La Salle Rene-robert Cavelier Sieur De 1643-1687 Sailed For
Canada in the spring of 1666; granted by the Sulpicians the seigniory of
Lachine, from which, in 1669, he set out with Dollier de Casson and
Galinee upon the first of those explorations towards the west and south
for which he was to become famous. Meeting Jolliet at the western end of
Lake Ontario, Dollier de Casson and Galinee decided to make their way to
the upper lakes, while La Salle turned south and explored the Ohio. His
later explorations have been the subject of long controversy--the point
in dispute being whether he explored the Mississippi before or after
Marquette and Jolliet. In any event, he first descended the river to its
mouth, 1681-1682. Upon his return, sailed for France, and in 1684 set
out with four ships to establish a colony at the mouth of the
Mississippi. This unfortunate expedition culminated in the murder of La
Salle by his own men. =Index=: (Count Frontenac era) Sent to invite Indians to conference,
79; first commandant of Fort Frontenac (Cataraqui), 86; reports Perrot's
defiant proceedings to Frontenac, 92; his views on sale of liquor to
Indians, 123; obtains grant of Fort Frontenac from the king, 156;
obtains exclusive right of trading in Mississippi region, 158;
difficulties encountered by, 159, 161; relations with Frontenac, 162;
discoveries disparaged by La Barre and also by the king, 176; financial
affairs, 178; his forts and other property seized by La Barre, restored
to him, 179; king takes him under his special protection, 180. (Bishop Laval era) Sells
liquor to Indians, 116; obtains letters of nobility, and concession at
Fort Frontenac (Cataraqui), 145; birth and character, 147; explorations,
148-153; goes to France, 151; misfortunes and death of, 152; reports
sermon of Abbe Fenelon, 160. (Wolfe / Montcalm era) Discovers mouth of Mississippi, 19.