Voyages: Antarctic Circumnavigation

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Antarctic cruise
documents:
Letters
Antarctic map

Ault's voyages:
Antarctica
Canada
Easter Island
Galilee
Last cruise
Shipboard Life

Cruises map

Ault's letter, page 1

"Jan. 12, 1916

King Edward Cove, South Georgia

Mamie Honey. We are in luck.  Got in just in time to get our mail off on the steamer tomorrow for Buenos Aires. I will ask the capt. to send you a cable from there so you will know all the sooner. What a joyful surprise for you. Dear heart I wish I could get a reply so as to know how you are.

I feel quite a load off my mind to get here safely + to have such good results. I will feel that every day from now on will be toward the goal, or successful end of the polar trip. We may probably have more ice from now on, but we are used to that now.

Ault's letter, page 2

The engine ran well for 24 hrs, coming along the coast + into the harbor. It was very foggy + calm on variable winds. We could not have gotten in under our own sails alone.

Quite a smelly whaling station. Only two women on the Island. There is a moving picture theatre at one of the whaling stations farther north.  Mail goes to Buenos Aires about every 4 weeks during the summer months. Some people stay here during the entire year. A Scotchman + wife are in charge of the Argentine meteorological station here.

We have our fresh water on board already + plenty of water now so I will close + have a bath, a good hot bath.  Come + join me. Oh Honey, my little pal. My Mamie girl. I do love you so. Please keep yourself well + strong for our years together. I think so much of our life together. Little Evelyn must be very sweet for you now. Fa gives her a big hug + kiss. I kiss you all Mamie. I love every bit of you, you are a part of my life. Goodnight Honey.
Your husband lover Percy
I have written a letter to (blank) which I enclose. Will you please forward it for us. Dear."