It will not be necessary here to follow the fortunes of the various parties in detail, for although the men were facing difficulties and dangers, they were on well-travelled ground, which has been made familiar to most readers by the histories of earlier Expeditions.
Captain Mackintosh and his party left the 'Aurora' on the evening of January 25.

They had nine dogs and one heavily loaded sledge, and started off briskly to the accompaniment of a cheer from their shipmates.

The dogs were so eager for exercise after their prolonged confinement aboard the ship that they dashed forward at their best speed, and it was necessary for one man to sit upon the sledge in order to moderate the pace.

Mackintosh had hoped to get to Hut Point that night, but luck was against him.

The weather broke after he had travelled about five miles, and snow, which completely obscured all landmarks, sent him into camp on the sea-ice.