ST. PIERRE & MIQUELON, 1973, explorers series, Scott C53
CANADA, 1966, 3rd centenary of the arrival in Canada of René-Robert Cavelier, Scott 446
the stamp pictures a map of seventeenth century Canada, a spyglass, ship, and La Salle himself
FRANCE, 1982, 3rd centenary of the discovery of Louisiana, Scott 1848

USA, 1982, 3rd centenary of La Salle's claiming Louisiana, Scott UX95

René-Robert Cavelier, later known of Sieur de La Salle, was born at Rouen on the twenty-first of November, 1643. His father, a wealthy merchant, sent him to the Jesuit college at Rouen, where he entered the Jesuit novitiate in 1658 and took vows in 1660. He was sent to Paris and later to La Fléche to continue his studies. He taught grammar in various provincial towns — Alençon, Tours, Blois. In 1666 he asked to be sent to the China missions, even promising that his father would pay for his passage and his upkeep there. When this request was turned down he asked to be assigned as professor of mathematics in Portugal, and when he was again refused, he decided to leave the order. Francis Parkman writes, "La Salle left the Jesuits, parting with them, it is said, on good terms, and with a reputation of excellent acquirements and unimpeachable morals." He was released from his vows in March of 1667, after he had set out for the New World and a life of exploration. He is especially known for claiming Louisiana in 1682 for the king of France. More

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