I9I2] FAREWELL LETTERS 411 



is peaceful with the satisfaction of his faith in regarding himself 

 as part of the great scheme of the Almighty. I can do no more 

 to comfort you than to tell you that he died as he lived, a brave, 

 true man — the best of comrades and staunchest of friends. 

 My whole heart goes out to you in pity, 



Yours, 



R. Scott 

 To Mrs. Bowers 



My dear Mrs. Bowers, 



I am afraid this will reach you after one of the heaviest 

 blows of your life. 



I write when we are very near the end of our journey, and 

 I am finishing it in company with two gallant, noble gentlemen. 

 One of these is your son. He had come to be one of my closest 

 and soundest friends, and I appreciate his wonderful upright 

 nature, his ability and energy. As the troubles have thickened 

 his dauntless spirit ever shone brighter and he has remained 

 cheerful, hopeful, and indomitable to the end. 



The ways of Providence are inscrutable, but there must be 

 some reason why such a young, vigorous and promising life is 

 taken. 



My whole heart goes out in pity for you. 



Yours, 



R. Scott. 



To the end he has talked of you and his sisters. One sees 

 what a happy home he must have had and perhaps it is well to 

 look back on nothing but happiness. 



He remains unselfish, self-reliant and splendidly hopeful to 

 the end, believing in God's mercy to you. 



To Sir J. M. Barrie 

 My dear Barrie, 



We are pegging out in a very comfortless spot. Hoping this 

 letter may be found and sent to you, I write a word of farewell. 

 , . . More practically I want you to help my widow and my boy 

 — your godson. We are showing that Englishmen can still die 

 with a bold spirit, fighting it out to the end. It will be known 

 that we have accomplished our object in reaching the Pole, and 



