La Salle, René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de

(1643-1687)

   Sailed for Canada in the spring of 1666; granted by the Sulpicians the seigniory of Lachine, from which, in 1669, he set out with Dollier de Casson and Galinée upon the first of those explorations towards the west and south for which he was to become famous. Meeting Jolliet at the western end of Lake Ontario, Dollier de Casson and Galinée decided to make their way to the upper lakes, while La Salle turned south and explored the Ohio. His later explorations have been the subject of long controversy--the point in dispute being whether he explored the Mississippi before or after Marquette and Jolliet. In any event, he first descended the river to its mouth, 1681-1682. Upon his return, sailed for France, and in 1684 set out with four ships to establish a colony at the mouth of the Mississippi. This unfortunate expedition culminated in the murder of La Salle by his own men.

   Index: F Sent to invite Indians to conference, 79; first commandant of Fort Frontenac (Cataraqui), 86; reports Perrot's defiant proceedings to Frontenac, 92; his views on sale of liquor to Indians, 123; obtains grant of Fort Frontenac from the king, 156; obtains exclusive right of trading in Mississippi region, 158; difficulties encountered by, 159, 161; relations with Frontenac, 162; discoveries disparaged by La Barre and also by the king, 176; financial affairs, 178; his forts and other property seized by La Barre, restored to him, 179; king takes him under his special protection, 180. L Sells liquor to Indians, 116; obtains letters of nobility, and concession at Fort Frontenac (Cataraqui), 145; birth and character, 147; explorations, 148-153; goes to France, 151; misfortunes and death of, 152; reports sermon of Abbé Fénelon, 160. WM Discovers mouth of Mississippi, 19.

   Bib.: Memoir, in French, Hist. Coll. of Louisiana, 2d Ser., vol. 2; letters and other documents, in Margry, Découvertes; Shea, Voyages up and down Mississippi; Parkman, La Salle; Winsor, Nar. and Crit. Hist.; Falconer, Discovery of Mississippi; Griffin, Discovery of Mississippi; Sparks, La Salle in Lib. of Am. Biog.; Gravier, Découvertes; Harrisse, Notes pour Servir; Joutel, Journal Historique; Chesnel, Histoire de Cavelier de la Salle; Guénin, Cavelier de la Salle; Sulte, La Morte de la Salle; Girouard, Lake St. Louis and Cavelier de la Salle.