Monts, Pierre du Guast, Comte de

(1560-1611)

   In 1603 became head of the Company formed by Champlain to plant colonies in New France, and to which a monopoly of the fur trade had been granted by the king. Had made the voyage to Tadoussac with Pont-Gravé in 1603, and had conceived no very high opinion of the St. Lawrence as a field for colonization; it was therefore decided to direct the operations of the Company to Acadia. In 1604, with Champlain, sailed to Acadia, explored the Bay of Fundy, and discovered Annapolis Basin and the St. John River; settlements were established at Ste. Croix Island and Port Royal; in 1606 returned to France; and the following year sent Champlain and Pont-Gravé on an expedition to the St. Lawrence.

   Index: F Ten years trading patent, with position of lieutenant-general granted to, 5; conducts expedition to Acadia, 6; patent cancelled but renewed for one year, 7; sails for Quebec, 8; resigns lieutenancy, 12. Ch Commissioned as lieutenant-general in Acadia, 17; forms Company and obtains ten years' privilege of exclusive trading, 18; is joined by Champlain, 19; occupies Ste. Croix Island, 21; decides to abandon it, 25; transfers post to Port Royal, 31; returns to France, 32; obtains monopoly of fur trade for one year and sends Champlain to Quebec as his lieutenant, 39; encouraged by Champlain's report, decides to extend operations, 56; his commission not renewed, 56; serious loss incurred by, 64; present at Champlain's marriage, 66; his Company dissolved, 71; applies to the king (Louis XIII) for assistance, but without success, 71; signs agreement on behalf of Company, 127; his Company abolished, 132.

   Bib.: Parkman, Pioneers of France. See also Champlain.