Description:

ROBERT FALCON SCOTT
(1868 - 1912) British polar explorer remembered for his bravery in losing the race to the South Pole. His first expedition on the Discovery (1901-04, an attempt that included Ernest Shackleton) took him within 450 miles of the South Pole before he had to turn back. Scott later led the Terra Nova expedition, which reached the pole in January, 1912 -- only to discover that Norwegian Roald Amundsen had been there a month earlier. On the return trip Scott and his party of four all died of hunger and extreme cold. Their bodies were found just 11 miles from a food and fuel depot. Rare fine content A.L.S. with original drawing, 4pp. 8vo. on HMS DEFIANCE letterhead, May 15 [n.y., ca. 1893], at Devonport. The nearly destitute Lt. Scott writes to "Snow", in part: "...I send herewith some wire (35 yards) to form your circuit...In case you have not done any work of this nature I supply a few hints. Fix on places for bell & battery...then lead the duplicate wire sheltered if possible to loft. Staple the leads at every 3 or 4 ft. and under the staple put a little piece of linen...to prevent staple bearing on insulation of wire. A piece of stout wire bent and pointed forms very good staples...other things can wait for a day or two......". Between the two leaves Scott adds a full-page diagram depicting dry cells and a bell, wires, staples and the "loft", presumably where the switch would be located. A small diagram shows a cross-section of two wires beneath a staple. The last page bears two calculations beside the signature, probably done by the recipient, light toning at margins, else very good.

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May 14, 2009 10:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

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