The first letter starts out in St. Petersburgh, Russia with Robert Walton writing to his sister Margaret Saville. Robert is writing to Margaret to explain that he’s going to the North Pole to find the discovery of the magnetic pull and to carve a path for others to follow him. Robert had lacked an educational foundation, but that didn’t stop him from pursuing knowledge. After failing as a poet, Robert inherited his cousin’s fortune. Therefore, Robert took 6 years to plan his undertaking, and he realizes that the path that he’s taking is dangerous, but he accepts the challenge. The second letter is from Archangel, Russia where Robert assembles his crew and acquires his ship. However, Robert is longing for a friend to share the experiences