British naval officer and explorer (1868-1912) best known for the two expeditions he led to the Antarctic, the Discovery Expedition and the ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition. TLS signed “R. Scott,” one page, 7.75 x 9.5, British Arctic Expedition letterhead, no date. Letter to Mr. Benson, in part: "I wish I could come to Lichfield this month, but I am afraid it is impossible, as I am booked for Manchester, Liverpool & Newcastle & other big towns. If it is possible to defer the Lecture until the middle of March I could come personally, but if you think it advisable that it should be given in Feb. I will send Lieutenant Evans. He is a charming fellow, and his lecture would I am sure be much appreciated." Scott adds a handwritten postscript: "May I again thank you for this trouble you are taking." Affixed by its right edge to a larger sheet In very good condition, with intersecting folds, overall creasing, stains to the upper left corner, and old mounting residue along the back side edges.
Scott embarked on the Terra Nova Expedition in 1910, where they aimed to be the first to reach the geographic South Pole. He and four companions—including Petty Officer Edgar Evans—attained the pole on January 17, 1912, where they found that the Norwegian team led by Roald Amundsen had preceded them by 34 days. Scott's entire party perished as they attempted to return to the base camp: Evans, who was injured multiple times during the journey, was first to die.
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