Radisson, Pierre Esprit

(1620?-1710?)

   Born in Paris. Came to Canada in 1651, and settled at Three Rivers. In 1652 captured by the Iroquois and carried off to their country, where by great good fortune he escaped the following year. In 1657 had the hardihood to make a voluntary visit to the Onondagas; in 1658 explored the country south-west of Lake Superior, discovered the Mississippi, and possibly went beyond. In 1661 made another journey to the west, accompanied as on the previous journey by his brother-in-law, Medard Chouart; wintered among the Sioux, and the following year explored the country north of Lake Superior, and apparently penetrated to James Bay. In 1665 went to England and offered his services to lead a trading expedition to Hudson Bay. The result of this trading venture was the establishment of the Hudson's Bay Company. In 1674, returned to the service of France, led an expedition to Hudson Bay in 1682, and captured an English ship. In 1684 once more changed his allegiance, and from that year to the time of his death remained in the service of the Hudson's Bay Company.

   Index: F Proceedings of, in Hudson Bay, 204-205.

   Bib.: Voyages of Peter Esprit Radisson (Prince Society, Boston, 1885); Relation du Voiage du Sieur Pierre Esprit Radisson (Canadian Archives Report, 1895); Sulte, Radisson in the North-West (R. S. C., 1904); Découverte du Mississippi (R. S. C., 1903); Prud'homme, Notes Historiques sur la Vie de Radisson; Dionne, Chouart et Radisson (R. S. C., 1893, 1894); Bryce, Further History of Pierre Esprit Radisson (R. S. C., 1898) and Hudson's Bay Company; Laut, Pathfinders of the West and The Conquest of the Great North-West.