Maisonneuve, Paul de Chomedy, Sieur de

   In this "devout and valiant gentleman," as Parkman says, lived again the spirit of Godfrey de Bouillon, leader of the first Crusade. He had seen much service in European wars, before the opportunity came to consecrate his sword to the church in Canada. A group of enthusiasts in France had obtained a grant of the Island of Montreal from Lauson and the Company of New France, and purposed to establish there a religious colony, of which Maisonneuve was appointed governor. Sailed from Rochelle, in 1641, with a company of soldiers and artisans; wintered at Quebec; and on the eighteenth of May, 1642, landed on the same spot where Champlain had stood thirty-one years before. Here he and his men set to work to build a chapel, fort, and their simple habitations, thereby laying the foundation of the future city of Montreal. Was for 22 years governor of Montreal, but through the jealousy of De Mésy, governor-general of Canada, was recalled to France by De Tracy in 1664. Though no charges were made against him he found no possibility of reinstatement in office and resigned in 1669; died in 1676.

   Index: F Conducts mission colony to Montreal, 29, 33; bravery of, 34; goes back to France for reinforcements, 38; returns to Canada with one hundred soldiers, 39; removed from governorship by Marquis de Tracy, 54. L Governor of Montreal, his piety, 8; carries cross on his shoulders to summit of Mount Royal, 91; removed from his position, 176; presents a cannon from which to make a bell, to Bonsecours chapel, 177. Ch Comes out in 1613 with three vessels licensed to trade, 78; Champlain returns to France in his ship, 79. Bk Founder of Montreal, 99.

   Bib.: Parkman, Jesuits in North America and Old Régime; Faillon, La Colonie Française; Dollier de Casson, Histoire de Montreal.