tales-of-Fogo-Island

The Story of Marguerite de RobervalThis story is a summary of the account given in Wilderness Women: Canada's Forgotten History by JeanJohnstonOn January 15, 1541, the King of France offered a wealthy captain namedJean-Francois de la Rocque de Roberval an opportunity to set up a colony inNorth America.In the spring of 1542, this captain decided to invite his niece Marguerite deRoberval along for the journey. He adored Marguerite and treated her like adaughter. Before long, the young lady and her old servant joined the ship andwere on their way for an adventure. On the journey across the Atlantic Ocean,Marguerite fell in love with a crew member on her uncle's ship. She was afraidto let her uncle know about the relationship because her boyfriend was from apoor family. She knew he would be very angry if he found out.After eight weeks at sea, the ship finally entered St. John's Harbour. Thevessel was in port for three weeks as the captain dealt with settlers and tookon supplies. The couple enjoyed their time ashore and away from the watchfuleye of her uncle.Though they were careful, Marguerite's uncle found out about the relationship.He was furious. He believed that Marguerite had disgraced the family nameand insulted him. After leaving the port of St. John's, the captain decided toleave Marguerite and her servant alone on 'Isle des Demons'. This means the'Island of Devils' or 'Island of Demons'. Sailors believed that this island washaunted by ghosts and spirits.Before Marguerite and the servant were forced from the ship, they were givensupplies and a gun. Marguerite's boyfriend watched as they prepared to leaveand was overcome with panic. He gathered some clothes, a gun and toolsand jumped into the boat with her. Then the small row boat was set adrift nearthe shore of Isle des Demons. An old map suggests that this island is actuallyFogo Island if the top of the map is treated as south rather than north.Although they had been abandoned, Marguerite and her two companions hada good summer on the island. There were plenty of berries and other sourcesof food. They built a shelter and slept on boughs. However, there was oneserious problem with life on the island - each night when darkness came, they