Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1847-11-27
IMPORTANT GEOGRAPHICAL DISCOVERIES.

In 1916 Sir George Simpson, of the Hudson's
Bay Company commissioned John Rae, Esq, an
agent OF said company, 10 take command of land
Arctic expedition, with view to complete the geo.
graphy of the northern shore of America by sur
yeying the only section OF the same that has not
yet been traced-namely the deep bay, as il is sup
posed TO be, stretching from the western extremity
of the Straits of the Fury and Hecla to the eastern
limit of the discoveries Of Messrs. Dease & Smp-
son. 1t appears that the expedition has been en-
trely successful. The following report Of the
general results we copy from the Montreal Herald
of November Is. 1t will be seen that Boothia
Felix, which, on the latest maps, is put down as an
island, is in fact part of the continent
YoRK FAcronY, HuDsos's Bar,
September 20, ls47.
SIN have the honor acquant you that the expe-
don which left Churchill under my command on the 9Th
July, ls46, for the purpose Of completing the survey The
northern shores of America, reached this place safety
the 9th instant.
Having already written you by way of Red river and
closed outline Of my discoveries, shall merely mention
here that reached Repuse bay the 18th July last year.
and Immediately had take across land and through
lakes TO the Of Melville peninsula. The ice here
too closely packed for make any progress that
determined returning to Repuse bay and making prepare
tons for winerng stone house built measuring 20
feet by H. and covered with ocohs roof There being
wood, and sort of heather collected for
fuel and 1872 deer shot before November ended
tnehe animals passed Our mousse
frequently cold enough, the thermometer being sometimes
ten twenty degrees below On the 9Th of April
started with party and traced the up Lord Mayors
bay of Sir John Ross thus proving that dscoveer to
be correct in his statements Bootha Felix part Of the
American continent This journey occupied until the 5th
May and had travelled about five hundred and sixty geo.
graphical miles. again set out with four chosen
the 9th Of the month, May, and, after undergoing much
fatigue and suffering and prvaton traced the
shore of Melville peninsula within six eight miles Of the
Fury and Heca strait We arrived at winter quarters on the
5h June, all in good health and Spirits but much reduced in
flesh From this time until the 18th August when the ice
broke up, all busy occupied in procuring the
of existence and in making preparations for homeward
voyage We took leave of dreary home and of Els
qumaux acquaintance the 18th August Our progress
southwark much impeded by contrary Winds that we
did not enter Churchill river until the 3st We had still
eight bags of pemcan and four hundred weight of flour
hand Being detained here days did arrive at
York Factory until late the evening of the 9th September
where my sudden appearance somewhat surprised friends,
| who had not expected to
As intend going England by the ship shall do myself
the honor of addressing you more fully from London.
With the utmost respect remain, sir your most obedent
servant, JOHN RAE.
Sir GEonGE SIMPSON.