The spectacular life of the multitalented swashbuckler, who was the third of 12 sons of Charles Le Moyne, reads like a Hollywood film series. His father arrived in Canada in 1641 at age 15 as an indentured servant of the Jesuits, then quickly learned a number of Native American languages. Charles became the wealthiest person in Montreal through his success in the pelt trade. Pierre expanded his father’s networks as a leader in a force gathered in 1682 to drive the English from their lucrative Hudson’s Bay Company trading forts. Their spectacular initial victories made Pierre very rich. During the next 15 years, control of these various stations alternated. A formal division was made in 1697, by which time Pierre also was making huge profits from the fish trade.
During the ensuing decade, French policy aimed at flanking the English colonies by asserting control over the Mississippi. In 1698-99, Iberville headed an expedition to the mouth of the Mississippi, where the French erected Fort Maurepas. Returning to France, he was awarded the cross of the Order of Saint-Louis, becoming the first Canadian-born recipient. The success of the French southern strategy led to pelts being drained away from northern traders, generating business enemies at home. Iberville’s pro-Indian policies and alliances combined with ruthless strategies led to more military successes, but bouts of malaria and strained French naval commitments slowed his new efforts. In 1706 he led a squadron of a dozen vessels to the Caribbean, where they pillaged Nevis and prepared to sweep the islands. However, Iberville died suddenly in Havana, ending his flamboyant career. Allegations of fraud perpetrated during the Caribbean campaign drained the resources of his widow and led the entire family into disrepute.
—Marshall Joseph Becker
World History
