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. ALS signed “Rob. F. Scott, first & torpedo lieutenant,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, H.M.S. Majestic letterhead, January 18, 1900. Handwritten letter of recommendation, in part: "W. Bates has served as torpedo instructor of this ship for two years and I have great pleasure in testifying to his exceptional abilities. He possesses a very practical knowledge of electricity and has been responsible in this ship for the maintenance in good order of the lighting bells, telephones and many other electrical instruments and has performed his duties entirely to my satisfaction. I have no hesitation in strongly recommending him for a similar position on shore and feel confident he would prove of great value to his employers." In very good to fine condition, with scattered light foxing and soiling.
Scott had been appointed as torpedo lieutenant to HMS Majestic in the summer of 1897. In June 1899, while serving on the Majestic, Clements Markham told him of a proposed British Antarctic expedition. Scott applied to command the expedition, and in June 1900 was appointed to lead the British National Antarctic Expedition, 1901-1904, and elevated to the rank of commander. His company of Royal Navy and Merchant Navy seamen, along with a strong scientific team, set sail in 1901 aboard the purpose-built expedition ship Discovery.
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