| Description | Written from 14 Bethridge Road, Parsons Green S.W.
Has seen Professor Rucker and also Mr Murray yesterday regarding the letter which Captain Scott has sent him saying that in consequence of his teeth being defective his services would not be required. He encloses a certificate from the House Surgeon of the Dental Hospital (and can send another from and L.D.S. if required) which shows that the report on his teeth was exaggerated. Moreover he passed the Admiralty Doctor who examined his teeth when he was appointed, whilst others failed to do so. He also mentions to Kempe as he has done to Professor Rucker that he was the first officer to be dentally examined, and so far as he can ascertain, no other one had been examined since. This suggests that there is some other reason (query personal?) and that the one given is hypocritical, but has been used to influence members of the committee. Captain Scott informed him verbally that he had made himself objectionable to his brother officers, but he believes he is very good friends with the majority - Mr Hodgson, Dr Wilson, Lietenant Shackleton Mr Ferrer Mr Skelton Dr Koettlitz.
He has had some differences of opinion with Lieutenants Royds and Armitage but it was not personal and arose from the advice of his former Director as to the policy he should adopt. This policy was not his own and he finds on consulting Mr Murray not his; beyond this he has no difference and was, and still is quite ready to work harmoniously at almost any sacrifice to himself. For the sake of the Expedition he hopes this matter can be arranged. |