A letter sent to King Francis I of France, now known as the Cèllere Codex, details the 1524 expedition that led this Florentine navigator to survey the Atlantic coastline from Florida to New Brunswick. Seeking a maritime passage to China, he charted New York Bay and Narragansett Bay while operating under the flag of the French crown.
Early Career in France
Born in 1491 in Greve in Chianti, he maintained his identity as a citizen of the Republic of Florence throughout his life. By 1506, he had established residence in the French port of Dieppe. Early maritime experience included a potential 1508 voyage to Newfoundland aboard the ship La Pensée, alongside captain Thomas Aubert. These initial years also involved multiple trade and exploration missions across the eastern Mediterranean.
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Commissioned by King Francis I, the navigator sought a western route to the Pacific Ocean. A syndicate of Florentine merchants provided the funding for his fleet. After early setbacks involving ship damage and storms, his vessel, La Dauphine, departed on January 17, 1524. He arrived near Cape Fear by March and proceeded to document features like the Pamlico Sound. His contact with indigenous groups included the Lenape in the region of the Hudson River and the Wampanoag and Narragansett people at Narragansett Bay. The voyage concluded with his return to France in July 1524.
Final Missions and Death
A second expedition in 1527 focused on Brazil, successfully returning to Dieppe with a cargo of brazilwood. His final journey began in early 1528, taking him through Florida, the Bahamas, and the Lesser Antilles. While anchoring off the island of Guadeloupe, he rowed ashore and encountered native Caribs. According to accounts, he died during this landing in 1528. Historical analysis has effectively debunked theories conflating his identity with the pirate Jean Fleury.
Fast facts
- Born: 1491, Greve in Chianti
- Died: 1528, Guadeloupe
- Citizenship: Republic of Florence
- Primary Occupation: Explorer
- Major Patron: King Francis I of France
- Key Discovery: Narragansett Bay
- Ship Name: La Dauphine
Questions readers ask
Did he find the passage to the Pacific Ocean?
No, he failed to locate the desired sea route to the Pacific during his expeditions.
Was he ever confused with another historical figure?
Yes, some early historians incorrectly identified him as the corsair Jean Fleury, but research has confirmed they were separate individuals.
Achievements
- Recorded as explorer
