
furore of excitement he got one motor sledge down on to the sea ice. At
the ice foot, alas, one of the rear axle cases fractured badly and the
car was out of action 30 yards from the garage. The other car wouldn't
start.
From the 18th until the 24th October, Day and Lashly were at work
repairing the disabled car, and they made an excellent job of it, so that
there was no delay in the starting date for the pioneer party with the
motors.
We got all news by telephone from Hut Point with reference to the state
of the surface on the Great Ice Barrier, as Meares and Dimitri returned
on October 15 from a flying journey to Corner Camp and back with depot
stores. Meares's dogs on this trip covered the seventy statute miles, out
and home, in thirty-six hours, including their resting time.
Scott handed me my instructions on October 20, which read as follows:
_Instructions for Motor Party._
Proceed at convenient speed to Corner Camp, thence to One Ton Camp,
and thence due South to Latitude 80 1/2 degrees South. If motors
successful
(i) Carry forward from Corner Camp 9 bags forage, 1 bag of oilcake;
_but_ see that provision for ponies is intact, _viz._: 3 sacks oats,
1 bag oilcake, 4 bags of forage. If motors pulling very well you can
also take 9 cases emergency biscuit.
(ii) In addition carry forward from One Ton Camp all man food and fuel
in depot, _viz._: 7 units bagged provisions, 4 boxes biscuit, 8
gallons paraffin, but see that provision for ponies is intact, _viz._:
5 sacks oats; and deposit second bag of oil-cake brought from Corner
Camp. If motors pulling very well you can also take 2 or 3 bales of
compressed fodder.
It being important that I should have latest news of your success I am
arranging for dog teams to follow your tracks for some distance.
If motors break down temporarily you will have time for repairs.
If motors break down irretrievably, take 5 weeks' provision and 3
gallons extra summit oil on 10 foot sledge and continue South easy
marches. Arrange as best you can for ponies to overtake you three or
four marches due South One Ton Camp. Advance as much weight (man food)
as you can conveniently carry from One Ton Camp, but I do not wish you
to tire any of party. The object is to relieve the ponies as much as
possible on leaving One Ton Camp, but you must not risk chance of your
tracks being obliterated and pony party missing you.
(Signed) R. F. SCOTT.
On October 23 I wrote my final letters to my wife and friends lest I
should get back to Cape Evans after the departure of the "Terra Nova": we
had by now decided that another winter was imperious, and as far as
possible those who were likely to remain a second winter wrote to this
effect, and left their letters in Simpson's charge. Before my departure
with the motors I also spent some time with my leader, and he gave me all
his instructions to the various parties to read.
They are so explicit and comprehensive that I may well append certain of
them here, for they clearly show how Scott's organisation covered the
work of the ship, the base, the western party, the dog teams, and
even the arrangements for Campbell's party.
I.--INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMMANDING OFFICER, "Terra Nova."
_October_, 1911.
The expedition suffered a considerable loss of ponies in March, but
enough remain to carry out the Southern Plan, under favourable
circumstances.
This loss and experience with the remaining animals have decided me to
start the Southern journey at a later date than originally intended.
As at present arranged the Southern Party leaves at the end of this month
(October), and it is estimated that if all goes well the earliest date at
which the most advanced party can return to McMurdo Sound is March 15.
As it is probable the ship will be obliged to leave the Sound before this
party has returned, arrangements have been made to pass a second winter
at Cape Evans, and as is clearly desirable, the Scientific Staff will
remain to continue their work.
If fresh transport is brought by the ship, other members of the
Expedition will remain to work it, and it is probable that an attempt
will be made to cross the Barrier in a S.S.E.ly direction in 1912-13.
The ship must be prepared to return to the Sound in 1912-13 to relieve
those that remain for the second winter.
Details concerning past events can be learned from the bearers of these
instructions.
In all that follows I want you to understand clearly that you should
proceed in accordance with your judgment rather than the letter of these
instructions, where the further information you possess may cause it to
appear more expedient.
Subject to this condition I wish you to carry out the following
programme:--
I assume that you arrive at the rendezvous, Granite Harbour, on or about
January 15, and pick up the Western Geological Party as arranged.
The party will consist of Griffith-Taylor, Debenham, Gran, and Forde.
The first copy of this document may be found by you at the depot made by
this party on the Bluff at the entrance of the Harbour, but I hope that
Taylor himself will hand it to you.
In case the party should be absent it is well to quote Taylor's plan in
brief:
To November 10--Exploring along coast North of Granite Harbour.
November 14 to 28--Exploring coast and inland South of Granite Harbour.
December 8 to January 8-Exploring inland of Granite Harbour region.
Taylor will make every effort to return to Granite Harbour in time to
meet you, and should the party be absent you may assume that it has
probably been delayed inland. On the chance that it may have been cut off
you may proceed to search the coast in a Southerly direction if ice
conditions permit.
The time occupied in the search must be left to your judgment, observing
that the party will reach Granite Harbour with sufficient provision to
last till April, 1912, and should be able to work its way back to this
depot.
All things considered, I do not think you need be anxious about the
party, even if you find a search impracticable, having regard to your
future movements, and you will remember that the search will be more
easily prosecuted as the season advances.
Should the party be recovered at once, as is most probable, I wish you to
take it to Evans Coves, and land it without delay. The provisions carried
by the party should be sufficient to support it for about two months, to
provide for the possibility of the failure of the ship to return.
I imagine this landing will be effected about January 18 or 19, and the
party should be instructed to be prepared to be re-embarked on February
15. It will, of course, be under your orders, and you should be careful
that the place for relief is thoroughly understood by all concerned.
After landing this party you will proceed to Cape Evans, and should you
reach it on or about January 23 you will have three weeks in McMurdo
Sound before proceeding to finally relieve the Geological Party.
There will be a great deal of work to be done and very little assistance:
the order in which it is performed must depend on the state of the ice,
etc., but of course the practical work of relieving the station must take
precedence in point of importance.
Simpson will remain in charge of the station, and is provided with
complete lists of the stores remaining, together with the requirements
for the future. Bowers will have left a letter for you concerning these
matters. It is probable that a good many of the stores you bring will not
be required on shore, and in any case you will easily determine what is
wanted. If 10 tons of patent fuel remain, we shall not require more than
15 tons of additional fuel.
In addition to stores I hope you will be landing some fresh transport
animals. Oates has drawn a plan for extending the stable accommodation,
which will be left with Simpson. The carpenter should be landed for this
work and for the few small alterations in the hut accommodation which may
be necessary.
The Discovery Hut at Cape Armitage has now been put into fairly good
order, and anticipating that returning parties may have to remain there
for some time, as we did last year, I am arranging to transport a
quantity of stores to Hut Point. In case the ponies are unable to finish
this work, I should like you to complete it at some convenient season.
According to circumstances you will probably wait till the ice has broken
well back.
Mails and letters for members of the Southern Party should be taken to
Hut Point and left in clearly marked boxes.
Simpson will inform you of the plan on which the Southern Journey is
being worked. The first returning parties from the South should reach Hut
Point towards the end of January. At as early a date as convenient I
should like you to proceed to the Western side of the Sound
(i) To find a snug berth in which the ship can take shelter during
gales.
(ii) To erect the meteorological hut if you have brought it with you.
From a recent sledge trip to the West I am inclined to think that
excellent shelter could be found for the ship alongside the fast ice in
the Ferrar Glacier Inlet or in New Harbour, and it might be well to make
headquarters in such a place in time of disturbance. But it would be wise
to keep an eye to the possibility of ice pressure across the Sound.
It might be possible to moor the ship under the shelter of Butter Point
by a hawser secured to balks of timber buried deep in the snow; she
should he easy at a long scope. In regards to the hut my idea is to place
it in as sheltered a spot as possible, at or near a spot which commands a
view of the Strait, the main object being to make it a station from which
the phenomena of blizzards, etc., can be observed. Simpson, who was with
me in the West, will give you some idea of our impressions.
You will understand that neither of the above objects are of vital
importance.
On the proper date you will return to Evans Coves to pick up the
Geological Party.
I must assume that Campbell has been landed in the region of Robertson
Bay in a place that is fairly accessible at this season. If this is so I
think it is desirable that you should visit his station after leaving
Evans Coves to communicate fresh instructions to him.
Campbell was directed to be prepared to embark on February 25, and it is
probable that he will have returned a few days before that date.
In view of the return of the ship in 1912-13 I propose to give Campbell's
Party the choice of remaining another winter in their station under
certain conditions or of returning to New Zealand. Should they decide to
stay, the necessary stores for them can now be landed. Should they decide
to return, inform Priestley that he is at liberty to remain at Cape Evans
for a second winter if he wishes to do so.
Should the party be absent from the station you must leave the
instructions and return to McMurdo Sound. I do not think you should delay
beyond February 24 on this service.
You should be back in McMurdo Sound at the end of February or March, and
after collecting fresh news, I hope you will be able to moor the ship and
await developments for at least ten days.
The term of this stay must be left entirely to your judgment, observing
that whilst it is highly undesirable for you to miss the latest possible
news, it would be more undesirable for you to be caught in the ice and
forced to winter.
Concerning this matter I can only give you information as to what had
happened in previous years:
Last year the Bays froze permanently on March 24.
Last year the Sound froze permanently on May 7 or 8.
By the Bays I mean the water south of Hut Point, inside Turtle Back
Island, south of Glacier Tongue, inside the islands north of Glacier
Tongue, and, I think, the western shores of the Sound.
The following gives the ice movements in the Sound in more detail:
March 24.-25. Ice forming and opening with leads.
" 26. Sea clear.
" 27. Strait apparently freezing.
" 28 (early). Ice over whole Sound.
" 29. All Ice gone.
" 30. Freezing over.
April 1. Ice out, etc.
This sort of thing continued till May, with lengthening intervals, but
never more than three days of frozen sea.
The dates of freezing over in 1902 were approximately the same, except
that the Sound continued to open beyond the Glacier Tongue throughout the
winter.
In 1903 the Bays did not break out, but the Sound was freezing and
opening in March and April as in the other years. I think it is certain
that the old ice lately broken as well as all the broken young ice drifts
to the west, and that a ship on the western side of the Sound would be
pretty certainly entangled at this season of the year.
I think it more than probable that you will find all the old ice broken
out when you return from the north, and the Bay south of Cape Armitage
completely open.
If so, this seems to me to be a good place for you to wait, moored to the
edge of the Barrier, if possible. Young ice will constantly form about
you, but I do not think you need fear its detaining you until after the
third week in March. I am afraid it may be very cold and unpleasant
waiting in such a situation, and possibly better and safer conditions for
the ship can be found farther to the west and nearer to the decayed
Glacier ice south of Black Island.
Moored here the ship would have a clear sea to leeward, whereas in the
Bay beyond Cape Armitage she might have a lee shore. You will know best
how to make a good permanent ice anchor.
There are shoals off Cape Armitage which may extend for one or even two
miles, and careful navigation is needed in this immediate vicinity. The
shoals off Hut Point and the west side of the Peninsula do not extend
more than a ship's length from the shore. Otherwise, except inside the
Islands, I believe the Sound to be free from such dangers.
In case you choose to wait in a spot somewhat remote from Hut Point I am
arranging to attract your attention in the following manner:--Very's
lights will be discharged and as large a flare as possible will be burnt
at Hut Point at midnight or noon (you will remember we are keeping time
for 180th meridian).
As large a flag as possible will be displayed on the skyline of the
heights near by, and attempts to heliograph with a looking-glass will be
made.
With a keen lookout for such signals you need not frequently approach the
Hut.
In the above I have referred to the young ice in the Sound only; there is
no means of knowing what is happening farther north, but I am of opinion
that as long as the "Terra Nova" is free to move in the Southern Bays,
she will have no great difficulty in leaving the Ross Sea.
You will understand that the foregoing remarks are intended as helpful
suggestions and that I do not wish them to interfere with your judgment
of the situation as it stands; above all, I would not have them to prompt
you to take a risk in detaining the ship beyond the time which you think
proper for her departure. I fully realise that at this critical time,
when gales are very frequent, your position will be beset with
difficulties, and I much regret that it is necessary to ask you to
undertake such an uncomfortable service.
Apart from, but concurrently with, the services which have been
discussed, I know that you will be anxious to help forward the scientific
objects of the Expedition. Having regard to your interests in such
matters, they also are left mainly to your judgment, and I wish only to
specify some lines on which any soundings taken would be especially
important.
These seem to be:
1. In the space occupied by the old Glacier Tongue (some two miles of
the Tongue was broken off last summer).
2. Across the Sound in one or two places to give a section of the
bottom elevations.
3. Across any fiords on the coast such as the Ferrar Glacier Inlet.
4. Off the end of ice tongues or the edge of ice walls.
5. Off the old pinnacled ice north of Black Island.
6. From a boat near the Barne Glacier.
7. From a boat around grounded bergs.
I have now to mention various matters of lesser importance to which I
should like attention given if time and circumstances permit.
1. The Hut Galley is not in a very satisfactory condition. I should like
Williams to overhaul it and try to make it more serviceable for a second
season.
2. The coast of Victoria Land has been redrawn over the "Discovery"
track. I should be glad to have definite evidence on this point. Any
replotting of coast will of course be valuable.
3. Boot-leather, stout boot-nails, and useful paper are requirements
which I hope you will be able to supply sufficiently for a second season.
4. The only want for the second season which I can foresee is reindeer
pelts for repairing sleeping-bags. I very much fear you will not have
brought any: anything you can provide to make good the want would be
acceptable.
5. If convenient Williams might look at the blubber cooking stove in the
Discovery Hut and provide some sheet metal, etc., to keep it in good
repair.
6. One of the old blubber stoves adapted as in stables and some chimney
pipe should be placed in the Meteorological Hut if it is erected to the
west.
7. To provide for possible difficulty in keeping up supply of blubber for
Discovery Hut stove in March and April it might be useful to have a few
bags of coal there, if you can spare them and land them conveniently.
Last year we managed very well without coal.
8. If when erecting the stables, etc., the carpenter has not time to see
to smaller matters, such as the repairing of the porch entrance, etc.,
will you please leave sufficient wood for the purpose. A drift screen
would be an advantage outside door of porch.
9. If you erect the Meteorological Hut, and can conveniently do so, it
would help for you to leave a few cases of provisions in it. Bowers
leaves a note with Simpson on this point.
10. If at any time during the season it is convenient to you without
undue expenditure of coal to land at Cape Crozier, I should like you to
leave a small depot of provisions there. The object of this depot is to
support a sledge party to visit the region early next season. Bowers
leaves a note with Simpson concerning the stores required. They should be
placed near the Discovery record post.
11. To assist the signalling to you from Hut Point you might land rockets
or port-fires.
In regard to the constitution of the wintering party for the second
winter, much must remain in doubt. The following members will return in
any case:
1. Taylor, whose leave of absence transpires.
2. Ponting, who will have completed his work.
3. Anton, who has had enough of it.
_Anton_ took the dark season very badly; it preyed on his superstitions,
but he has worked like a Trojan and is an excellent little man. Please
recommend him highly if he wants to get work in New Zealand.
_Meares_ may possibly return; it depends on letters from home.
The following are certain to stay: Bowers, Simpson, Debenham, Wright,
Nelson, Atkinson, Clissold, Hooper, Dimitri.
The movements of the following depend (i) on the date of the return from
the South; (ii) on the fresh transport which you have brought: Myself,
Wilson, Evans, Oates, Cherry-Garrard, Gran, Day, and the seamen.
If you have brought fresh transport the probability is that all these
will remain. If you have not brought fresh transport the majority, if not
all, who are able to catch the ship will return. The decision is in every
case voluntary and subject to alteration on receipt of home news or from
other causes.
It is impossible for me to speak too highly of any member of the
Expedition who has remained in this party, and you must do your best to
see that the reasons of returning members are generally understood.
In regard to my agreement with the Central News I am leaving with Simpson
under separate cover a telegraphic despatch concerning the doings of this
party, containing about 3000 words. I hope you will duly receive letters
from me through returning sections of the Southern Party. I must leave it
to you to complete the despatch with this material, with news from
Campbell, and with an account of your own doings.
You will remember that the agreement is for a minimum of 6000 words, and
we must not fail in the performance of our part, Drake must take special
care to have the "Hereward" message correct.
As a matter of form, it will be well for you to remind every one
returning in the ship of the terms of the ship's articles.
Ponting will be in charge of all the photographic material returning, and
will see to the observance of the various agreements concerning it.
His own work is of the greatest importance, and it is probable that he
will wish to be in the ship during your trip to recover the Geological
Party and communicate with Campbell.
I should like you to give him every facility you can for his work, but of
course you will remember that he is an enthusiast, and in certain
circumstances might undervalue his own safety or that of the ship. I
don't want you to run risks to get pictures.
I have hitherto made no mention of Amundsen, as we have no news of him
beyond that which you brought. The circumstances do not appear to me to
make it incumbent on you to attempt to visit his station. But should the
"Fram" not have been heard of, or public opinion seem to point to the
advisability, you are of course at liberty to go along the Barrier and to
rearrange this programme as necessary for the purpose.
Finally, I wish you every sort of good fortune in the work that is to do,
and better weather than you encountered last year. I am sure that you
will do all that is possible under the circumstances.
(Signed) R.F. SCOTT.
II.--INSTRUCTIONS TO DR. G. C. SIMPSON.
MY DEAR SIMPSON,--In leaving you in charge of the Cape Evans Station I
have little to do beyond expressing the hearty wish that all may be well
with yourself and the other members of the Expedition remaining with you.
I leave in your charge a box containing instructions for the Commanding
Officer of the "Terra Nova" and other documents which I wish you to
deliver to the proper persons.
I think you are fully aware of my plans and wishes, beyond their
expression in the various statements you have seen, and that it is
needless to go further with written explanations.
As you know, it is arranged for Ponting, Hooper, and Anton to make a
journey to the S.W. in December. Ponting will leave with you a written
statement giving an outline of his intended movements. Later in the
season he will probably visit Cape Royds and other interesting
localities: please give him what assistance you can in his important
work.
From time to time Meares may be visiting the station, and I hope that by
this means, or through the telephone, you may receive information as to
the progress of the Southern Party.
The thawing of the drifts in summer will have to be carefully watched and
such measures as are necessary taken to avoid injury to the Hut and the
stores. Cases should not be exposed to wet or tins to rust.
The breaking of the sea ice should be carefully watched, noted, and
reported to Hut Point when possible.
Bowers will leave notes with you concerning store requirements and
desirable expenditure. I anticipate the ship may have some difficulty in
reprovisioning the station. You will of course render all the assistance
you can.
Details as to the improvement of the Hut for a second winter will become
more evident as the season advances. In addition to the probable
renovation of the stables I can only suggest the following points at
present:
1. An extension or rebuilding of the entrance porch so that the outer
door faces north. Regard must be had to the possibility of bringing
sledges into hut.
2. A shelter extension to latrine.
3. The construction of an air-tight embankment or other device at the
base of the hut walls to keep the floor warmer.
4. The betterment of insulation in your corner, and the provision of a
definite air inlet there.
5. The caulking of small holes and slits in the inner roof.
6. The whale boat should be looked to and probably filled with water
under advice from ship.
After departure of Southern Party all mattresses and bedding should be
rolled up, and as opportunity occurs they should be thoroughly dried in
the sun.
You will remember that as the summer advances certain places in the solid
floe become dangerously weak. It should be well to keep watch on such
places, especially should they occur on the road to Hut Point, over which
parties may be travelling at any time. It is probable there will be a
rearrangement of the currents in the region of Tent Island since the
breaking of the Glacier Tongue.
(Signed) R.F. Scott.
III.--INSTRUCTIONS LEADER OF WESTERN PARTY.
1911.
The objects of your journey have been discussed, and need not here be
particularised. In general they comprise the Geological exploration of
the coast of Victoria Land.
Your party will consist of Debenham, Gran, and Forde, and you will cross
the Sound to Butter Point on or about October.
You will depart from Butter Point with provision as under:
11 weeks' pemmican.
10 gallons oil.
18 weeks' remainder.
25 lb. cooking fat.
and make along the coast to Granite Harbour. You will leave at Butter
Point two weeks' provision for your party, for use in case you are forced
to retreat along the coast late in the season, and for the same
eventuality you will depot a week's provision at Cape Bernacchi.
On arrival in Granite Harbour you will choose a suitable place to depot
the main bulk of your provision.
As the Commanding Officer of the "Terra Nova" has been referred to the
bluff Headland, shown in the photograph on page 154 "Voyage of the
'Discovery'," as the place near which you are likely to be found, it is
obviously desirable that your depot should be in this vicinity.
I approve your plan to employ your time thereafter approximately as
follows:
During what remains of the first fortnight of November in exploring north
of Granite Harbour.
During the last fortnight in November in exploring south of Granite
Harbour.
The only importance attached to the observance of this programme, apart
from a consideration of the work to be done, lies in the fact that in
case of an early break up of the sea ice and your inability to reach the
rendezvous, the ship is directed to search the coast south of Granite
Harbour.
You should act accordingly in modifying your plans.
It will certainly be wise for you to confine your movements to the
regions of Granite Harbour during the second week in January.
You will carry a copy of my instructions to the Commanding Officer of the
"Terra Nova," which you are at liberty to peruse.
This should be left at your depot and the depot marked, so that the ship
has a good chance of finding it in case of your absence.
You will, of course, make every effort to be at the rendezvous at the
proper time, January 15, and you need not be surprised if the ship does
not appear on the exact date. The Commanding Officer has been instructed
in the following words:
"I wish the ship to be at Granite Harbour on or about January 15....
No anxiety need be felt if she is unable to reach this point within a
week or so of the date named."
You are now in possession of all the information I can give you on this
point, and it must be left to your discretion to act in accordance with
unforeseen circumstances.
Should the ship fail to find you it is probable she will not make a
protracted search before going to Cape Evans to gather further
particulars and land stores; it is to be remembered also that an extent
of fast ice or pack may prevent a search of the coast at this early
season.
Should the ship fail to appear within a fortnight of the date named you
should prepare to retreat on Hut Point, but I am of opinion that the
retreat should not be commenced until the Bays have refrozen, probably
towards the end of March. An attempt to retreat over land might involve
you in difficulties, whereas you could build a stone hut, provision it
with seal meat, and remain in safety in any convenient station on the
coast. In no case is an early retreat along the coast to be attempted
without the full concurrence of the members of your party.
Should the ship embark you on or about the proper date, you will take on
board your depot stores, except one week's provision. These stores should
serve your travelling needs for the remainder of the season.
Whilst expressing my wishes to the Commanding Officer of the "Terra
Nova," I have given him full discretion to act according to
circumstances, in carrying out the further programme of the season.
You will, of course, be under his orders and receive his instructions
concerning your further movements.
In your capacity as leader of a party I cannot too strongly impress on
you the necessity for caution in your movements. Although you will
probably travel under good weather conditions, you must remember that
violent storms occasionally sweep up the coast and that the changes of
weather are quite sudden, even in summer. I urge this the more especially
because I think your experiences of last year are likely to be
misleading.
I am confident that it is not safe for a party in these regions to be at
a great distance from its camp, and that, for instance, it would be
dangerous to be without shelter in such storms as that encountered by the
"Discovery" off Coulman Island early in January, 1902.
With camp equipment a party is always safe, though it is not easy to
pitch tent in a high wind.
I can forsee no object before you which can justify the risk of accident
to yourself or to the other members of your party.
I wish you to show these instructions to Debenham, who will take charge
of the party in case you should be incapacitated.
I sincerely hope you will be able to accomplish your work without
difficulty, and I am sure that Pennell will do his best to help you.
Yours,
(Signed) R.F. SCOTT.
IV.--INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOG TEAMS.
_October_ 20.
DEAR MEARES,--In order that there may be no mistake concerning the
important help which it is hoped the dog teams will give to the Southern
Party, I have thought it best to set down my wishes as under:
Assuming that you carry two bags of oilcake to Hut Point, I want you to
take these with five bags of forage to Corner Camp before the end of the
month. This will leave two bags of forage at Hut Point.
If the motors pass Hut Point en route for the Barrier, I should be glad
to get all possible information of their progress. About a day after they
have passed if you are at Hut Point I should like you to run along their
tracks for half a day with this object. The motors will pick up the two
bags of forage at Hut Point--they should be placed in a convenient
position for this purpose.
The general scheme of your work in your first journey over the
Barrier has been thoroughly discussed, and the details are
contained in Table VIII of my plan of which you should have a
copy. I leave you to fix the date of your departure from Hut Point,
observing that I should like you to join me at One Ton Camp, or very
shortly after.
We cannot afford to wait. Look for a note from me at Corner Camp. The
date of your return must be arranged according to circumstances. Under
favourable conditions you should be back at Hut Point by December 19 at
latest.
After sufficient rest I should like you to transport to Hut Point such
emergency stores as have not yet been sent from Cape Evans. At this time
you should see that the Discovery Hut is provisioned to support the
Southern Party and yourself in the autumn in case the ship does not
arrive.
At some time during this month or early in January you should make your
second journey to One Ton Camp and leave there:
5 units X.S. ration.
3 cases of biscuit.
5 gallons of oil.
As much dog food as you can conveniently carry (for third journey).
This depot should be laid not later than January 19, in case of rapid
return of first unit of Southern Party.
Supposing that you have returned to Hut Point by January 13, there will
be nothing for you to do on the Southern road for at least three weeks.
In this case, and supposing the ice conditions to be favourable, I should
like you to go to Cape Evans and await the arrival of the ship.
The ship will be short-handed and may have difficulty in landing stores.
I should like you to give such assistance as you can without tiring the
dogs.
About the first week of February I should like you to start your third
journey to the South, the object being to hasten the return of the third
Southern unit and give it a chance to catch the ship. The date of your
departure must depend on news received from returning units, the extent
of the depot of dog food you have been able to leave at One Ton Camp, the
state of the dogs, etc.
Assuming that the ship will have to leave the Sound soon after the middle
of March, it looks at present as though you should aim at meeting the
returning party about March 1 in Latitude 82 or 82.30. If you are then in
a position to advance a few short marches or "mark time" for five or six
days on food brought, or ponies killed, you should have a good chance of
affecting your object.
You will carry with you beyond One Ton Camp one X.S. ration, including
biscuit and one gallon of paraffin, and of course you will not wait
beyond the time when you can safely return on back depots.
You will of course understand that whilst the object of your third
journey is important, that of the second is vital. At all hazards three
X.S. units of provision must be got to One Ton Camp by the date named,
and if the dogs are unable to perform this service, a man party must be
organised.
(Signed) R.F. SCOTT.
V.--INSTRUCTIONS TO LIEUT. VICTOR CAMPBELL.
Cape Evans, _October_, 1911.
MY DEAR CAMPBELL,--This letter assumes that you are landed somewhere to
the north of this station and that Pennell is able to place it in your
hands in the third week of February before he returns to McMurdo Sound.
From Pennell's instructions, which I have asked him to show you, you will
see that there is a probability of some change in the future plans
whereby some members of the Expedition remain for a second winter at Cape
Evans.
You will learn the details of the situation and the history of this
station from Pennell and others, and I need not go into these matters.
If things should turn out as expected, arrangements will have to be made
for the "Terra Nova" to return to the Ross Sea in the open season
1912-13. Under these circumstances an opportunity offers for the
continuance of useful work in all directions. I have therefore to offer
you the choice of remaining in your present station for a second year or
of returning in the "Terra Nova."
I shall not expect you to stay unless:
(1) All your party are willing or can be replaced by volunteers.
(2) The work in view justifies the step.
(3) Your food supplies are adequate.
(4) Your party is in a position to be relieved with certainty on and
after February 25, 1913.
(5) Levick and Priestley are willing to forgo all legal title to
expeditionary salary for the second year.
I should explain that this last condition is made only because I am in
ignorance of the state of the expeditionary finances.
Should you decide to stay I hope that Pennell may be able to supply all
your requirements. Should you decide to return please inform Priestley
that he is at liberty to stay at Cape Evans for the second winter.
The same invitation is extended to yourself should you wish to see more
of this part of the continent.
We could not afford to receive more of your party.
Should you not have returned from your sledge trip in time to meet the
"Terra Nova" when she bears this letter, you will understand that the
choice of staying or returning is equally open to you when she returns in
March.
In this case it would of course be impossible for any of your party to
stay at Cape Evans.
Should you see Pennell in February and decide to return, you could remain
at your station till the ship sails north in March if you think it
advisable.
Being so much in the dark concerning all your movements and so doubtful
as to my ability to catch the ship, I am unable to give more definite
instructions, but I know that both you and Pennell will make the best of
the circumstances, and always deserve my approval of your actions.
In this connection I conclude by thanking you for the work described in
your report of February last. I heartily approve your decision not to
winter in King Edward's Land, your courteous conduct towards Amundsen,
and your forethought in returning the two ponies to this station.
I hope that all has been well with you and that you have been able to do
good work. I am sure that you have done everything that circumstances
permitted and shall be very eager to see your report.
With best wishes, etc.,
(Signed) R.F. SCOTT.