i9i2] 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. 



V 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 journey. 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. 



