1912] FAREWELL LETTERS 415 



The Great God has called me and I feel it will add a fearful 

 blow to the heavy ones that have fallen on you in life. But take 

 comfort in that I die at peace with the world and myself — not 

 afraid. 



Indeed it has been most singularly unfortunate, for the risks 

 I have taken never seemed excessive. 



... I want to tell you that we have missed getting through 

 by a narrow margin which was justifiably within the risk of such 

 a journey. . . . After all, we have given our lives for our 

 country — we have actually made the longest journey on record, 

 and we have been the first Englishmen at the South Pole. 



You must understand that It Is too cold to write much. 



. . . It's a pity the luck doesn't come our way, because every 

 detail of equipment is right. 



I shall not have suffered any pain, but leave the world fresh 

 from harness and full of good health and vigour. 



Since writing the above we got to within 1 1 miles of our 

 depot, with one hot meal and two days' cold food. We should 

 have got through but have been held for four days by a frightful 

 storm. I think the best chance has gone. We have decided not 

 to kill ourselves, but to fight to the last for that depot, but in the 

 fighting there Is a painless end. 



Make the boy interested In natural history if you can; it is 

 better than games; they encourage it at some schools. I know 

 you will keep him In the open air. 



Above all, he must guard and you must guard him against 

 indolence. Make him a strenuous man. I had to force myself 

 into being strenuous as you know — had always an inclination to 

 be Idle. 



There is a piece of the Union Jack I put up at the South Pole 

 in my private kit bag, together with Amundsen's black flag and 

 other trifles. Send a small piece of the Union Jack to the King 

 and a small piece to Queen Alexandra. 



What lots and lots I could tell you of this j ourney. How much 

 better has it been than lounging in too great comfort at home. 

 What tales you would have for the boys. But what a price to pay. 



Tell Sir Clements I thought much of him and never regretted 

 him putting me In command of the Discovery. 



