Scott died later.  He had thrown back the flaps of his sleeping-bag and opened his coat.  The little wallet containing the three notebooks was under his shoulders and his arm flung across Wilson.  So they were found eight months later.

With the diaries in the tent were found the following letters: 

TO MRS. E. A. WILSON

MY DEAR MRS. WILSON,

If this letter reaches you Bill and I will have gone out together.  We are very near it now and I should like you to know how splendid he was at the end—­everlastingly cheerful and ready to sacrifice himself for others, never a word of blame to me for leading him into this mess.  He is not suffering, luckily, at least only minor discomforts.

His eyes have a comfortable blue look of hope and his mind is peaceful with the satisfaction of his faith in regarding himself as part of the great scheme of the Almighty.  I can do no more to comfort you than to tell you that he died as he lived, a brave, true man—­the best of comrades and staunchest of friends.  My whole heart goes out to you in pity,

                       Yours,
                        R. SCOTT

TO MRS. BOWERS

MY DEAR MRS. BOWERS,

I am afraid this will reach you after one of the heaviest blows of your life.

I write when we are very near the end of our journey, and I am finishing it in company with two gallant, noble gentlemen.  One of these is your son.  He had come to be one of my closest and soundest friends, and I appreciate his wonderful upright nature, his ability and energy.  As the troubles have thickened his dauntless spirit ever shone brighter and he has remained cheerful, hopeful, and indomitable to the end.

The ways of Providence are inscrutable, but there must be some reason why such a young, vigorous and promising life is taken.

My whole heart goes out in pity for you.

                    Yours,
                        R. SCOTT.

To the end he has talked of you and his sisters.  One sees what a happy home he must have had and perhaps it is well to look back on nothing but happiness.

He remains unselfish, self-reliant and splendidly hopeful to the end, believing in God’s mercy to you.

TO SIR J. M. BARRIE

MY DEAR BARRIE,

We are pegging out in a very comfortless spot.  Hoping this letter may be found and sent to you, I write a word of farewell. ...  More practically I want you to help my widow and my boy—­your godson.  We are showing that Englishmen can still die with a bold spirit, fighting it out to the end.  It will be known that we have accomplished our object in reaching the Pole, and that we have done everything possible, even to sacrificing ourselves in order to save sick companions.  I think this makes an example