Shackleton (1874–1922), a junior officer in British naval officer Robert Falcon Scott’s National Antarctic Expedition of 1901–02, nearly reached the South Pole during an expedition of his own in 1909, in the process becoming a national hero. In 1915, during another expedition, his ship, Endurance, was crushed in the polar ice, and he and five others made a perilous journey of 1300 miles to bring relief for the crew. Knighted in 1909, Shackleton died at South Georgia during a fourth expedition in 1922. Scarce ALS signed “Ernest H. Shackleton,” one page both sides, 4.25 x 7, no date, but circa 1901. Letter to Cyril. In full: “I have been awfully busy. I do hope you got the list of books all right on Monday. I enclose a cheque from Sir Joseph Verdin Bart. Will you acknowledge it officially. I hope to see you tomorrow old chap.” After his signature, Shackleton adds, “Address all letters 30 Gloucester S.” In fine, clean condition.
In 1901, Shackleton was chosen to participate in the Antarctic expedition, where he was responsible for seawater analysis, meals, and provisions. The stress of preparing for that voyage evident as the ”awfully busy” sailor ties up some loose ends before shoving off, here writing to Cyril Longhurst, secretary to the British National Antarctic Expedition. Most likely, “the list of books” were requested to accompany the crew on the upcoming voyage, which departed London on July 31, 1901. In 1904, Shackleton married, with his “old chap” Cyril tapped as best man. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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