Édouard Jean Joseph de Laborde de Marchainville facts for kids
Édouard Jean Joseph de Laborde de Marchainville was a brave French explorer and naval officer. He was born in Paris, France, on June 26, 1762. Sadly, he died quite young, on July 13, 1786. This happened in Lituya Bay, Alaska, during an important exploration trip.
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Édouard's Early Life
Édouard de Marchainville was born into a large family. His father was Jean-Joseph de Laborde, a very wealthy banker. His mother was Rosalie Claire Josèphe de Nettine. Édouard had eight brothers and sisters. One of his brothers was François Laborde de Méreville.
Édouard began his naval career in 1780. He served on a ship called la Couronne. His captain was named Luc Urbain de Bouexic, comte de Guichen. Édouard showed great courage during battles in the American Revolutionary War. His captain was so impressed that he praised Édouard in his reports.
Later, Édouard served on other ships. These included l'Aigrette and la Résolue. On these ships, he worked as an "officer in charge of details." This meant he helped manage the ship's daily operations.
Commanding a Ship
By 1784, Édouard was skilled enough to command his own ship. He became the captain of a small warship called la Fauvette. A corvette is a type of fast, small warship. He sailed from Newport, Rhode Island, heading towards île de France.
His ship was sailing with another ship, le Réfléchi. However, a sudden storm hit them near Newfoundland. The ships got separated in the bad weather. Édouard had to return with only his ship, la Fauvette.
A Sailor and Scientist
Édouard was known for being a good and brave sailor. But he was also very interested in science. He did his own scientific research. For his efforts, he received a special "sea telescope" in 1777.
In 1785, he got permission to travel. He spent three months in England and the Netherlands. He wanted to learn even more about science. When he returned to Brest in June 1785, he was chosen for a new role. He became an additional officer on the ship l'Astrolabe. It is likely that his former commander, Fleuriot de Langle, asked for Édouard to join his crew again.
The La Pérouse Expedition
Édouard de Marchainville joined a very important journey. This was the La Pérouse expedition. It was a major French voyage of exploration around the world. Sadly, Édouard and his brother, Ange, died during this expedition. They were lost at sea in 1786.
To honor his sons, their father, Jean-Joseph de Laborde, built a special monument. He placed a beautiful blue-turquoise marble column at his château de Méréville. This column was decorated with four ship bows. It was a way to remember the bravery and virtues of his two sons.
