continuous head wind during our day marches. It is clear that these
circumstances come on very suddenly, and our wreck is certainly due to
this sudden advent of severe weather, which does not seem to have any
satisfactory cause. I do not think human beings ever came through such a
month as we have come through, and we should have got through in spite of
the weather but for the sickening of a second companion, Captain Oates,
and a shortage of fuel in our depots, for which I cannot account, and
finally, but for the storm which has fallen on us within 11 miles of the
depot at which we hoped to secure our final supplies. Surely misfortune
could scarcely have exceeded this last blow. We arrived within 11 miles
of our old One Ton Camp with fuel for one last meal and food for two
days. For four days we have been unable to leave the tent--the gale
howling about us. We are weak, writing is difficult, but for my own sake
I do not regret this journey, which has shown that Englishmen can endure
hardships, help one another, and meet death with as great a fortitude as
ever in the past. We took risks, we knew we took them; things have come
out against us, and therefore we have no cause for complaint, but bow to
the will of Providence, determined still to do our best to the last. But
if we have been willing to give our lives to this enterprise, which is
for the honour of our country, I appeal to our countrymen to see that
those who depend on us are properly cared for.

Had we lived, I should have had a tale to tell of the hardihood,
endurance, and courage of my companions which would have stirred the
heart of every Englishman. These rough notes and our dead bodies must
tell the tale, but surely, surely a great rich country like ours will see
that those who are dependent on us are properly provided for.

(Signed) R. SCOTT.