Hunger and fear are the only realities in dog life: an empty stomach makes a fierce dog.

I do no think human beings ever came through such a month as we have…We are weak, writing is difficult, but for my own sake I do not regret this journey, which has shown that Englishmen can endure hardships, help one another, and meet death with as great a fortitude as ever in the past.

Had we lived, I should have had a tale to tell of the hardihood, endurance and courage of my companions which would have stirred the heart of every Englishman. These rough notes and our dead bodies must tell the tale, but surely, a great rich country like ours will see that those who are dependent on us are properly provided for.

We are very near the end, but have not and will not lose our good cheer.

I may not have proved a great explorer, but we have done the greatest march ever made and come very near to great success.

Certainly dog driving is the most terrible work one has to face in this sort of business.

Every day some new fact comes to light - some new obstacle which threatens the gravest obstruction. I suppose this is the reason which makes the game so well worth playing.