| Description | Draft letter written to await Captain Scott's arrival at Lyttelton conveying congratulations to him and his men following the peformance of a most difficult and important service. The letter includes lots of notes and crossings out.
The letter details how the people on the 'Discovery' should all enjoy rest and refreshment, necessary after a long endurance of hardship and privation. Hope is expressed for the spirits and health of the people. A sum of £500 will be placed in Scott's account at the Bank of New Zealand at Christchurch for the officers to be paid. Fresh provisions and other necessaries will also be made available.
Confidence is expressed that no efforts have been spared by Captain Scott to release the 'Discovery' from the ice.
As early as possible, Captain Scott has been instructed to notify on the sum required for refitting and provisioning the 'Discovery'. There should be a supply of coal ready for the 'Discovery' at the Falkland Islands. In the event of the abandonment of the 'Discovery', Captain Scott's records and collections will be brought home in the relief ships. Captain Scott should telegraph if further aid is required. Captain Scott's magnetic instruments will be compared at the Christchurch Observatory. The magnetic observations have thus been distributed over the globe with a uniformity not yet attained. |