Denys, Nicolas

(1598-1688)

   Born at Tours. Early took to sea and in 1633 became interested in the fisheries of Nova Scotia. A short time after made one of the lieutenants of Acadia under the Company of New France, and settled at Miscou. In 1647 his fort seized by D'Aulnay, who had just been made lieutenant-general of the colony. In 1650 his establishment in Cape Breton captured and he himself taken prisoner. A second attempt to settle in Cape Breton frustrated by Le Borgne. Returned to France in 1653, and received a grant of the islands of the St. Lawrence, including a monopoly of the fur trade, and shortly after became governor of that territory, together with Newfoundland. In 1667 obtained a confirmation of his rights, but in the winter of 1668-1669 his establishment at St. Peters completely destroyed by fire. In 1671 returned to France and engaged in the preparation of his work on Acadia. About 1685 returned to Acadia, but his closing years darkened by the scattering of his vast estates. Died three years later, at the age of 90 years.

   Index: Ch Abandons Chedabucto and goes to Cape Breton, thence to Miscou and Gaspé, 236.

   Bib.: Description and Natural History of Acadia, ed. by Ganong. For biog., see Parkman, Old Régime.