(Michael, Second Lieutenant on the National Antarctic Expedition 1901-04, 1877-1961) Autograph signed sledging note to Charles Royds: [Southwest sledging trip 6 October - 13 December 1903], 2pp., in pencil, 1 sheet torn in two, 192 x 158mm. & 190 x 158mm., n.p. [ Minna Bluff Depot, Ross ice shelf, on or about 28th ] October 1903, informing Royds of the discovery of the movement of the Ross ice shelf, "I am only taking the supporting party 4 days from the depot (off the bluff) & giving them a weeks grub to continue till they get there, & they pick up a week more at the depot. I have asked Dellbridge to dry the bags as much as possible on the way in. I advise you to take plenty of repairing material for them, when you start, as they seem none too strong. The surface down here is getting covered with a layer of soft snow, which makes the going rather heavy. D. will have told you how we found the depot shifted to the N & E, which is interesting. If I am pinched for time, on the way in, I intend to cut in between the Black & White Islands . Hope very much we will meet off the point of White Id on the evening of the 14th Dec. All the party are well & in good spirits. They have done us proud we intend to have a sledging competition next day. Will you please give the enclosed note to Scott", with a pencil sketch on verso with caption: "[Mount] Erebus SSW by compass" , folds, browned. The movement of the Ross ice shelf. "one of the most important results of this expedition." - R.F. Scott. Voyage of the Discovery, 1905. Sledging note written by Lieutenant Michael Barne at the Minna Bluff depot on the Ross ice shelf, approximately 60 nautical miles south of Winter Quarters. Delivered by Warrant Officer James Dellbridge who returned with the Supporting Party approximately seven weeks before the main party.