In consequence of the very low temperature experienced during the first week in March, their time of departure had to be deferred. Sunday, the 12th of March, was the day eventually selected for the start of this the first sledging expedition of the season. The temperature on that morning was low, but rose gradually towards noon, until it seemed inclined to remain stationary at 30° below zero. There were further indications of a continuance of fine weather, from the day being bright and clear and the barometer steady. Letters to our friends on board the "Discovery" were hastily finished. Immediately divine service had been performed the colours were hoisted, and amidst the cheers of "all hands," who had assembled on the floe to bid the travellers God speed, H.M. sledge "Clements Markham," with its bright standard fluttering out bravely before a light breeze, started with the object of renewing intercourse with our comrades in the "Discovery." For the next two or three days our thoughts on board were constantly with the absent ones, especially as the temperature, shortly after their departure, had again fallen very low. This, however, caused us little uneasiness, for we knew that everything that lay in our power had been done to protect them from any sudden and extreme cold, and we all had the greatest confidence in the skill, discretion, and sound judgment of our two messmates. Many a silent prayer was offered up in their behalf, that they might accomplish their mission in safety, and return speedily with good news of those who, like ourselves, were wintering in the ice. On the third day they returned unexpectedly with a sad tale of woe and suffering, and with the poor Dane utterly prostrate and helpless on the sledge. I cannot do better than relate the sad story in Lieutenant Egerton's own words. We read in his official report, that not five hours after they had left the ship "frost-bites became so numerous, that I thought it advisable to encamp." This was only the beginning of the story, for they appear to have passed a comparatively comfortable night.