Letter from Evan MacGregor to the President of the Royal Society [William Huggins], Burlington Gardens Regarding the return of the 'Discovery' to England, the Lords of the Admiralty agree that if the ship gets free it should return via the South Pacific and Cape Horn, and to carry out further observations without risking the ship. There should be no further exploration in the ice, even if funds are forthcoming. Directions must be sent to Captain [Robert Falcon] Scott, to inform him that if the 'Discovery' cannot be freed from the ice the ship is to be abandoned and the officers and crew are to return home. 8 July 1903