[Born at Dieppe, in France, 1610. Died in Paris, 1688. Aged 78.]
One of the most famous sea-captains of France. At the age of seventeen,
he already gained great distinction by his deeds against the Spaniard.
During the minority of Louis XIV. entered the navy of Sweden, and
destroyed the fleet of Christian IV. of Denmark. Returning to France,
performed illustrious service against Spain and Holland combined;
opposed Ruyter and Van Tromp, and gained important victories over both.
Ruyter he completely defeated near Messina, winning that city for the
French. In 1683, bombarded Algiers, and in 1684, humbled Genoa.
Duquesne, being a Protestant, did not receive from his royal master the
highest rank in the French navy, but he was created a Marquis, and upon
the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, his was the sole name not
included in the general proscription. Louis XIV. expressed to this great
sailor his regret that he could not recompense his services as they
merited, because of his religious faith. When Duquesne repeated this to
his wife, she said, “You ought to have replied:--‘Sire, if I am a
Protestant, my services are Catholic.’” Like Nelson, Duquesne was in
private life admired for his gentleness and sterling worth.
[For an account of this statue, see Handbook of Modern Sculpture, No.
92.]