He drove his men, who were chiefly French-Canadians, with irritating haste, and it is a story prevalent among the old Selkirk Settlers, that a stalwart French voyageur, who was a favorite of the Governor, was once, in crossing the Lake of the Woods, so infuriated with his master's urging that he seized the tormentor who was small in stature, by the shoulders, and with a plentiful use of "sacres," dipped him into the lake, and then replaced him in the bottom of the canoe.
It does not fall within the scope of our story to tell of Simpson's journeys through Rupert's Land, nor of his famous voyage around the world, but there is extant an account of his methods of appealing to the interest of the Indians and servants of the company in his notable progresses through the wilds.

Some seven years after his appointment Governor Simpson made a voyage from Hudson Bay, across country to the Pacific Ocean, namely, from York Factory to Fort Vancouver on the Columbia River.

Fourteen chief officers, factors and traders, and as many more clerks had gathered to see the chieftain depart.

Taking with him a lieutenant--Macdonald, a doctor and two canoe crews, of nine men each, the jolly Governor with dashing speed ascended the Hayes River, up which the Selkirk Colonists had laboriously come, receiving as he left the Factory, loud cheers from all the people gathered, and a salute of seven guns from the garrison.

The French-Canadian voyageurs struck up their boating songs with glee, and with dashing paddles left the bay behind.
The expedition was well provided with supplies, including wine for the gentlemen and spirits for the men.
The arrival at Norway House was a fete.
Before reaching the Fort the party landed on the shore, and paying much attention to their toilets, put themselves in proper trim.