British naval officer and explorer (1868–1912) best known for the two expeditions he led to the Antarctic in 1901–1904 and 1910–1913. During the second of these, the Terra Nova Expedition, extreme weather, poor health, and a shortage of supplies led to the death of Scott and his party. TLS signed “R. Scott,” one page, 8 x 10, British Antarctic Expedition 1910 letterhead, March 23, 1910. Scott writes Edgar Evans. In full: “I have applied for your services for the Expedition, and I think the Admiralty will let you come. I expect you will be appointed in about a fortnight’s time and I shall want you at the ship to help fitting her cut. Come to this office when you are appointed and I will tell you all the rest.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, two areas of paper separation along the folds, trimmed edges, show-through from tape on the reverse, and irregular blocks of toning covering most of the page.
The British Antarctic Expedition 1910 was the official name of the Terra Nova Expedition, the fateful trip that proved to be historically unsuccessful as Roald Amundsen’s Norwegian team had preceded them by 33 days—and then fatal when Scott's entire party froze to death on their return journey. Evans met a more peaceful end during the journey, dying from a concussion. His death was lamented by Scott in his diary, where he wrote, ‘We got into frightfully rough ice and Edgar Evans received a concussion of the brain. He died a natural death, but left us a shaken party with the season unduly advanced.’ This incredible letter, written during a more optimistic time, reflects Scott’s determination in adding Evans to his team. For his part, Evans was equally enamored by the prospect of proving himself as an explorer, having already gained renown as a naval gunnery instructor and strict disciplinarian. In the wake of Scott’s request, Evans received permission to join the crew—something that marked the beginning of the end. An eerie bit of correspondence. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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