Troupes de la marine

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The troupes de la marine (Troops of The Marine) were French part of the French Navy in the 17th century, recruited specifically for France's military efforts in New France. They were trained and dispatched there by King Louis XIV in 1683 to replace the French regulars. Although the strength of the force varied widely over time, by the time of the French and Indian War, there were over a hundred independent companies, of approximately 50 officers and men each, serving throughout France's North American colonies. The troupes de la marine were first under control of Joseph-Antoine de LaBarre, governor of New France. Their first mission was at the future site of Oswego, New York, in Iroquois country. By the time of Montcalm and Wolfe the Troupes de la Marine had Canadian officers, although many of the rank and file continued to come from France. They were classified as Colonial Regulars and were well trained in both guerilla and conventional warfare.