Antarctic 1910-13 British Antarctic Expedition Letter From Meteorologist George Simpson

Autograph four page letter on "Terra Nova" expedition stationary headed "Ross Sea/Antarctic/2/1/11" written by meteorologist George Simpson, mentioning the first sighting of Mount Erebus and "Tomorrow we expect sight of winter quarters... We are all full of hope and are looking forward to the new life which will commence as soon as we land." Enclosed in expedition envelope addressed to Derbyshire franked Victoria Land 1d. cancelled by Jan 19 1911 base cancellor two days after the shore parties were able to move into their new building. Also printed cautionary slip, annotated by Simpson on reverse, warning the recipient not to divulge any information received nor public any photographs. Ex Harry Evans.

Sir George Clarke Simpson (1878-1965), nicknamed "Sunny Jim" constructed one of the continent's first weather stations, conducting balloon experiments to test the atmosphere and determine how altitude affects temperature, at the base of the camp at Cape Evans, which was under his command for several months whilst Scott and his party made their attempt on the Pole. The British Antarctic Survey's Ice and Climate Building is known as the Simpson Platform, in his memory.