Monday, 14 November 1910

Scott

A month after receiving Amundsen's cable, Scott cabled Nansen about Amundsen's destination. Confusion, half-information, and passivity had led to rumours that Amundsen was heading for McMurdo Sound. Nansen's reply was simply, "Unknown." [1]

Amundsen had in fact told Nansen that he was going to South Victoria Land, but Nansen, in full support of Amundsen, did not reveal this to Scott.

In reply, Scott wrote, "My telegram to ask Amundsen's intentions may need some explanation. As you can imagine it is very difficult to get information in this part of the world and having no information ... I thought it best to communicate with you.... I do not believe the report that he is going to McMurdo Sound -- the idea seems to me preposterous in view of his record -- but the fact that he departs with so much mystery leaves one with an uncomfortable feeling that he contemplates something which he imagines we should not approve." [2]

"We may have made a mistake in having such an extensive organization but I am most anxious to get really good scientific results and for that one ought to have a number of experts -- as to the travelling we might have improved matters by having more dogs and fewer ponies -- it is difficult to say -- the animals we have are splendid and all in good condition." [3]


Notes:

[1] Fridtjof Nansen, cable to R.F. Scott, [14 November, 1910], quoted by Roland Huntford in Scott and Amundsen (New York : Putnam, 1980, c1979), p.322.
[2] R.F. Scott, letter to Fridtjof Nansen, 14 November, 1910, quoted by Roland Huntford in Scott and Amundsen (New York : Putnam, 1980, c1979), p.322-323.
[2] R.F. Scott, letter to Fridtjof Nansen, 14 November, 1910, quoted by Roland Huntford in Scott and Amundsen (New York : Putnam, 1980, c1979), p.329-330.