314 
SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION [April 
On the 20th in the morning, after 3 miles, we reached 
the depot on the northern end of Butter Point. This 
depot had been left there earlier in the season by the ship. 
We camped and had some tea. Having struck camp, 
while we were harnessing up Williamson exclaimed, ^ Lord, 
look at that ! ^ The sea ice at the foot of the Point was 
gradually breaking up and sailing out to sea. This meant 
that it was impossible for a party to travel up the coast 
to the relief of Campbell, and we necessarily had to turn 
back from this point. It also meant that it was impossible 
for Campbell and his party to make their way down the 
coast and that in all probability he and his party would 
have to winter at Evans Coves. The question of their 
travelling on such sea ice was infinitely more disturbing 
than the question of their wintering there. 
As one instance of the loyal way in which I was 
supported during the whole of this season, I can quote 
the following : ' Wright, from the very first, had been 
entirely against this journey. He had some knowledge 
of a previous sledge trip on the western coast. Not until 
after I had told him that we should have to turn back, 
did he tell me how thankful he was at the decision. He 
had come on this trip fully believing that there was every 
probability of the party being lost, but had never demurred 
and never offered a contrary opinion, and one cannot 
be thankful enough to such men.' 
We depoted two weeks' provisions at Butter Point 
and started to make our way back to Hut Point, our only 
anxiety being lest the new sea ice had blown out in the 
blizzard which had delayed us at Butter Point. That 
