According to Scott's diary entry of 16 or 17 March (Scott was unsure of the date but thought the 16th correct), Oates had walked out of the tent the previous day into a −40 °F (−40 °C) blizzard to his death. Scott wrote in his diary: "We knew that poor Oates was walking to his death, but though we tried to dissuade him, we knew it was the act of a brave man and an English gentleman."[20] According to Scott's diary, as Oates left the tent he said, "I am just going outside and may be some time."[21][22] Edward Wilson, who was also present, made no reference to this in his own diary or the letters to Oates's mother.[23]