| RefNo | CD/114/17 |
| Previous numbers | MS/593 |
| Level | File |
| Title | Letter from Clements R [Robert] Markham, 1 Savile Row, Burlington Gardens to Sir William Huggins |
| Creator | Markham; Sir; Clements Robert (1830-1916); President of the Royal Geographical Society |
| Recipient | Huggins; Sir; William (1824-1910); British astronomer |
| Date | 31 March 1903 |
| Description | Markham reports that it will be necessary to raise more funds for the Antarctic Expedition. Important scientific results have been attained and the eastern end of the ice barrier has been surveyed. The winter quarters found in McMurdo Bay are 360 miles further south than any previous Antarctic wintering spot. Valuable observations have been made there.
Captain [Robert Falcon] Scott's journey to the south places him in the very first rank of polar explorers, having travelled 835 miles over 94 days with no fresh food. Captain Scott was desirous of returning to Lyttelton this season but is detained by the ice round his winter quarters. He plans to seek new winter quarters and continue scientific work if the ice breaks up too late for a return north. 36 volunteers have agreed to stay rather than return on the 'Morning', and will be fully aware of the hardships, risks and dangers they will encounter.
Captain [William] Colbeck and the crew of the 'Morning' did well to find and restock the 'Discovery'. The necessity of a relief ship means the 'Morning' should be kept ready for another voyage next December. An investigation into the condemned tinned food supplies will be carried out when more details arrive. States that Scott has done his best to comply with his orders to return to Lyttelton, but the fact that he has to stay for another year will require further expenditure. The Joint Finance Committee has a balance of about £3,800 remaining, and Markham estimates an additional £20,000 will be needed for wages, supplies, and ship refitting.
Markham proposes a joint application to the Government for financial support, since 'neither the two Societies nor Captain Scott are responsible for what has happened'. If the Government does refuse to help, a public appeal will be needed. |
| Extent | 4p |
| Format | Typescript |
| PhysicalDescription | On paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA7951 | Markham; Sir; Clements Robert (1830 - 1916) | 1830 - 1916 |
| NA7376 | Huggins; Sir; William (1824 - 1910); astronomer | 1824 - 1910 |