November 1914.
As the Endurance Expedition headed south, Sir Ernest Shackleton sent this letter to Lord Rosebery, one of the expedition's Scottish donors.
The letter shows that despite his financial contribution, Lord Rosebery felt less enthusiasm for polar exploration than Shackleton.
South Georgia
15.11.14
My dear Lord Rosebery,
On the eve of my departure from this sub-Antarctic island for the polar ice, I dictate this farewell line to once more thank you for the great assistance you have given the expedition & to assure you that all we can do to make it a success will be done.
I know that you cannot see the use of polar exploration from the same point of view as myself, but your personal sympathy and help have been of much value to me & I trust that, within two years, I shall see you again & be able to tell you the story of our work.
Yours very sincerely,
E H Shackleton
The differences in handwriting perhaps suggest that the letter was drafted during the Atlantic journey and then signed and dated on arrival in South Georgia.