DOCSLIB.ORG

Life of Sir John Richardson

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Life of Sir John Richardson LIFE OF SIR JOHN EICHAEDSON, F.R.S. C.B., LL.D., F.R.S. LOND., Hox. EDIN. ; INSPECTOR OF NAVAL HOSPITALS AND FLEETS; &c. &c. &c. BY THE EEV. JOHN McILRAITH /// MINISTER OF THE ENGLISH REFORMED CHURCH, AMSTERDAM. ' The evenness and beauty of a strong and well-defined nature, perfectly governed and balanced, is about the last thing one is likely to meet with in one's researches into life.' H. B. STOWE. LONDON : LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO. 1868. Q Rsfl PREFACE. SIR JOHN RICHARDSON has long been known as a most intrepid explorer of the Arctic Regions, whose writ- ings have largely contributed to the knowledge of the Physical Geography, Flora, and Fauna of British North America. To those who knew him intimately, he was endeared by his high sense of honour, manly courage, loving unselfish nature, and sincere yet unostentatious piety. In the belief that it can scarcely fail to be useful, as well as interesting, the record of his life has been compiled, and is now offered to the public. My sincere thanks are due to Dr. J. E. Gray, of the British Museum, Dr. Dalton Hooker, of Kew, and many other friends of Sir John Richardson, from whose contributions extracts appear in the course of the work. I am especially indebted to Lady Richardson for much valuable material and assist- ance also to of ; Mr. Carruthers, Charlesfield, Annan, who kindly placed at my disposal a large number of VI PREFACE. letters and journals necessary in constructing the narrative. And though many of the letters could not be used, as referring either to family affairs or to matters of no public interest, yet they have enabled me to appreciate more fully the nobleness of his character. In a correspondence extending over upwards of sixty years, there does not occur an unkind sentence regarding a human being. AMSTEEDAM: March 1868. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. PAGE . 1 Early years (1787-1807) . CHAPTER II. Passes his examination Assistant-surgeon on board the 'Nymphe' (1807-1808) . .7 CHAPTER III. ' ' ' Acting-surgeon of the Hercule,' 74 Surgeon of the Blossom . .20 sloop-of-war (1808-1809) k CHAPTER IV. ' Surgeon of the ' Bombay Blockade of Toulon Returns to England (1810-1812) ... .36 CHAPTER V. ' ' Surgeon of the Cruiser In the Baltic At Sheerness In the north of Scotland The 'Cruiser' paid off Study in London Appointed surgeon to the 1st battalion of Royal Marines (1812-1814) . .43 CHAPTER VI. Sails for America Bermuda Canada Halifax Coast of Georgia Cumberland Island Returns to England (1814- 1815) . .... 51 Vlll CONTENTS. CHAPTER VII. PAGE At Edinburgh University Doctor's degree Begins to practise as a physician Marriage Appointed surgeon and naturalist to the first overland expedition to the Polar Sea (1815- 1819) . .58 CHAPTER VIII. Voyages of discovery to the Polar regions Dr. Richardson in London Sails from Gravesend Arrives at York Factory Spends the first winter at Cumberland House (1819-1820) 62 CHAPTER IX. Journey to Forts Chipewyan, Providence, and Enterprise Winter residence at Fort Enterprise (1820-1821) . 75 CHAPTER X. Voyage down the Coppermine River The Arctic Sea Eastward Point Turnagain The retreat over the Barren Grounds- Intense sufferings No means of crossing the Coppermine Dr. Richardson attempts to swim the river Overpowered by the cold Volunteers to encamp with the weak of the party (1821) . .86 CHAPTER XI. The encampment Michel returns Murder of Mr. Hood Dr. Richardson, John Hepburn, and Michel set out for Fort Enterprise Dr. Richardson necessitated to shoot Michel Reunion at the Fort Fort Enterprise in ruins (1821) .93 CHAPTER XII. Fort Enterprise Death of the Canadians Semandre and Peltier The whole party rapidly lose strength Consolation from religious services Their mental powers become weak The Indians arrive with relief Reach Slave Lake Letter to Mrs. Richardson Proceed to York Fort They arrive in England (1821-1822) 108 CONTENTS. IX CHAPTER XIII. PAGE Letter from Mr. Hood's father Dr. Richardson's reply Prayer of the Princess Elizabeth of France Spends the winter in . .115 London Visits Dumfries (1822-1823) . CHAPTER XIV. Dr. Richardson's residence in Edinburgh The zoological ap- pendix to the narrative of Captain Parry's second voyage Friendships Letter to his sister, Mrs. Carruthers Appointed surgeon to the division of Marines at Chatham (1823-1824) 120 CHAPTER XV. The second expedition sails from Liverpool Received with great kindness at New York At Albany Journey to Niagra Lake Ontario Lake Huron Arrival at Fort William Fort Chipewyan Slave Lake The Mackenzie River Bear Lake River Fort Franklin (1825) . .126 CHAPTER XVI. The expedition at Penetanguishene, on Lake Huron Tidings of Mrs. Franklin's death An early season Manner of travel- ling Number of the party The Mackenzie River Winter amusements at Fort Franklin Dog-rib Indians A wolf Birth of a child Dinner on the occasion A ball (1825- 1826) .137 CHAPTER XVII. Preparations for the Summer excursions They descend the Mackenzie Captain Franklin advances towards Icy Cape Dr. Richardson proceeds eastwards to the mouth of the Copper- mine River The parties return to Bear Lake England (1826-1827) ....... 150 CHAPTER XVIII. Duties at Chatham Melville Hospital Proposes another expe- dition to North America Death of Mrs. Richardson Plan of search for Captain John Ross The Government decides not to send a searching party (1827-1832) . .165 a X CONTENTS. CHAPTER XIX. , PA.GE Medical duties Second marriage John Franklin born Letter from Mrs. Opie to Mrs. Richardson Letter to Captain Beaufort on the North-west Passage Captain Beaufort's reply Appointed physician to Haslar Hospital Hospital reforms Inspector of hospitals Mrs. Richardson's death (1832-1845) . .173 CHAPTER XX. Dr. Richardson at Cambridge Medical duties Knighthood Hospital reform Sir Edward Parry becomes Captain Super- intendent Fears for the safety of Sir John Franklin Letter to Sir Edward Parry Letter to his mother Third marriage Death of his mother Dr. Rae Letter to Mrs. Fletcher In London Sails from Liverpool (1845-1848) . .184 CHAPTER XXI. The Erebus ''and ' Terror ' Sir John Richardson at New York Journey through Canada Letter from Lake Erie From Lake Superior From Lake Winnipeg Cumberland House Letter from Methy Portage On the Mackenzie River Early approach of winter March to Bear Lake Arrival Letters from Fort Confidence Letter from Dr. Rae (1848) 197 CHAPTER XXII. At Fort Confidence Winter employments State of the Indians News from England Dr. Rae appointed to continue the search The return journey Arrival Reception at Haslar (1848-1849) . .219 CHAPTER XXIII. Occupations At Lancrigg In Edinburgh A party at Haslar Death of Edward Retirement from Haslar The Trosachs Death of Josephine Receives one of the Royal medals Interview with Miss Nightingale The -Burns centenary Professor Huxley Dr. Baikie In London In Dublin In Paris Letter to Dr. Baikie (1849-1862) . .241 CONTENTS. XI CHAPTER XXIV. PAGK The British Association at Cambridge Journey to Italy In Rome Return Home At Newcastle Winter readings Visit to Dumfries Excursion to Dowalton Loch Whit- sundaySudden death (1862-1865). .257 CHAPTER XXV. Sorrow at his death Letter from Lady Franklin Letter from Sir George Back Letter from the Rev. W. B. Marriott Letter from Dr. Andrew Clarke Political Views Scientific Labours Conclusion (1865) . 266 THE LIFE OP SIR JOHN RICHARDSON. CHAPTEE I. EARLY TEARS. 1787-1807. JOHN RICHARDSON, son of Gabriel Richardson, Esq., of Rosebank, in the parish of Dumfries, and Anne Mundell, his wife, was born at Mth Place, Dumfries, on the 5th of November, 1787. He was the eldest of twelve children, of whom only the eleventh survives. Mr. Gabriel Richardson, who was descended from an old aiid respectable family in Kirkpatrick Juxta, had settled in Dumfries some years prior to his marriage, and lived there to a good old age, uni- versally respected for the rectitude of his public and private life, and beloved for his benevolence and kindly cheerfulness of disposition. He was a justice of the peace for the county, and many years chief magistrate of Dumfries. An old servant, B 2 LIFE OP SIR JOHN RICHARDSON. 1792 ' who is still living, says, The Provost was a good friend to the poor, and never known to speak un- kindly to any one.' His integrity and loving na- ture not only made him influential in the town and neighbourhood, but impressed his children, espe- cially John, with no ordinary feelings of reverence and affection. It is difficult to obtain information regarding a boyhood spent so long ago, but the few facts which have been gleaned are interesting. From his ear- liest years, John Richardson was always ready to do what he could for others, and carefully avoided giving any one pain. He was a stout, self-reliant, pleasant-looking boy, of a retiring nature. Having made considerable progress in reading, he was sent, at four years of age, to a preparatory school. John owed much of his early training to his mother, daughter of Mr. Peter Mundell, a woman of vigorous understanding and clear judg- ment, frugal, independent, and generous. From her sons and daughters she exacted implicit obe- dience, and taught them, by precept and example, to love God and their neighbour. Her mother, Mrs. Mundell, who lived at Eosebank, a delightful country-house near. the town, had also no small influence in forming the character of her grandson. The few last years of Scotland's poet, Burns, ' were spent at Dumfries, and he was frequently a guest at Mr. Gabriel Eichardson's hospitable table, the friendship then formed between the two fami- 1793 EARLY TEARS. 8 lies continuing unbroken as long as Mrs. Burns lived. From 1790 to 1796, the poet was in the habit of spending a few hours, each Sunday even- ing, in Nith Place, and among his admirers there was none more ardent, from youth to old age, than he who as a little boy attracted his attention.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Sir John Franklin and the Arctic
    SIR JOHN FRANKLIN AND THE ARCTIC REGIONS: SHOWING THE PROGRESS OF BRITISH ENTERPRISE FOR THE DISCOVERY OF THE NORTH WEST PASSAGE DURING THE NINE~EENTH CENTURY: WITH MORE DETAILED NOTICES OF THE RECENT EXPEDITIONS IN SEARCH OF THE MISSING VESSELS UNDER CAPT. SIR JOHN FRANKLIN WINTER QUARTERS IN THE A.ROTIO REGIONS. SIR JOHN FRANKLIN AND THE ARCTIC REGIONS: SHOWING FOR THE DISCOVERY OF THE NORTH-WEST PASSAGE DURING THE NINETEENTH CENTURY: WITH MORE DETAILED NOTICES OF THE RECENT EXPEDITIONS IN SEARCH OF THE MISSING VESSELS UNDER CAPT. SIR JOHN FRANKLIN. BY P. L. SIMMONDS, HONORARY AND CORRESPONDING JIIEl\lBER OF THE LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETIES OF QUEBEC, NEW YORK, LOUISIANA, ETC, AND MANY YEARS EDITOR OF THE COLONIAL MAGAZINE, ETC, ETC, " :Miserable they Who here entangled in the gathering ice, Take their last look of the descending sun While full of death and fierce with tenfold frost, The long long night, incumbent o•er their heads, Falls horrible." Cowl'ER, LONDON: GEORGE ROUTLEDGE & CO., SOHO SQUARE. MDCCCLI. TO CAPT. SIR W. E. PARRY, R.N., LL.D., F.R.S., &c. CAPT. SIR JAMES C. ROSS, R.N., D.C.L., F.R.S. CAPT. SIR GEORGE BACK, R.N., F.R.S. DR. SIR J. RICHARDSON, R.N., C.B., F.R.S. AND THE OTHER BRAVE ARCTIC NAVIGATORS AND TRAVELLERS WHOSE ARDUOUS EXPLORING SERVICES ARE HEREIN RECORDED, T H I S V O L U M E I S, IN ADMIRATION OF THEIR GALLANTRY, HF.ROIC ENDURANCE, A.ND PERSEVERANCE OVER OBSTACLES OF NO ORDINARY CHARACTER, RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, BY THEIR VERY OBEDIENT HUMBLE SERVANT, THE AUTHOR.
    [Show full text]
  • ARCTIC EXPEDITION. 13 April 1848.
    ARCTIC EXPEDITION. R ETO RN to an Andress of the Honourable The House of Commons, dated 21 March 1848 ;-for, . " COPIES of INSTRUCTIONS to Captain Sir John Franklin, R. N., in reference to the ARCTIC EXPEDITION of 1845: " H To any Officer or Officers appointed by the Admiralty on any Expedition in Search of Captain Sir John Franklin, R. N.: " " And, COPIES or EXTRACTS of any PROCEEDINGS and CORRESPONDENCE of the ADMIRALTY in reference to ARCTIC EXPEDITIONS, frQID 1845 to the present Time, together with Copies of CHARTS illustrating the same." (Sir Robert Harry Inglis.) . ' Ordered, 'by The House of Commons, to be Printed, 13 April 1848. A [ 2 ] P ART I. -- Copies of Instructions to Captain Sir John Franklin, in reference to the Arctic Expedition of 1845, and to the Officers who have been appointed to command Expeditions in search of Sir John Franklin - p. 3 P ART II. - Proposed Plans for Relief of the Arctic Expedition - 21 P ART ilL-Copies and Extracts of Correspondence and Proceedings of the Admiralty, in reference to the Arctic Expedition . - - 50 CHARTS at the end. Instructions to Sir John Franklin _ p. 3 Ditto to Lieutenant (now Commander) Moore - 7 Ditto to Mr. Bell 12 Ditto to Captain Kellett - 16 Ditto to Silo John Richardson - 19 Offers of Rewards for tracing Sir John Franklin's Expedition - 47 [ 3 ] COPIES of INSTRUCTION s to Captain Sir John Franklin, R. N" in reference to the ARCTIC EXPEDITION of ~1845; to any Officer or Officers appointed by the Admiralty on any Expedition in search of Captain Sir John Franklin, H.
    [Show full text]
  • National Historic Sites Service a Prospectus Of
    NATIONAL HISTORIC SITES SERVICE MANUSCRIPT REPORT NUMBER $K Vii/ L A PROSPECTUS OF HISTORIC SITES IN THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES by Richard J. Young November 1970 NATIONAL AND HISTORIC PARKS BRANCH DEPARTMENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS AND NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT A Prospectus of Historic Sites in the Northwest Territories by Richard J. Young ii The Manuscript Report Series is printed in a limited number of copies and is intended for internal use by the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Develop­ ment. Copies of each issue are distributed to various public repositories in Canada, for use by interested individuals. Many of these reports will be published in Canadian Historic Sites: Occasional Papers in Archaeology and History, and may be altered during the publishing process by editing or by further research. iii A Prospectus of Historic Sites in the Northwest Territories by Richard J. Young iv Preface 1 Abstract of exploration theme 14 Exploration sites 34 The Fur Trade 40 Fur Trade Sites 52 Missionary Activity 55 Sites of Missionary Activity 60 Industrialization 62 Sites representing the beginning of the modern era 64 Additional bibliography iv PREFACE The following report Is based on research done in the National Library of Canada, Library of the Public Archives of Canada, and the Departmental Library of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. The work was undertaken at the request of the Government of the North­ west Territories, and filed with the National Historic Sites Service on November 6th, 1970. The report is an effort to present a prospectus of historic sites in the Northwest Territories.
    [Show full text]
  • Science and the Canadian Arctic, 181 8-76, from Sir John Ross to Sir
    ARCTIC VOL. 41, NO. 2 (JUNE 19W)P. 127-137 Science and the Canadian Arctic, 1818-76, from Sir John Ross to Sir George Strong Nares TREVOR H. LEVERE’ (Received 14 July 1986; accepted in revised form 3 February 1988) ABSTRACT. Nineteenth-century explorationof the Canadian Arctic, primarily directedby the British Admiralty, had scientific as well as geographical goals. Many expeditions, including Franklin’s, had a major scientific mandate. A northwest passage was the initial inspiration, but geomagnetism (under Edward Sabine’s guidance), meteorology, zoology, geology, botany, and ethnology were the principal sciences that benefited. The Royal Society of London, with its Arctic Committee, was closely involved with the Admiralty in recommending scientific programs and in nominating observers to the expeditions. Naval officers too were much concerned with science; some, including Parry and James Ross, were electedof the fellows Royal Society of London (F.R.S.). From John Ross through Parry to Franklin, scientific arctic voyages were strongly promoted. Geomagnetism, natural history, and meteorology were particularly prominent. During the searches for Franklin, the life sciences, geology, and meteorology continued to benefit, while geophysical researches were relatively neglected. After the Franklin disaster, geographical and other scientific exploration languished until the example of other nations and domestic lobbying persuaded the British government to send Nares north in1875-76. This was the last of the old-style scientific expeditions to the Canadian Arctic. Afterwards, co-operation in science (as in the International Polar Year) and concern for the Arctic as national territory became dominant factors in arctic exploration. Key words: science, history, Canada, geomagnetism, natural history, geology, J.
    [Show full text]
  • Rae of the Arctic*
    RAE OF THE ARCTIC* by R. L. RICHARDS** ANYoNE WHO WAS asked to name a nineteenth-century doctor who is remembered more for his geographical explorations than his medical activities would think first of David Livingstone. If asked to mention a second he would probably find it difficult. Yet there are at least two other medical men, both of them Scots, who in the Arctic contributed as much to geographical knowledge as Livingstone did in Africa. One of these was Sir John Richardson. Born in Dumfries in 1787 he qualified at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1807. He joined the navy and later returned to Edinburgh and obtained his M.D. at Edinburgh University in 1817. For a time he practised as a physician in Leith but he then rejoined the navy and took part in several expeditions to the Arctic. He will feature later in this account. The other was Dr. John Rae. Although Rae was one of the great Arctic explorers of the nineteenth century, he has, for reasons that will appear later, been largely neg- lected. Even in books dealing with the exploration of the Arctic he generally receives only a brief mention. The medical profession has paid little attention to him. Short obituary notices appeared in the British Medical Journal' and in the Lancet2 in 1893 and he is mentioned by Comrie in his History of Scottish medicine.3 There are only two important contributions about him in the medical literature; an article by Ross Mitchell4 in the Canadian Medical Journal in 1933 and a contribution by Fortuine5 in the "Doctors Afield" series in the New England Journal ofMedicine in 1963.
    [Show full text]
  • Aquila Books
    Who we are: AQUILA Aquila Books specializes in books dealing with Polar Exploration, Western Canadiana, Mountaineering, the Canadian Pacific Railway, Early Voyages as well as many other areas. We also deal in antique maps and prints, historic photos, autograph letters, and postcards. BOOKS This Catalogue was a joint effort by Lesley Ball, Hannah Treleaven, and Cameron Treleaven Spring 2021 Contact Us For orders, inquiries, and other information please contact us at: Polar Catalogue Phone: (403) 282-5832 / Toll Free: (888) 777-5832 Email: [email protected] Web: www.aquilabooks.com Cameron Treleaven, Proprietor Member A.B.A.C. / I.L.A.B. / P.B.F.A AQUILA BOOKS Box 75035 Cambrian Postal Outlet Calgary, AB T2K 6JB (403) 282-2658 [email protected] Item #22 (1) [Amundsen, Roald]. Roald Amundsen Cast (2) Anonymous (Phipps, Constantine John). The Journal of a Voyage Iron plaque. NP: Jotul, 1925. undertaken by order of His Present Majesty, For making Discoveries towards Cast iron 3-dimensional plaque. (14 X 19 X 1.5 the North Pole, by the Hon. Commodore Phipps, and Captain Lutwidge, in his cm.) Relief head and shoulders portrait with a Majesty’s Sloops Racehorse and Carcase. To which is prefixed An Account of facsimile signature under the image. I assume the the several Voyages undertaken for the Discovery of a North-East Passage to artist’s name is in the bottom right-hand corner, China and Japan. London: F. Newbery, 1774. but I cannot decipher the name. The top right- xxviii,(1),30-118 pp. Octavo. Bound in modern full polished calf.
    [Show full text]
  • The Great Bear Lake: Its Place in History
    One of the chimneys of the old Fort Confidence as it was in 1964. The chimneys are all that remain of the fort which was constructed in 1836 and last occupied in 1852. The Great Bear Lake: Its Place in History LIONEL JOHNSON1 INTRODUCTION Great Bear Lake (Fig. 1) is one of the most prominent geographic features of northern Canada. Shaped likethe missing piece of a jigsaw puzzle, with five arms radiating from a central body, it has a total area of 31,150 square kilometres - approximately the same as that of the Netherlands. It is the eighth largest, and by far the most northerly, of the world's major lakes, and probably the least productive. (Johnson 1975a). PIG. 1 Great Bear Lake and surrounding area. The Arctic Circle transects the northernmost arm of the lake, and so the sun is visible from it for 24 hours a day in June, while in mid-winter daylight lasts for only twoto three hours. In July, the mean daily maximumtemperature is 19OC, in sharp contrast to the equivalent January figure of -27OC. Warm summers and cold winters, together with a total annual precipitation of about 230 millimetres, give rise to conditions which may best be described as northern continental. Up to two metres of ice form on the lake by April, when the snow on the 1Freshwater Institute, Environment Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. 232 GREAT BEAR LAKE surrounding land begins to melt; and it is not until middle of July, or even later in some years, that the waters become ice-free.
    [Show full text]
  • Explorations in the Great Bear Lake Region Author(S): J
    Explorations in the Great Bear Lake Region Author(s): J. Mackintosh Bell Source: The Geographical Journal, Vol. 18, No. 3 (Sep., 1901), pp. 249-258 Published by: geographicalj Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/1775131 Accessed: 02-05-2016 23:55 UTC Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at http://about.jstor.org/terms JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact [email protected]. The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers), Wiley are collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to The Geographical Journal This content downloaded from 132.203.227.62 on Mon, 02 May 2016 23:55:45 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms The Geographical Journal. No. 3. SEPTEMBER, 1901. VOL. XVIII. EXPLORATIONS IN THE GREAT BEAR LAKE REGION.* By J. MACKINTOSH BELL, M.A. THROUGHOUT the Dominion of Canada still lie immense tracts of country where the white man has never been, and where the few wandering savages who there make their home are still as wild and uncivilized as in the days of Columbus. The day is not far distant when much of this great region will support a thriving population, but the arctic part of it tmust remain, from climatological reasons, as it is now, a great northern wilderness, a home fit only for savages, and a refuge for caribou, musk-oxen, and other northern animals.
    [Show full text]
  • A Transnational Study of Arctic Travel Narratives, 1818-1883
    From science in the Arctic to Arctic science: a transnational study of Arctic travel narratives, 1818-1883 Nanna Katrine Lüders Kaalund A Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Graduate Program in Science and Technology Studies, York University Toronto, Ontario April 2017 © Nanna Katrine Lüders Kaalund 2017 Abstract This thesis examines the making and communicating of knowledge about the Arctic from a transnational perspective between 1818 and the First International Polar Year in 1882-83. By examining both well-known and hitherto neglected narratives from Danish, British, and British-Canadian Arctic explorations, I show that changes in ideas about what it meant to be an authoritative observer of Arctic phenomena were linked to tensions in imperial ambitions, national identity, and international collaboration. By framing polar surveying in the broadest sense as the ordering and quantifying of nature through travel, I analyse how abstract notions of the Arctic became tangible in the nineteenth century. I am concerned with the practices of writing the Arctic experience, especially the relationship between science, and the strategies for constructing a trustworthy narrative voice. That is, I investigate the ways in which the identities of the explorers and the organizing bodies shaped the expeditions, and by extension the representation of the ventures, the explorers, and the science they produced. In doing so, I argue that the Arctic played a key role in shaping Western science, and understandings of national and imperial identities, and that travel narratives were a significant resource for communicating this knowledge.
    [Show full text]
  • John Bell (1796- 1868)
    102 ARCTIC PROFILES John Bell (1796- 1868) John Bell, discoverer of the Yukon River and associate of and descended some distance down the Bell River. He was Drs. John Richardsonand John Rae in the Franklin search convinced, however, that the route was not feasible for trading expedition of 1847-1849, represented the classic blend of fur and turned back. The Hudson’s Bay Company was determined trader and explorer. His contributions to the expansion of the to press its advantage in the area, however, and Bell was ordered Company’s trade in the far northwest and to the cause of arctic to extend his explorations. He did so in the summer of 1845, exploration have gone largely unnoticed, due in some measure when he reached the junction of the Porcupine and Youcon to his unassuming and modestcharacter. rivers. Plans were immediately set in motion for a new trading Bell was bornon the Isle of Mull in 1796. Like many young post on the new river, and in 1847 Alexander Hunter Murray men from Scotland, he wasattracted by the North Americanfur opened Fort Youcon. trade, joining the North WestCompany as a clerk in 1818. His Bell’s work on exploration was not done. The Hudson’s Bay northern career began in 1824 when, asan officer of the Company took an active part in the attempt to locate the lost reorganized Hudson’s BayCompany, he was transferred to the Franklin expedition. In 1847, Governor Simpson assigned John Mackenzie District. In 1837, Thomas Simpson and Peter War- Bell to assist with an expedition, led by Drs.
    [Show full text]
  • Rae of the Arctic*
    RAE OF THE ARCTIC* by R. L. RICHARDS** ANYoNE WHO WAS asked to name a nineteenth-century doctor who is remembered more for his geographical explorations than his medical activities would think first of David Livingstone. If asked to mention a second he would probably find it difficult. Yet there are at least two other medical men, both of them Scots, who in the Arctic contributed as much to geographical knowledge as Livingstone did in Africa. One of these was Sir John Richardson. Born in Dumfries in 1787 he qualified at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1807. He joined the navy and later returned to Edinburgh and obtained his M.D. at Edinburgh University in 1817. For a time he practised as a physician in Leith but he then rejoined the navy and took part in several expeditions to the Arctic. He will feature later in this account. The other was Dr. John Rae. Although Rae was one of the great Arctic explorers of the nineteenth century, he has, for reasons that will appear later, been largely neg- lected. Even in books dealing with the exploration of the Arctic he generally receives only a brief mention. The medical profession has paid little attention to him. Short obituary notices appeared in the British Medical Journal' and in the Lancet2 in 1893 and he is mentioned by Comrie in his History of Scottish medicine.3 There are only two important contributions about him in the medical literature; an article by Ross Mitchell4 in the Canadian Medical Journal in 1933 and a contribution by Fortuine5 in the "Doctors Afield" series in the New England Journal ofMedicine in 1963.
    [Show full text]
  • Rae of the Arctic*
    RAE OF THE ARCTIC* by R. L. RICHARDS** ANYoNE WHO WAS asked to name a nineteenth-century doctor who is remembered more for his geographical explorations than his medical activities would think first of David Livingstone. If asked to mention a second he would probably find it difficult. Yet there are at least two other medical men, both of them Scots, who in the Arctic contributed as much to geographical knowledge as Livingstone did in Africa. One of these was Sir John Richardson. Born in Dumfries in 1787 he qualified at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1807. He joined the navy and later returned to Edinburgh and obtained his M.D. at Edinburgh University in 1817. For a time he practised as a physician in Leith but he then rejoined the navy and took part in several expeditions to the Arctic. He will feature later in this account. The other was Dr. John Rae. Although Rae was one of the great Arctic explorers of the nineteenth century, he has, for reasons that will appear later, been largely neg- lected. Even in books dealing with the exploration of the Arctic he generally receives only a brief mention. The medical profession has paid little attention to him. Short obituary notices appeared in the British Medical Journal' and in the Lancet2 in 1893 and he is mentioned by Comrie in his History of Scottish medicine.3 There are only two important contributions about him in the medical literature; an article by Ross Mitchell4 in the Canadian Medical Journal in 1933 and a contribution by Fortuine5 in the "Doctors Afield" series in the New England Journal ofMedicine in 1963.
    [Show full text]