ROBERVAL, Jean Francois de la Roque, Sieur de, French colonist, born about 1500" died at sea in 1547. He was a nobleman of Picardy, and the first person that attempted to colonize New France after Cartier. He had gained distinction as an officer in the army, and, having obtained the king's consent to govern and colonize Canada, he sailed for that country in 1542. He reached his destination in safety, wintered at Stadacona (now Quebec), and sent two vessels to France for provisions, which he did not receive. He then led an unsuccessful expedition into the interior of the country, losing fifty-eight men at Quebec, and one ship. Instead of sending Roberval aid, the king ordered Cartier to bring him home, as his services would be valuable in the war in Picardy. He performed several gallant exploits, but in 1547 sailed a second time for Canada with a large and valuable expedition, but was wrecked on the passage, and all perished.