AMNH President, Henry Fairfield Osborne: I am inexpressibly shocked and grieved to learn of the disaster that has overtaken the members of the Scott Expedition to the South Pole. The blow is as unexpected as it is crushing. Captain Amundsen confidently expected that the Scott party would reach the tent, records and welcome which he left at Solheim. Only recently in conversation, both Captain Amundsen and Sir Ernest Shackleton have expressed to me their expectation of soon hearing favorably from this fourth attempt to conquer the South Pole. Neither expressed the least doubt as to the result. It is a fresh demonstration of the great hazards attending extreme Arctic exploration. …
All the scientific staff of the museum, many of whom have been engaged in hazardous exploration, will share in the universal sorrow for the loss of these brave and noble men. Their example and their sacrifice fortunately are not lost, but will be perpetuated among the courageous and worthy deeds of the British race to which we belong. Henry Fairfield Osborn, President, February 10, 1913.