"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.