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.