Pierre Le Moyne D'Iberville - Queen Anne's War and Death

Queen Anne's War and Death

In 1702, England and France were again at war (War of the Spanish Succession, 1701-1714). D'Iberville had contracted malaria on the Gulf coast, and both his health and judgment seem to have deteriorated. Early in 1706, he left France in command of twelve vessels. From 1 to 22 April, he devastated the island of Nevis and took the entire population prisoner. He went to Havana, where he was involved in planning an an expedition against Charles Town, Carolina, when he died suddenly, perhaps of yellow fever, in July, 1706.

After his death, his estate became involved in an inquiry that dragged on for more than thirty years. D'Iberville had acquired a large fortune by uncertain means. The accounts of the West Indian expedition were hopelessly disorganized; there were accusations of embezzlement. His widow, Marie Thérèse Pollet (24 March 1672 – 1740) was forced to pay back a large part of her inheritance.

D'Iberville was perhaps the first great soldier born in Canada. Students of the art of war may see his career as an example of the importance of following up after a victory, for he won all his battles but never was able to consolidate what he had won.