(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.