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Frances Ramsay Simpson (b. c.1812 - d. 1853), the daughter of a London merchant, married her cousin, HBC Governor George Simpson, in 1830. She initially accompanied him to Rupert's Land but her health deteriorated during her first pregnancy, and she was often an invalid therafter. Her husband settled her first in London and then in Lachine, where she died after giving birth to her fifth child.
This is part of the journal she kept during her first canoe trip from Lachine to Red River and beyond in 1830.
This entry is dated June 3rd. They are now on the Winnipeg River (and frequently off due to the many portages).
"3rdRaised Camp this morning at 1 A.M. Made a small Portage in the Lake at 6 O’clock and another into river Winnipeg at 10.
Descended that noble Stream, the scenery of which is finely diversified; comprehending all the varieties of Hill, Dale, Mountain & Rock, rich Meadows, Timber of all sizes, heavy Waterfalls, strong Rapids etc... and every few miles as we proceeded, the river expanding into Lakes, with their Islands, Inlets & Bays, in short, nothing can be more beautifully picturesque than the route of today."
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Read excerpts from Frances' journal - enter 'Frances' in the search box to your left.
What does Frances Simpson look like?
Discover a personal object that once belonged to Frances.
Check the Beaver Index - e.g., Journey for Frances [Parts 1-3], by Grace Lee Nute, December 1953, March 1954 and June 1954.
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Although Frances calmly admires the "picturesque" scenery in this entry, the nine days since they had left Fort William had been exhausting and difficult.
Among other things, she noted (on 27 May) that "the Musquito first introduced himself to our notice, exerting his sting vigorously, and giving full employment to our fingers in allaying the irritation occasioned thereby."
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