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.