Isaac de Razilly | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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Isaac de Razilly

Isaac de Razilly, naval captain, knight of Malta, colonizer and lieutenant-general in Acadia (b at Château d'Oiseaumelle, Touraine, France 1587; d at La Hève, Acadia 1636).

Razilly, Isaac de

Isaac de Razilly, naval captain, knight of Malta, colonizer and lieutenant-general in Acadia (b at Château d'Oiseaumelle, Touraine, France 1587; d at La Hève, Acadia 1636). In 1626, after naval service in various parts of the world, Razilly wrote an influential memorandum to Cardinal Richelieu on French sea power and the need for the expansion of French colonies in N America. In 1632 he was selected to lead an expedition to re-establish the colony of Acadia after 3 years of Scottish occupation. With his headquarters at La Hève and an establishment of some 300 soldiers and colonists, Razilly worked effectively to consolidate the French hold on Acadia until his unexpected death in 1635.