This party had attempted to use the motor-tractor, but had failed to get effective service from the machine and had not proceeded far afield.

The motor was now lying at Hut Point.

Spencer- Smith's party and Cope's party had both returned to Hut Point before the end of February.
The six men now at Hut Point were cut off from the winter quarters of the Expedition at Cape Evans by the open water of McMurdo Sound.
Mackintosh naturally was anxious to make the crossing and get in touch with the ship and the other members of the shore party; but he could not make a move until the sea-ice became firm, and, as events occurred, he did not reach Cape Evans until the beginning of June.

He went out with Cope and Hayward on March 29 to get his sledge and brought it as far as Pram Point, on the south side of Hut Point.

He had to leave the sledge there owing to the condition of the sea-ice.