I did not wish to lose the benefit of the original southing.
The extra miles would not have mattered to a ship with larger coal capacity than the 'Endurance' possessed, but we could not afford to sacrifice miles unnecessarily.

The pack was loose and did not present great difficulties at this stage.

The foresail was set in order to take advantage of the northerly breeze.

The ship was in contact with the ice occasionally and received some heavy blows.

Once or twice she was brought up all standing against solid pieces, but no harm was done.
The chief concern was to protect the propeller and rudder.