Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-08-14
From the st. Louis Bulletin of July 81.

NORTHERN PAssAGE--LAMESTABLEiS urcIDE OF ONE
THE DiscovERERs--lt will he seen by reference to
the British papers, that the North passage so long
sought after by adventurous nayigators has at length
been discovered by two young men belonging to the
Hudson Bay company. 1t is not our intention to en-
ter into detailed report of the memorable voyage
but but merely to mention the melancholy fate of one
of the dscovcrers.
1t appears that on their return 10 York Nacory-
the principal depot of the Hulson's Bay Company
they both set out for England eager to grasp the rich
reward which the British Government never fails to
lavish upon all her citizens who contribute anything
toward extending her wide. spread domains TO
pcrpeuatlng her well earned fame. On the arrival of
the two young men Lake Wnnepcck, they disagreed
about the route which should be pursued and there
separated. MIR. Simpson, accompanied by Mr.. Bird,
MIR. Legros, and twenty thirty of the colonists,
struck across for st. Peters, intending to push TO
New York. ria the Lakes and thence sail to Liver
pool Mr. Dacy, his conpecr, with another party, set
out for the Canadas.
About the 10Th of June Mr.. Simpson and his party
had reached Turtle river where they cncamped for the
night lie had from the beginning of the Journey ex-
hlbltcd occasional symptoms of mcnal hallucnation
caused as the party supposed by the dread of being
oustrppod by his competitor in their long race for
London. On the evening above mentioned, he had
continued to push until late hour at night, aud
even then his fevorish state Of excitement deprived him
| of nourishmcnt or rest
When they stopped and while in the act of camping
| Mr.. Simpson turned suddenly round and shot Mr.
| Bird through the heart; and before the astoundet
party could fly from the presence of the madman h,
discharged the other barrel and MORALLY wounde,
Mr.. Logros. ltappears that the party had separated
and when he committed the murder on his compan
ions, there only two more prcsont-onc of then
a son of Legros who Immediately fled short dis
lance. The dying father earnestly implor7d Simpson
to permit his son to return and embrace him before h
should de-whch he agreed to, and bcckoncd then
back, saying there was nothing TO fear.
On their return, Simpson accused Legros of con
spring with Bird, and asked him whether it was no
their intention to assassnatc him that nights the dy
ing man said 1t was, but on beng nteirogatCd sec
ond time, he denied having any intention or design o
such deed, and shortly after expired Simpson thel
ordered the two to bride their horses, and pre-
pare to return with him to the settlement, but NJ
sooner were they mounted, than they dashed off il
quest of the main body, and overlook them about L
miles ahead. They all returned in the morning, an,
when they had reached within 200 yeards of the cam
they had glimpse of Simpson the door of his tent
and Immediately afterward heard report of a gun
supposng that he was determined to carry out tn
work of destruction which he had begun they at
direction Ofthe camp and then approached it cautious
| ly. When they came up they found their comman
| der wctcrng in his blood, and on closer examination
found that he had literally blown his head to pieces!
Far in the wild, unknown to public view, were tn
| three bodies committed to tic same grave by thei
| inGs more easily conceived than described
The party arrived at st. Peters about the first G
July, in possession of the important papers, and otle
property belonging to the Inflated Simpson.
These particulars we learn from Mr., VIM A. Aitkir
a trader from Lake Superior Mr.. Akn farther state
| that the whole matter is involved in mystery, whic
| time only can clear up
The unfortunate Simpson was a native of Scotlan
| and nephew of the present Governor of the H. 1
sesscd of fn5 lacnts-an amablc disposton--andt tn
| universal stCcm of those who knew him.