or Perouse, John Francis Galoup de la, the celebrated but unfortunate French navigator, was born at Albi in the year 1741. His father intended to train him up to a maritime life, for which purpose he sent him, when very young, to the marine school, where he became enthusiastically attached to his profession, and ambitious to emulate the fame of the most celebrated navigators.

He was appointed midshipman on the 19th of November 1756, behaving with great bravery in that station; and was severely wounded in the engagement between Hawke and Conflans, on the 20th of November 1759. The Formidable, in which he served, was taken, after a vigorous resistance; and it is probable that Peyrouse reaped some advantage from his acquaintance with British officers.

He was promoted, on the 1st of October 1764, to the rank of lieutenant; and as he abhorred a life of ease and idleness, he contrived to be employed in six different ships of war during the peace that subsisted between Great Britain and France. In 1767 he was promoted to the rank of master and commander. In 1779 he commanded the Amazone, belonging to the squadron of Vice-admiral Count d'Eftang; and when that officer engaged Admiral Byron, the post of La Peyrouse was to carry the orders of the admiral to the whole of the line. He afterwards took the sloop Ariel, and contributed to the capture of the Experiment.

In the year 1782, La Peyrouse was sent with the Sceptre of 74 guns, and two frigates of 36 guns each, with some troops and field-pieces on board, to destroy the English settlements in Hudson's Bay, which was easily accomplished, as nothing was found on shore to oppose the smallest force. Having destroyed the settlements, he learned that some of the English had fled at his approach into the woods. He generously left them provisions and arms to defend themselves against the savages.

In the year 1785, he was appointed to the command of some ships employed in a voyage round the world, which unfortunately proved his last. Of this voyage, as far as it was accomplished, full accounts have been already published, from which it is manifest that Peyrouse was admirably qualified to discharge such a trust. He was an experienced and skilful seaman; a man of mathematical and physical science, uncorrupted by that false philosophy which disgraced many of his attendants, and capable of the utmost perseverance in every commendable pursuit. To these excellent qualities he added caution and courage, with a disposition truly benevolent towards the savages whom he visited. Most of the calamities attendant on the voyage, with the exception of the last, were occasioned by the disobedience of his officers, or their neglecting to follow his advice.

The last dispatches of this great and truly excellent man were dated from Botany Bay, February 7, 1788; and since that period, no account of him has been received which is entitled to the smallest credit.