"Dear Sir," I wrote to the Professor, "you will leave winter quarters on or about October 1, 1908. The main objects of your journey to be as follows: "(1) To take magnetic observations at every suitable point, in order to determine the dip and position of the Magnetic Pole; and if time, equipment, and supplies are sufficient, you will try to reach the Magnetic Pole. "(2) To make a general geological survey of the coast of Victoria Land; this work, however, is not to interfere with your attempt to reach the Pole. "(3) I particularly wish you to be able, to work at the geology of the Western Mountains, and for Mawson to spend at least a fortnight at Dry Valley to prospect for minerals of economic value on your return from the north. I do not wish to limit you to an exact date for return to Dry Valley, if you think that by lengthening your stay up north you can reach the Magnetic Pole; but I consider that the thorough investigation of this valley is of supreme importance. "(4) The _Nimrod_ is expected in the Sound about January 15, 1909. If the ship is not in, or if she does not see your signals, you will take into account your supply of provisions, and proceed either to Glacier Tongue or Hut Point to replenish, if you have not sufficient provisions at Butter Point. "(5) At Butter Point a depot of at least fourteen days' food and oil will be laid for you. "(6) I shall leave instructions for the master of the Nimrod to proceed to the most accessible point at the west coast and there ship all your specimens. "(7) If by February 1, after the arrival of the _Nimrod_, there is no evidence that your party has returned, the Nimrod will proceed north along the coast, looking out for your signals. "(8) Should any accident happen to you, Mawson is to be in charge of the party. "(9) Trusting that you will have a successful journey and a safe return, "I am, yours faithfully, "(Signed) Ernest H. Shackleton. "_Commander._" In addition to these instructions, I also wrote to the Professor: "Dear Sir,--If you reach the Magnetic Pole, you will hoist the Union Jack on the spot, and take possession of it on behalf of the above expedition for the British nation. "When you are in the Western Mountains, please do the same at one place, taking possession of Victoria Land as part of the British Empire. "If economic minerals are found, take possession of the area in the same way on my behalf as commander of this expedition. "Yours faithfully, "(Signed) Ernest H. Shackleton. "_Commander._" This letter was dated September 20, 1908, and on that same night we gave a farewell dinner to the Northern Party. CHAPTER XXXV THE NARRATIVE OF PROFESSOR DAVID WE START FOR THE MAGNETIC POLE