RACINES & RAMEAUX FRANCAIS d’ACADIE
Recherche Genealogique et Histoire de l’Acadie
By Gerard Scavennec
April 2005 Belletin #33 Des Acadiens Aux Malouines
The first expedition of “ l’Aigle”
Louis Antoine de Bougainville, born the 12th of November 1729 was the son of Pierre Yves de Bougainville, Conseillor of the the King, notary of Chatelet and Marie Francoise d’Arboulin. The family was from Paris. Louis Antoine de Bougainville’s father was given the title of noble in 1741. Young Bougainville studied the classics and science. At 22yrs. he published a paper on mathematics that resulted in his being inducted into the Societe Royale de Londres.
Antoine became aide-de-camp for General Chavert, one of the best military strategists. In 1754 he was secretary to the Duke of Mirepoix, French ambassador to London. He worked on issues concerning the defining of the lands of Acadian frontier. As an observer in London, he soon recognized the English had ulterior motives concerning Acadie.
When he returned to France he was promoted to Captain of dragoons, and was chosen by Montcalm who had just been made commander of the troops in Canada. After this mission, Louis Antoine returned to France and was made Chevalier de St. Louis, colonel of the infantry.
He voluntarily returned to Canada with a few reinforcements. He was in the siege of Quebecs and held back the English for two months. The Chevalier de Levis charged him with holding back the English at Lake Champlain. This time again, he maneuvered so well that he also participated in the battle of Montreal. There Bougainville and troops were overwhelmed by the number of British military. He was taken prisoner, placed on parole, and later returned to France, where he lived with dreams of revenge against the Brits.
Upon his return, Bougainville moved in with his brother, Jean-Pierre Bougainville, member of the Academy Francais. Louis-Antoine joined other officers who fought in Canada, and went to the aide of Malta, which was threatened by the Turks.
Bougainville applied for his freedom from England, but was refused. He then went on to help in the dismantling of the French maritime gains in the Americas in observance of the Pacte de Famille (alliances between The Bourbons of France and Spain.
King Louis XV offered Bougainville the governorship of Guayana. The English still refused to allow Bougainville to leave Europe. Bougainville then developed an interest in the people living on the waterways of the Atlantic. He devoured the chronicles of the ancient mariners. He actually wanted to set up a project to set up a base for commerce with India and China. His project first started with setting up an establishment in Iles Malouines (Falkland Islands). This would be a base to control the southern ocean. His other projects were to round Cape Horn and then set up a colony in northern California, and set up a liaison with Louisiana. These plans ignored that the peace treaty gave the inhabited lands of Louisiana to Spain in exchange for Spain’s military assistance.
During this time, no one had taken possession of the archipelago des Malouines, and its position on maps was uncertain. Holland and English navigators saw the islands in the 16th and 17th centuries. The English gave it the name Falkland Sound at the strait that separated the two principal islands. The navigators who went farthest named the islands malouins.
The 50degrees south latitude was thought to be ideal for a colony. Spain and the Pope Alexandre VI considered the Americas split between the themselves and Admiral George Anson, in his voyages, saw the advantage to having a commercial base strategically placed on the archipelago. England got nowhere as France made sure they informed Spain of any English activity in that area.
England, in the Seven Year War, had, in essence, taken 8000 mariners prisoner having confiscated their boats. This gave England free rein over the fishing waters. Bougainville was convinced that if England established itself in Les Malouines, it would be impossible to ever get France back in control.
It was because of this that at the end of 1762 Bougainville presented the completed project, reassuring the ministers that Spain had not taken interest in occupying the islands, and neither had England. He urged them to act fast as England would surely be entrenched there soon.
At the time, the French Government did not know what to do with the Acadian families the king was supporting in France. The French minister wrote to the families of Rochefort in St. Malo to encourage them to go to Cayenne, Martinique, Saint Lucy, Guadeloupe, and Santo Domingo.
The plan was for three boats and two frigates carrying approximately 80 men and equipment to open the colony. Forty soldiers, twenty Acadian families, and six months’ provisions. Duke Choiseul approved of the plan, but there were two hurdles- finances and politics.
Bougainville showed how the cost of colonists would be the same as the current government support system set up for the Acadians, and the treaty of 1758 confirmed the French/Spanish alliance. Choiseul approved the plan.
Bougainvile and his cousin, Bougainville de Nerville wasted no time, rushing to St. Malo and meeting with Nicolas Duclos-Guyot. Guyot was familiar as he served in Quebec, and was a mariner well versed in matters concerning China and India. Guyot was made 2nd officer in command of the expedition and was in charge of procuring and building the ships that would be needed. The other officer chosen was Chenard de La Giraudais, 34yrs old with 29 yrs. of navigation experience. Giraudais was recorded as the carrying out the last battle in Acadie.
Duclos-Guyot had a frigate constructed and named her “l’Aigle” and another cover ship, “Sphinx.” Bougainvile requested the minister give him men who had served in Canada, like Charles Denys de St. Simon. He was also looking for Acadians that had previously been navigators and fishermen. It took eight months for preparations and obtaining all the authorizations. In deference to Spain, the minister did not want Bougainville to take soldiers on board. An old archive of mariners in Brest gives the list of 20 young men (semi-soldiers) to serve and construct the garrison on the island. With the exception of Joseph Talbot, they could not leave.
Laurent Babin, Simon Aucoin, Jean Besly (Quebec), Amand Girouer, Francois Renaud, Honore Richard, Simon Trahan, Alain Bourg, Anselme Boudrot, JosephTaillebot (Talbot), Charles Boudrot (fils de Francois), Charles Boudrot (fils de Jean), Honore Brod (Braud), Theodore Martin, Francois Boudrot, Pierre Morat (Mourra) de Quebec, Etienne Boudrot, Jacques Grossin, Jean Babin, Benony Blanchard
Another list reveals the desire to leave St. Malo and start life anew. There were only two complete families.
Some were from the four centers of arrest in England. Their names are indicated by #.
7 persons, family of Guillaume Mervin
4 persons, family of Augustin Benoist
Laurent Babin, 24(feu Claude & Marguerite DuBuis m. Marguerite Dupuis et son filss’etablirent a Belle-Isle;
Charles Brossard, 33yrs. from Quebec (Claude et feu Anne Babin), married to Anne Aucoin 29Oct1764 at Plouer;
Jean Bely, 28 yrs of Quebec, married to Angelique Valee, 5 campaigns on land;
Francois Renard Pichot, 26yrs, (Rene et Elisbeth Toulon, 5/6 campaigns on ocean and left for Miquelon;
Simon Trahan, 26yrs. (feaux Jean et Marie Commeau #;
Anselme Boudrot, 25yrs. (feux Firancois et Anne Tiboudo/Thibodaux) # married 10Jan1764 at Pleudihen.
Charles Boudrot, 26yrs. (feu Etienne et Marie Aucoin # died Nantes 26July1767;
Charles Boudrot, 24yrs. (feux Jean et Agatha Tibaudo/Thibodeaux) died at sea 13Sept1770;
Francois Boudrot, 21yrs., brother of Anselme Boudtot. #married ST. Servan 1765;
Etienne Boudrot, 20yrs., brother of Charles Boudrot and Jean Boudrot. # carpenter mariner, married at Pleudihen 08May1764;
Pierre Mourra of Quebec, 3 military ground campaigns, one tour at sea, (his name is scratched out. He may have changed his mind);
Charles Naquin, 25yrs.(feux Francois et Angelique Blanchard), married 19Nov1765 at ST. Suliac;
Jean Babin, 24yrs. (Joseph et Marie Landry) # came from other ports, then given permission to live in Morlaix in 1764;
Joseph Commeau, 24yrs.(feux Jean Baptiste et Marie Quessy) # {Robichaux claims the mother is same as Marie Aucoin}
Simon Aucoin, 24yrs. (feux Jean et ?) {Is this same as left for Louisiana? The age does not agree}
Francois Outremer, 24yrs., 3 military campaigns at sea, (name scratched out, with the mention that he left for SPM in 1763)
Jacques Grossin, 21 yrs., from Ile St. Jean, (feu Pierre et Cecile Quessy) died 12March1765 in Sinnamary;
Bernard Girouard, 23yrs, (Charles Girouard et Marie Blondin);
Jean Daigre, 20yrs. (feu Pierre et Madeleine Gautrot) #, married 09Jan1770 St. Servan;
Honore Richard, 21yrs. (feux Pierre et Josephe Boudrot), many military campaigns at sea, Married 07Jan1767 a Plouer;
Alain Bourg, 23yrs. (feux Francois et Madeleine Hebert) prisoner on the corsair ship “LeTigre” in March 1761, he entered France from England 09June1763. He married 23Jan1764 in St. Suliac;
Benony Blanchard, 23yrs. (feu Claude et Cecile Hebert), mariner, 3 campaigns at sea. He married 07Feb1764 in St. Suliac;
Francois Veco, 18 yrs., from l’ile de St. Jean (Francois et Marie Arseneau, one campaign at sea; left for Cayenne 1764;
Jean Hebert, 19yrs. of Cobequit, (feux Joseph Hebert et Elizabeth Benoit) died 03May1768 (Hotel Dieu de St. Malo);
Jean Blanchard, 20 yrs. (feux Anselme Blanchard et Elisabeth Robichaud) in the end, did not want to go- removed from the list.
Jean Blanchard, 18yrs. (Germain Blanchard et Marguerite Bourg) married 30July1765 at Pleudihen;
Prosper Girouard, 20yrs. (Honore et Marie Terriot) married 14Feb1764 in St. Colomb;
Joseph Talbot, 18yrs. of I’ile St. Jean (Louis et feue Marie-Francoise Douville);
Honore Brode, 29yrs. (Pierre Braud et Marguerite Gautrot) carpenter, married 10Feb1766 at Plouer;
Francois Jean Barro, 23yrs. of Quebec (Jean-Baptiste et Marie Josephe Talon)
Anselme Landry, 20yrs. (Jean Landry et Madeleine Menancon), came in 1763 from Boulogne, married 12 Feb1765 at Pleudihen;
Theodore Martin, family of Jean Sire (came in 1763 from other ports, and left for Cayenne);
Jean Bourg, 20yrs. (feux Francois Bourg et Marie-Josephe Hebert) on the ship “La Biche” prisoner 1760-1763.
On the 23 August, Bougainville returned to St. Malo to leave for the voyage. Preparations were complete, Choiseul had obtained all the authorizations needed, and Duclos-Guyot had completed the construction of the ships. “L’Aigle loaded 300 tons and was armed with 20 cannons. The “Sphinx,” 120 tons was armed with 8 cannons.
Captain of the “l’Aigle”: Nicolas-Pierre Duclos-Guyot, of S. Malo, France
Volunteers without salary: Michel Deufeu, de Rennes; Julien Crespel, de Rennes (deserted in Montevideo on 14Jan1763; Joseph Talbot, Acadian (I’ile de St. Jean), disembarked in Malouines to serve as a sailor.
Part stopped at Saint Malo 30Aug1763, approximately 98 persons.
Three families total, including: Augustin Benoist 24yrs, Acadian, his wife Francoise Terriot, 25yrs, children: Jean-Nicolas Benoist 3yrs., their son, and Genevieve Terriot, 15yrs., sister of Francoise Terriot (4 persons)
The “Sphinx” captain, Francois Chenard de La Giraudais, de Saint Malo, France
The “Sphinx” carried 41 persons. After sailing, three stowaways were found on-board: Etienne Pontgirard, Louis LeRoy, Julien Beguin of St. Servan. They were disembarked in Malouines and became mariners. They were to be sent back to France on the l’Aigle return trip, but they did not present themselves for the trip and were then declared deserters.
Of the 154 + 3 persons on the Bougainville expedition, 123 were Bretons of St. Malo and St. Servan, and 19 were Acadians/Canadians, 6 Parisians, 4 Normands, and 5 of other areas/countries.
The ships were inaugurated the 25th of August, the holiday honoring the King; 31 Aug. passengers embarked on the ships; 09Sept the ships left port. They were so packed, that it was a miracle they did not experience epidemics. They stopped in Montevideo and Rio de Janeiro for water, wood, and to buy cows and horses. While in Rio, several mariners and one volunteer deserted.
The ships arrived in view of des Malouines (Falkland Islands) on the 31Jan1764. On 17Feb, they landed onto the island with tents. They set up camp along a river. The first exploration of the islands revealed herbs, spongy ground, heather like that of Acadie, and many animals- ducks, geese, sea lions, etc. The biggest disappointment, however, was the lack of wood. This did not deter Bougainville, who decided to get wood from the Magellan Strait.
He ordered M. Lhuillier to draw up plans for a colony capable of sustaining 30 colonists. Two days later, in the North-west region, they took the first shovel to begin building the colony. There wasn’t enough wood, so even the oars were sacrificed to use as building tools. They discovered a deposit of peat that served as a source for forging and heating.
Bougainville also wanted to ensure the defense of the island, so thy built a powder holde and earth fortification and cleared an area capable of accomodating 14 cannons. Carpenter Lorrain Lucas sculpted a portrait of the King to place atop an obelisk, along with a fleur de lys and wooden medallions. The bottom medallion stated that France had taken possession of the island. While this building was going on, other officers explored the island’s flora and fauna and the cycle of the winds.
On the fifth of April the construction was completed and a return trip to France was being planned as a ceremony took place where it was named Fort Saint Louis as the Te Deum was sung and 21 shots salute rang out from the cannons.
Bougainville had the “Sphinx” sent to Guadeloupe to sell seal oil for the sugar refinery, and then take freight back to St. Malo.
When Bougainville leaves the Malouines (Falkland Islands) on the 9th, there are (29) people living on the island.
At this time, there are three persons in charge of the islands:
Bougainville de Nerveille, commandant
M. Martin, ecrivain et garde-magasin
M. Basle, chirurgien (surgeon)
Orders for division of labor:
Carpenter, Jean Cloutier, of St. Servan; Blacksmith, Francois Perrier of Coutances; Stone Mason, Antoine Guillard of St.Germin of Rennes; Cannons, Michel Beaumont, of Havre; Baker, Michel Evard, d’Avranches; 2nd Carpenter, Julien Brard, of St. Enogat; 3rd Carpenter, Claude de Cassou of St. Malo and Jeand Betuel of St. Servan; 2nd Cannonier Francois Hennier of Luxembourg; other, Guillaume Guichard dit Milles Hommes, of Pleurtuit.
Four sailors: Joseph Talbot of Ile Saint Jean, Etienne Pontgirard, Louis LeRoy, and Julien Beguin of St. Servan, France.
Civilians: Two Acadian families:
Famille de Guillaume Mervan dit Boucher: 7 persons (Guillaume, his wife, two infants, Mathurin Merven, the two sisters of Annd Bourneuf.
Famille de Auguste Benoist: 5 persons (Auguste, his wife, two infants, Genevieve Terriot, sister of Francoise Terriot. *NOTE: The Benoists have two infants as the number of civilians was twelve when Bougainville left the Malouines (Falklands). Their son, Francois, was born at the beginning of the year 1764.
After a voyage without incident, Bougainville arrived Morlaix on the 25th of May. He met with company officials to discuss the colony, and prepare for a second expedition.
RACINES & RAMEAUX FRANCAIS d’ACADIE Recherche Genealogique et Histoire de l’Acadie By Gerard Scavennec Des Acadiens Aux Malouines 2nd Part The second expedition of “ l’Aigle Upon arriving in France 28June1764, Bougainville finds that his protector, the Marquise de Pompadour had died. Lucky for him, Duke de Choiseul was still in favor of the colony in Malouines (Falkland Island). Bougainville proposed sending (50) more Acadian/Canadian colonists and buying two schooners that would be used to transport wood from the Strait of Magellan to the colony. Final negotiations proved difficult as La Gazette de Hollande announced that a small English exploratory fleet was preparing to leave for the Malouines Islands area. And most shocking was that the group was headed first to Spain. The Duke de Choiseul quickly understood that this “experimental” voyage was as Bougainville had predicted. Bougainville felt France was within her right to colonize the Malouines as Spain did not move to do so. Choiseul had Abbe Beliardi, France Counsul General to Spain approach the Spanish government with the idea that it was in Spain’s best interest that France held onto the Molouines in order to prevent the English from controlling all the waters of the Atlantic, and The Pact of Families between Spain and France was important in their working together to keep out the English. Choiseul then insisted Bougainvile to write two memoires- one for the King of France, and one for the Spanish court. He also told him to continue to pursue his second expedition, but without any financial promises. Another time he could possibly have handled the difficulties, but now Bougainville was concerned how he would pay back associates if he borrowed the money. On 01Aug1764 Bougainville had an audience with the King, and the expedition was approved. L’Aigle was to leave with 5 officers, 40 crew, writer, surgeon, with the intent to take on 100 passengers- 40 laborers, 60 men, women and children. Two schooners accompanied them to make the trip to the islands and continue with coastal navigations. They needed 60 tents and cattle from Cap Vert. Choiseul instructed that L’Aigle be armed and that the mission be kept secret. Three Canadian officers were chosen to form an alliance with the natives of the Strait of Magellan- Saint Simon, Cournoyer, and Hertel. Bougainville ran into financial problems once again and it did not help that Chenard de la Giraudais arrived St. Malo and stated that his voyage to Guadeloupe was disappointing and that the little freight brought back left no funds to refit his boat. Bougainville decided to sell the second vessel used during the first trip to the Malouines, the “Sphinx” and use these funds to finish preparing “l’Aigle” On the 29th of August Bougainvile returned to Paris and presented a new, detailed plan of action concerning the last details for his next voyage. This time he proposes 40-50 laborers. He clarifies that there are (333) Acadian families (total 1300 individuals) who have indicated they want to join the colonists in Malouines. Bougainville states that this will require 4 vessels in addition to the “L’Aigle” for transportation of such a large number. Meanwhile, the French occupation of the Malouines/Falkland Islands is making headlines in the foreign press. Holland states that if England does not contest, then Holland will, as they discovered the territory in 1594. This message made it hard for Spain to allow France to take over the Islands. The Bougainville project then was seen in as descending in interest by the French as money was short and politics were heating up over the occupation. Regardless, Choiseul gave orders to Guillot, commissaire de la Marine in St. Malo, to finish arming “l’Aigle.” The ship carried 28 officers and basic specialists. Before leaving Paris, Bougainville submitted to the Minister two Fort St. Louis construction projects. One was for the the village to be called Ville-Dubuc, and one for the citadel of Fort Laroque (named after first Frenchman who discovered les Malouines). On the 16th of September Bougainville took leave from the King and Minister and arrived St. Malo on the 22nd. The l’Aigle was ready and all that was left was bringing the passengers onboard. Alexandre Duclos Guyot was First Captain of the ship. Favorable winds allowed the second expedition to depart on 06 October. It should have left at least two months previous as the colonist in Malouines were already suffering. There were no Acadians listed as officers, Passengers pour la peche (17), nor Habitants (25 total). Only two Acadians were shown, listed as “No. 3 Passengers” Charles Denys de Saint Simon, officer from Canada, and Joseph Sire, son of Jean Sire and Marie Josephe Hebert. News came of many colonists dying of a yellow fever epidemic ravaging Guyana. This may have been the reason many Acadians who had shown interest beforehand, did not materialize for the voyage. The voyage was without incident. Two stow-aways were found aboard ship and ended up staying in Malouines: Louis Boucher, of St. Servan and Louis Mallet of St. Coulomb. It was the 03 January 1765 when the ship set anchor in front of Fort ST. Louis. On the voyage, one boy was born to the wife of Rene Bell-loche. As for the colonists from the first expedition, Bougainville found that one forgerer died while hunting- Francois Perryer; one marriage took place- Genevieve Theriot, 16yrs. b. 29Apr1748 (Pierre dt Marguerite Guerin) to Guillaume Guichard; one baptism, of Francois Benoist, (son of Augustin Benoist et Francoise Theriot). Bougainville noted that the first colonists had done fairly well in that there was fish and the animals had survived the winter. However, there was concern as to what to plant since the seed from France did not do well. In Bougainville’s absence the colonists kept busy constructing a store, a bakery, blacksmith shop, and new gunpowder storage. The sod fort was strengthened. Carpenters constructed small boats to be used for getting around the islands while hunting. Bougainville by land on a reconnaissance mission to see firsthand what the colonists thought was a strait between the islands. Augustin Benoist took Lhuillier, Belcour et St. Simon on his boat to view the area. On the 20th of January a small group decided to explore the highest point on the island- L’huillier, LeRoy, Benoist, Talbot, and two sailors, Brasse and Gilet. Some time later, “l’Aigle made its way to the Strait of Magellan to Patagonia, where the met the local native population. This mission was twofold: to establish contacts for future trade with the Patagonians, and obtain the much needed wood for the colony. Right before the ship left the colony, the colonists were plunged into mourning. There was a fishing accident where men drowned- Jacques Lamarre, de Ste Noyale; de Hamon, Laurent Fouquet; Jacques Allain de St. Servan, and Jean Gary of St. Malo. Their fishing boat was hit by a frigate. Bougainville was sure it was an English vessel. He quickly gathered men to try and follow the vessels to ensure they were going on, away from the colony. What he found was not one but three ships. When one ran aground, Bougainville put a dinghy out to sea to give assistance. The ship refused the assistance. Later Bougainvile would find that Commodore Byron, grandfather of the poet was at the helm. After observing the movements of the English, the men gathered plants- 10,000 trees for the colony. The encounter with the Patagonians was positive. They were not giants, nor wild savages as rumor had it. By 20 March, the “l’Aigle” was ready to depart. While Bougainville was gone, another attempt was made by Joseph Talbot to climb the highest peak and observe the strait that separated the islands. In 1765 the Malouines colony inhabitants now numbered (75). Bougainville again prepares to leave for France 27April. “L’Aigle” makes a stop in the Azores, leaving on 26 July, then on to St. Malo. Upon arrival Bougainvile quickly sets to work on the next voyage to the Malouines. Meanwhile, the Amsterdam Gazette of 13July1764 revealed the voyages of Bouganville resulted in colonists of both sexes in the Malouines. Spain quickly concluded that the true motives of France were to establish commerce, war, and control of access to the South American colonies and waters. If Spain allowed a foreign colony to set up so close to Spain’s South American colonies, how soon before their enemy, England, would also establish itself in the area and war would be eminent. Already Admiral Anson of England had presented a map of 1753 to the Spanish government indicating they planned to occupy the Malouines, which England named Falkland Islands, and that they considered it an English territory. Spain could not give approval to France what they had already denied to England and Spain felt duped by France. This put a strain on their relationship. On 14Dec1764, under recriminations from the Spanish ambassador, Choiseul signed an appeasement proposal to remove the French colonists, with one condition: that Spain forms an establishment to remove any reason England might have to try and occupy the islands. Spain knew the Malouines were the key to the exploitation of the riches of the New World so that made it impossible to abandon the colony. 04Feb1764 the two ministers were in agreement that the French evacuate the Malouines Islands. An inventory of arms, colonists, and materials were to be returned to Madrid to render an accounting. Secretly, Choiseul waited again so his protégé Bougainville could turn the situation around as he had countless times. However, the fate of the French colony was sealed. Bougainville arrived in Paris 17August1765. They tried to bide time and figure out how to disarm “l’Aigle” and Bougainville reiterated that England was going about its on business, ignoring Spain, and looking to establish its own land holdings in the area. Bougainville had seen the English vessels with his own eyes. Choiseul jumped on the idea and had Bougainville rewrite his accounting of his experiences and had Bougainville go to Spain and pleed his case to the Spanish court. As the Spanish minister was in good spirits, Bougainville profited by reminding the minister of the urgency of having a ship leave to resupply the colonists as provisions were vital to the colony. He already had a plan to present where La Giraudais would go to Rochefort and arm a ship destined to transport provisions to the Malouines. Any new colonists would be informed that the decision had been made to hand over the colony to Spain. Meanwhile, couriers were expedited from London to Paris, to Madrid, confirming the English intention to occupy the Malouines/Falkland Islands. Choiseul wrote to his Spanish allies that there was no more pressing issue than to ensure the defense of the colony. He also made reference to Bougainville’s predictions of England’s behavior; that this sound observation had been disputed by the Marquis Grimaldi of Madrid. **************************************************************** RACINES & RAMEAUX FRANCAIS d’ACADIE Recherche Genealogique et Histoire de l’Acadie By Gerard Scavennec Des Acadiens Aux Malouines The Third expedition of “ l’Aigle Having decided to attempt to keep the Malouines (Falkland) Islands for France, Choiseul, on the 26th of October, ordered Guillot to arm “l’Aigle” in the manner already exercised with the previous expeditions. A few days later, he gave the instructions for La Giraudais and to Nerville. “l’Etoile” chosen for the transport of provisions due to its great capacity, left Rochefort on the 9th of November and when winds were favorable, left l’ile Aix on the 25th of November. One passenger died of respiratory problems enroute to the Malouines- Jean Thibauld. The following Acadians were onboard the ship, “l’Aigle”: George Charpentier, 34 Yrs., laborer from l’Isle St. Jean (Prince Edward Island) (medium ht., chestnut brown hair), son of Charles Charpentier et Marie Josephe Chesnay); Anne Sire, 26yrs., wife of George Charpentier, daughter of Jean Sire Genevieve Marguerite, daughter of George Charpentier et Anne Sire Theotiste Simone Charpentier, daughter of George Charpentier et Anne Sire Jean Sire, 52yrs., laborer from Acadie (medium build, brown hair), son of Pierre Sire et Claire Cormier Marie Joseph Hebert, 53yrs., wife of Jean Sire; daughter of Jean-Emmanuel Hebert et Madeleine Dugas Theotiste Sire, 20yrs, son of Jean et Marie Joseph Hebert Francoise Sire, 17yrs., (she later married Julien Brard, sailor on “l’Aigle” who stayed on as a colonist Modeste Sire, 16yrs. Felicite Sire, 11yrs. Charlotte Hebert, 21yrs., sister of Marie-Josephe Hebert Paul Quessy, 8yrs., orphan and nephew of Charlotte Hebert Madeleine Henry, 21yrs., niece from Acadie (she married Michel Beaumon) Joseph Granger, 26yrs., from Acadie, laborer (medium ht, chestnut-brown hair), son of Joseph Granger and Marguerite Theriot Marie Sire, 24yrs., wife of Joseph Grainger; daughter of Jean Sire et Marie Josephe Hebert Joseph Constant, one year, son of Joseph Granger et Marie Sire Amand LeBlanc, 23yrs., laborer, (medium build, chestnut-brown hair), son of Felix LeBlanc Paul Babin, 31 yrs., (medium build, chestnut-brown hair), laborer, son of Pierre Babin Jean Henry, 47yrs., (medium build, chestnut-brown hair), hired for 900 pounds to construct a wood mill building materials, son of Jean Henry et Marie Hebert Francois Henry, 26yrs., (medium build, brown hair), former prisoner of the English, hired to assist his brother at 45 pounds per month Charles Henry, 29yrs., another brother, hired at 40 pounds per month The non-Acadians on board were: Antoine Lamoureaux de Guyenne; Francois(e) de la Poulle; Francois Renaud, baker, de Paimpol; Julienne Bodo; Jean-Jacques Henry, butcher de St. Servan; Pierre Clermont, 40yrs de Louisbourg; Sebastien Nel, carpenter, de St. Servan; Pierre Poirrier, 20yrs, slate worker, de Plaine Jugon; Charles Giribardy, 17yrs., novice sailor, de St. Servan; Julien Madec, mason de Plumergat; Pierre Joseph Thibault, of L’isle en Flandres (Lille); Francois Cousin de Belfort; Jean Guillaume Perron de St. Servan; Francois Suard, blacksmith, de St. Malo; Dominique Du Broca, 39yrs., tanner, de St. Servan; Francois Mourrier d’Avignon; Claude Joseph Jourdan de Macon; Pierre Pambour de St. Aubin du Cormier; Jean Houet, gardener, de Carfantan; Thomas Giloin, laborer, de Loup du Luc, Dol de Bretagne; Julienne Betuel, 16yrs, de Sevigne; Jean Chenais, 22yrs., de St. Servan. Bougainville, confidant of the fate of the colony, entered Paris where he will serve as counselor to the Duke de Choiseul. On 07April1766, Choiseul took over Foreign Affairs, while his cousin took over the post of Marine Affairs. Bougainville was chosen aide-major and charged with the carrying out of diplomatic missions, his counterpart being the Marquis de Grimaldi and the Catholic King. Bougainville was to take to Spain a plan proposing the military alliance between France and Spain against England and to negotiate the occupation of the Malouines Islands (Falkland Islands). The memoires Bougainville presented were ignored as Spain considered the Spanish occupation and evacuation of the French colonists as already finalized and in no need of further discussion. Spain also refused compensation to Bougainville for the expenses of having established the colony. This was not only a failure for Bougainville, but also the demise of him and his family. The French Ambassador exposed Bougainville’s shortcomings to the French court. Charles III who still had confidence in Choiseul, ordered that his envoy should hasten to appear before the court. Then the question of the Malouines was definitely ordered by the unanimous agreement of the Counseil des Ministres. The French kingdom abandoned the establishment of Fort St. Louis and the Spanish would begin immediate occupation of the colony. Bougainville was to cease operations as of 31December1766. The transfer of the colony to Spain was to take place 01January1767. Bougainville also offered to lead the first envoy into the colony and formally introduce the new commander of the colony. He also proposed that for two years, France leave officers and sailors familiar with the South Atlantic coasts and the Strait of Magellan, and colonists who could assist Spain with building their new colony. The French Ambassador to London wrote to his superiors that France and Spain should inquire into the return of Byron and question the mystery surrounding his voyage. Documents and maps concerning the voyage were sent to Choiseul and Bougainville analyzed them. In January when Byron visited other islands, he “slipped” and made known location of his intended colony. It was none other than the larger of the two Malouines Islands (Falkland Is.)- where Lavary Le Roy had seen two English ships. The English were going to name their base Fort Egmont. In Paris, the Court felt righteous in terms of their relationship with Spain, in that Bougainville’s predictions, concerning the intentions of the English, were materializing. England declared they were going to set up a establishment on the lands (they) discovered in 1593. Neither Spain, nor France could oppose them. On the 21st of July the Count of Fuentes summoned Bougainville. He demanded the turnover of the Malouines to Spain proceed immediately. A frigate was being armed in Cadiz, Spain. It would carry soldiers and their families, supplies, and 20 to 25 Spanish families. As for France, she was also preparing boats to get her colonists back- except those who were agreeable to living under the Spanish government. Bougainville had said he would go to Cadiz to guide the Spanish ships into the Malouines, but he changed his mind and said he sail on “l’Aigle” and meet the Spanish in Montevideo. While pretending to tend to “l’Aigle” and “l’Etoile” what Bougainville actually had in mind was an old pet project of his where a French colony would be established in the South Pacific Ocean, in the Marquesas Islands. It would give France access to Australia, and he wanted to be the first Frenchman to carry out circumnavigation of the world. In London, the espionage was heavy with information and disinformation rapidly going flying back and forth. The French source was certainly a “double-agent” close to the English court. It was understood that England was gathering an armada of warships to go to the Malouines and reinforce their claim to the islands. This would most certainly lead to war. There was panic in Paris and Madrid as time was short to prevent the English takeover. Believing Spain would prevail, Bougainville went back to Spain hoping to get reimbursed for his and his benefactors’ expenses in setting up the colony. On 01 September, Chenard de la Giraudais returned aboard “l’Etoile” to Rochefort and advised the assembly that the colony was developing satisfactorily. When he delivered the last group of colonists, “l’Aigle” quickly left for the Strait of Magellan to get much needed wood for the colony. They once again met with the Patagonian tribes, exchanged gifts, and set up a peace pact between France and the locals. However, farther down, where the wood was plentiful, a different tribe was in place. All went well for a few days, then one night, the French were attacked by the natives. Many French were injured and natives were killed. “l’Aigle” made it back to the colony and then prepared for the return trip to Rochefort, France. During this time, Lavarie LeRoy and Desperriers, aboard the goelette “Croisade” explored the coasts, natural ports, and made maps of their discoveries. The sailors began construction on two new fishing boats. In France, the Duke of Praslin ordered the rearming, in Rochefort, of “l’Etoile” under the command of Sieur de La Giraudais, for the return of 140 French colonists. It was loaded with essential supplies and ceremonial items that Bougainville was taking to the Malouines and then for the continuation of his voyage from there. Nothing prevented “l’Etoile” from accompanying the King’s frigate, “La Boudeuse” which had been armed in Nantes. It was this ship Bougainville would actually embark on once leaving the port. La Giraudais had the latitude to choose officers from the “officiers bleu” while Bougainville was held to marine officers and young “gardes du pavillon” who were to get their experience on the seas. The voyage Bougainville was undertaking did have a scientific bent. It was to be the first circumnavigation by a Frenchman and was estimated to last 18 months. On board was Commerson, versed in natural medicine, assisted by a specialist in observing and documenting the flora and fauna of the travels; an astronomer to document eclipses and calculate the longitude to map out islands encountered. They even had an experimental ocean-water desalinization machine. Officers of “La Boudeuse” Commandant L.A. de Bougainville captain de Vaisseau; Second Captain Nicolas Pierre Duclos-Guyot; First Lt. Chevalier de Bournand; Chevalier d’Oraison, ensign; Chevalier du Bouchage, ensign; Chevalier de Suzanet, Marine guard; Chevalier de Cramezel de Kerhue, Pavilion guard; Sieur Josselin Le Corre, officier bleu; Sieur de St. Germain marine chronicler; R.P.Lavaisse, armorer; Sieur LaPorte, surgeon; Pierre Duclos-Guyot, Alexandre Duclos-Guyot sons of the captain- volunteers; Charles-Felix, volunteer, Denis Couture de St. Servan, manager of the equipment; Germain Bongour of St. Malo, second mate; Etienne Lionais. Others: Main Pilot Jean-Rio Dujour of St. Nazaire; 3 Second Pilots: Jean-Francois Oury of St. Malo; Chales Oger, of St. Malo; Joseph Herpin of Paimboeuf; two aid-pilots: Francois Guillaume de Vinne, 19yrs., canadien, of Montfort, cousin of de Bougainville and Benoist; Cannonier P. Feillet; Aides Canonnier, Alexandre Le Grand; Carpenter Tayset (who later was left in Montevideo with the Spanish, along with three other medical patients); Clfat, Jean-Baptiste Alegot; Sailboat expert, Louis Le Breton; coastal expert Isaac LeRoy (died later 27Apr1768), etc. In total, there were (54) tenured marine officers. Sergeant Osserre of the ‘ile de Re regiment, (4) corporals and 25 soldiers; (6) domestics for the Commander, of which (3) were negro, and ; (6) domestics for the officers. In total, (231) persons left the port of Paimboeuf on 15November1766. There was one stop in Brest to repair minor damages from high winds. The ship finally leaves 05December1766. Three days later, the older ship, “l’Aigle” was taken to St. Malo to be disarmed, before being delivered to the Spanish. In Rochefort, La Giraudais was having the “l’Aigle” disarmed, and was working on reducing the equipment in order to provide space for 100 people. He took on those who did not have enough time to get onto the “Boudeuse” in Nantes. He also took on an astronomer, Lemoyne’s son (19yrs), a scientist working with Commerson, a draughtsman Jossigny and a domestic servant who responded to the name de Barre’ (who later was found to actually be a woman disguised as a man). For his second-in-command, La Giraudais chose Louis Caro, elder officer with experience and first lieutenant for the “Compagnie des Indes.” Lts. Joseph Donat de Lagarde, Pierre Landais, Lafontaine-Villaubrun (who replaced Hercouet), “blue” officers; mapmakers Michaud, Vivesjeune, surgeon; the senior Buet de Quimper, aumonier; (2) volunteers- G. Riouffe and Lemoyne de Montchevry. Under Francois Blanchard, Equipment and Jean Martin second mate there were a number of ship’s workers, including Guillaume Dubois, Assistant Pilot; Pierre Constantin, Second Pilot; Nicolas Vinet Assistant cannonier; Pierre Orsonneau coastal pilot; Jean Loran of St. Malo, bower (later died 10July1768); Armorer Labarre; and numerous other persons with specific jobs aboard ship. The ship took (116) persons and 15 months provisions. It left l’ile d’Aix on the 2nd of February and went to Montevideo before the Malouines. The “Boudeuse” arrived Montevideo 31January1767. The Spanish were expecting them the previous month, nonetheless, they were not prepared to take on the ocean. Bougainville made the protocol visits, bought provisions, and was ready to continue his voyage, but the “l’Etoile” had not arrived. It was on the 28th of February that, in the company of Spanish frigates, he got underway for the trip to the Malouines, where they arrived in Port St. Louis 23rd of March. Bougainville had the pleasure of finding his cousin and old friends and finding the colony having developed since his last visit. Nerville told him about the arrival of an English Capt. MacBride on the frigate “Jason” at the beginning of December, 1766. The English left after the colonists defended themselves, but vowed to return and expel the colonists within two months. The events were confirmed by locals in Malouines, before the French and Spanish officials. Guided by a French pilot, the Spanish arrived 24th of March, saw the colony, and admired the beauty of the bay. It was decided that the French colony would be officially turned over to Spain on the 1st of April. On the 29th of March, drums called the inhabitants to assemble in front of the governor’s home. The invalids La Verdure and Lusignan were brought, Lavary Leroy and the equipment from “Croisade”, the supples, and the families were assembled. This particular moment was extremely emotional. Bougainville gave the King’s letter he was carrying to Nerville. Nerville read it at the top of his voice in the presence of the Spanish commandant. The French King requested that his people, the inhabitants of the Malouines colonsy, were to be given the freedom to return to France on the vessels provided, and allow those that choose, to remain under the domination of Spain, and, should they request to return to France- be allowed to do so. Bougainville passed in review of all the colonists, heads of families, and single individuals, asking each individual if they consented to permanent residence in the colony. He noted that one family requested to take up residence with the Spanish. These people had labor specialties: blacksmiths, carpenters, sawmillers of long boards, masons, and sailors familiar with navigation of the islands. (37) persons chose to stay. (20) and (17) laborers, soldiers, and sailors. Bougainville negotiated with the Spanish on setting the best salaries he could for the French workers remaining in the colony. The 1st of April in a new ceremony, next to the harbor, the French flag was lowered, that of Spain, was raised, and possession of the Malouines was declared. The name was then changed to “Las Malvinas.” The French left (36) masons. Labor was needed to reinforce the earth battlements. They had (14) cannons, (2) mortars, and (8) cannonball makers. These armaments made the English smile ever since the visit of the “Jason” which was armed with 32 cannons. From the telescope, they counted (70) personnel defending the colony- the English were correct). The Spanish assessed that there were other shortcomings. In three years, a church had not been erected; farm animals had escaped, and not recaptured; the gardens did not do well due to the cold weather; the islands were not conducive to growing grain needed by the colony. The positive aspects were the abundance of hunting and fishing- enough to ensure the survival of the colony; lots of fresh water for drinking and beer-making. The Spanish wrote about their disappointment with the living conditions and wrote to their benefactors to hurry providing provisions and equipment for the colony, and pointed out that possibly one of the two islands was occupied by England. **************************************************************** RACINES & RAMEAUX FRANCAIS d’ACADIE Recherche Genealogique et Histoire de l’Acadie By Gerard Scavennec Des Acadiens Aux Malouines The Fourth, and Last expedition to the Malouines Islands: Those who stayed, and those who returned to France Bougainville spoke of two families who were determined to stay in “les Malouines” and continue their adventure. Documentation has not been found in the Spanish records kept in London, documenting which personnel decided to stay and assist the new occupants (Spain). Using ancient lists and documents found elsewhere, population growths can be projected as in the case of the daughters of Jean Sire, who married to spouses Charpentier and Granger. Those young women could have become pregnant around the time Bougainville left les Malouines. If that were the case, we could understand their not traveling. We can also surmise that most families had children in 1767, after the French colony passed to Spain, Jean Sire’s family could have reached (15) persons, and included niece Charlotte Hebert and nephew Paul Quessy. Also, the Guillaume Mervin and the two sisters Bourgneuf, married and constituted one family. Those who chose to leave left in two groups, and went first to Montevideo on the Spanish frigates. Bougainville was anxious about the delay of “l’Etoile.” He thought she had probably tried to get to Rio de Janeiro before returning to France. This hitch forced him to give up on his circumnavigation project. Bougainville wanted to keep his cousin Nerville close to him, so he put the colonists under the command of Desperriers. He boarded the “Esmeralda” with Martin who was bringing back all the papers and accounting of the colony, Lavary Leroi, Calaman, Saint Marc, Martin’s son, Mace Le Redde, (21) men, (7) women, and (17) children. On the “Liebre” there were (43) aboard. It was Saint Simon who commanded the French and accompanied Bougainville, abbe’ Deserto-Duguerard, Basle’, Oury, (25) men, (5) women, (8) children, with a total of (95)persons. “Esmerelda” Capt. of Infantry, Desperriers; Contado de Marina, Martin; Capt. del Puerto, Lavarie LeRoy; Capt.of Artillery, Calamand; Secretary to Lavary, St. Marc; Ensign Martin Alferez and son; Surgeon, Mace Le Redde; Beaumont, wife Madalena Henri; Marine Pilot, Jean/Juan Palot; Infalid soldier, Jacques Bousse LaVerdure and his wife Juana Chenais; Pedro Poirier. Juan el Roy, his wife and three children; Carlos Becine, Pedro Poirier. Sebastian Nel. Julian Madec; Pedro Faverau (one of two deaths at La Plata); Pedro Audeux; Belloche, wife, and (5) children; Pedro Beaugendre, wife, (3) children; Domingo du Brocard (for DuBrocca); Joseph Jordan (for Jourdan); Guillermo Malivain, his wife and (4) children (for Mervin); Alain Cuquet. LaViuda and Bail and two children; Francesco Gadequ; Phelipe Charlet, Crumere del Sr. Lavarie. “La Liebre” Capt. Of Infantry, De Saint Simon; De Romainville; De Sertos of Gerald Capellan (for Guerard, chaplain); Mayor, Basle’; Company Administrator, Oury; S. Dufour and his son; Fouquet and his son; Juan/Jean Vicours, his wife and son; Buchard; Noel Prejean (Prigent); Pedro Cartier; Juan/Jean LeDeur; Luis Huard; Amant LeBlanc; Paulo Babin; Jean Henri; Carlos Henri, Juan Henri; Antonio Guillard; Guillermo Guichard, his wife and one child; Francois Renaut (Renard), wife and son; Benoit, wife, and (3) children; Antoio Lamereaux (Lamoureaux) and wife; Joseph Vau; Nicolas Dauphionot; Thomas Gilomar (for Giloin); Pedro Clermont; Juan Houet; Francesco Chauvrier (maybe Mourrier); Curtagion Du Bail; Criado del Capellan. (43) total *The List is dated Islas Malvinas 17April1767. Signed by Bougainville. In the accounts, some are shown as colonists, and in the same accounts, as sailors, and same names have appeared as Acadians and as Bretons. Such names are: Jean Henry, Francois Henry, J. Talbot, Mathurin Mervin, Jean Cyr (Sire), Francoise Cyr, ets. On file in the British Museum is a letter from Bougainville to the Governor of the colony of La Plata, Don F. Bucarelli, Aux Isles Malouines 21Apr1767 in essence: “…Pour mois, j’attends l’Etoile et je commence a trouver qu’elle tarde a venir. Je compte l’attendre jusqu’a la fin de mai et pendant ce temps, mon equipage et moi, nous serons a la disposition de m. de Ruys. Agreea les compliments du Prince de Nassau et les assurances du respectueaux attachement avec lequel j’ai l’honneur d’etre, Monsieur De votre Excellence, de Bougainville.” With death in his soul, Bougainville left the colony on the 1st of June, after having visited the island for the last time. The 20th of June he arrived Rio de Janiero where he found “l’Etoile.” La Giraudais, conscious of his delay, decided to stay in Rio instead of Montevideo, contrary to orders. His boat had taken on water. Bougainville got an accounting of the difficulties of his two boats in their travels. The 14th of July Bougainville left Rio for Montevideo, where had made arrangements for the final provisions. “La Boudeuse” still had to replace its sails. It appeared that the shipworkers in Rochefort and Nantes were not good workers. And then, there was the issue of the ill who were suffering from epidemics on the “l’Etoile.” Bougainville’s cousin, Nerville was also taken ill. The colonists were still in Montevideo, and had not been repatriated to France. The Spanish were preoccupied with the expulsion of the Jesuits. Their priority was to get the Jesuits loaded onto the ships headed to Cadiz. Many colonists died, some deserted, and Bougainville recruited a dozen personnel from the rants of sailor and mariner. At the end of August, a number of former colonists boarded five boats to set sail in September. “St. Esteban” 20 people, 1 member of l’etat-major: Martin and 19 inhabitants arrived CadiZ, Spain 05Jan1768; “Venus” Bougainville and Nerville; “Paxaro” : Calaman, deserter (expressed with remorse, and taken back), and 10 inhabitants. Arrived Cadiz 05Jan1768; “Nuestra Senora de los Remedios” five (5) persons, (2) members of l’etat major (Martin’s son and Mace le Redde) and three inhabitants. They arrived much later in Bayonne on the “Princessa” with (36) inhabitants; “Principe”: (4) persons, (3) members of l’etat-major, desperriers, Saint Simon, Saint Marc, and one inhabitant, the domestic, Noel Prigent. They arrived Ferrol on the 12th January 1768. Seven (7) children were born since they departure from the Malouines to Montevideo. That left (5) families, 25 people total and (12) isolated. Eight (8) inhabitants received the authorization to stay due to their ill health or having found the life in Montevideo advantageous. Two of them made plans to leave at a later date. The five (5) families: Beaumont and Madeleine Henry, his wife, and niece of Jean Sire four children; Le Roy and Marie Caret, wife, and four children; Belleloche and Jeanne Guillaume, wife and five children; Henrion, wife and two children (identity of wife not known, but could have been one of the Bourgneuf sisters. Francoise Clausier and child. These families went aboard the “Nuestra Senora de los Remedios” on 24October1768 at Ferrol, steered towards Bayonne. Many were left in the Montevideo Spanish colony for many long months, some up to (18) months, before returning to Europe. Once in Spain, there was more time spent waiting on government approval for return to France. August Benoit, a few years later, with much bitterness, headed a group of (15), petitioned to be compensated by Bougainville, who they accused of owing them (18) months’ salary (since 01Apr1767, date of secession to Spain). The current minister “whitewashed” Bougainville, having found him beyond reproach, and pointed to Spain as having intentionally not met its obligations. Nevertheless, the minister ordered that the (15) be given assistance. When he returned to France, Bougainville actually gave assistance to certain colonists, such as Guillaume Mervin, his wife, their three children, and to Sophie Bourgneuf. It should be noted that Sophie returned alone, unmarried. Bougainville also did the same for Beaumont and Madeleine Henry. Jean Cyr is found with several members of his family in St. Malo, France at the end of 1771, in possession of a passport to be delivered to Bordeaux on 03September1768. Francois Henry, who was godfather to his brother Charles Henry’s on 27December1770. This shows returnees were dispersed. On 13November1767, Bougainville left the river of La Plata, and found French living comfortably in an old Jesuit property- Ensenada. We find that Bougainville was not yet done with the Americas as he is found as commander of the “Guerrier” 13March1777. He was part of a cadre of vessels under Admiral d’Estaing, who participated in the battle of Newport in 1778. He is also found on “L’August” 07March1781 as Chief of Naval fleet of Count de Grasse, battling against England in the Battle of Deux Caps and Battle of the Chesapeake. These military operations resulted in the final victory at Yorktown. It is presumed that sailors and soldiers from St. Malo, St. Servan, Brest, and Nantes were Acadians in exile in those ports. Sources: Bougainville: Journal; Dom Pernetty: Histoire d’un voyage aux Isles Malouines; JEMartin Allanic: Bougainville Navigateur. PUF 1964; AM Brest Amiraute de ST. Malo. (Roles d’armenment); British Museum: Ad. Manuscript 32603; AN fonds Colonies; AN fonds Marine; Cahier de la SHA Vol. 15 #2 & 3. Translated by novice, Rebecca Benoit, September, 2007
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Translated by (novice) Rebecca Benoit, September, 2007