Charlevoix, Pierre-François-Xavier de

(1682-1761)

   First came to Canada in 1705, as an instructor in the Jesuits' College at Quebec. Returned to France in 1709. It was at this time that he gathered the material for his Histoire et Description Generale de la Nouvelle-France. Again visited Canada in 1720 by order of the French government to report as to the best route for an overland expedition in search of the Western Sea. In the course of this journey visited the mission and posts of what was then the extreme western frontier of New France, returning to France in 1723, by way of Mobile.

   Index: L On the character of the Canadian population, 117; on the character of Frontenac, 144, 145. F On bravery of Canadians and indifferent conduct of French troops, 212; on Lachine massacre, 224, 227; on old age of François Hertel, 235; his account of "flag" incident in siege of Quebec, 295; on character and conduct of Frontenac, 333-336. Ch His opinion of Lescarbot, 37; his description of the French settlements in Canada, 243; his eulogy of Champlain, 276, 277.

   Bib.: Besides his Histoire du Paraguay and Histoire de l'Isle Espagnole ou de S. Dominique, Charlevoix was the author of La Vie de la Mère Marie de l'Incarnationand of the first general history of Canada, Histoire et Description Generale de la Nouvelle-France. His Voyage dans l'Amerique Septentrionale was translated into English in 1756. Dr. J. G. Shea's translation of the History was published at New York in 6 vols., 1866-1872; and reprinted by F. P. Harper, New York, in 6 vols. An abridged translation of Charlevoix's Journal is found in vol. 3 of French Hist. Coll. of Louisiana. For biog., see J. E. Roy, Essai sur Charlevoix (R. S. C., 1907).