Copy letter from Sir Michael Foster, to Sir William de Wiveleslie Abney, Fellow of the Royal Society Sir Clements Markham strongly objects to such a meaning being attached to the words of his appeal as Abney's attaches to them. The question of a relief ship has always been in the minds of those charged with the arrangements of the Antarctic Expedition. The decision to despatch the 'Discovery' without waiting for a relief ship was never intended to interfere with efforts to obtain such a ship. President and Council therefore, though wishing Markham used more agreeable expressions, feel that a most cordial support of securing a relief ship is consistent with their previous action. 4 December 1901