Vankoughnet, Philip Michael Scott (1823-1869). Born in Cornwall, Ontario. Studied law and called to the bar, 1843; practised in Toronto; appointed Q.C., 1850. In May, 1856, president of the Executive Council, and minister of agriculture, in the Taché administration, and in November, 1856, first member of the Legislative Council for Rideau. From 1858 to 1862 chief commissioner of crown lands in the Cartier-Macdonald government; amongst some of his important measures was the system of selling townships en bloc, and the opening up and improvement of roads. In 1862 appointed chancellor of Upper Canada. Index: T Delegate to England on Intercolonial matter, 55. Bib.: Morgan, Cel. Can.; Read, Lives of the Judges; Dent, Last Forty Years.
Van Rensselaer, Rensselaer (1802-1850). Son of General S. Van Rensselaer of Albany, New York; for some time employed as a clerk in the post office, Albany. In November, 1837, while on a trip through the west for the Albany Daily Advertiser, came in contact with the Canadian revolutionists and was offered and accepted the position of commander-in-chief of the rebel forces. After a few months' desultory fighting, arrested on Feb. 28, 1838, at Syracuse, by the American authorities, for violating the neutrality laws. Tried on Oct. 18, 1839, and convicted; sentenced to six months' imprisonment and fined $250. After serving the six months, the fine was remitted. Index: Mc Fights under Bolivar, 412; given command at Navy Island, 413; arrives there, 415; his habits, 417; evacuates island, 424; plans attack on Kingston, 429; failure of, 429; blames Mackenzie, 430; exonerates Mackenzie, 430. Bib.: Cyc. Am. Biog.; Dent, Upper Canadian Rebellion.
Van Rensselaer, Solomon (1774-1852). Born in Rensselaer County, New York. Entered the army in 1792 as a cornet of cavalry, later becoming captain. In 1794, while commanding a company of volunteers, severely wounded at the battle of Maumee Rapids. In 1812 adjutant-general of New York militia, and arranged the armistice which enabled the Americans to make use of Lake Ontario as a highway for the transportation of troops and stores. In 1812 commanded an attacking party at Queenston Heights and seriously wounded. Member of Congress, 1819-1822; and postmaster at Albany, 1822-1839. Index: Bk Aide-de-camp to General Van Rensselaer, 284; wounded in crossing river at Queenston, 300. Bib.: Cyc. Am. Biog.; Lucas, Canadian War of 1812.
Van Rensselaer, Stephen (1764-1839). Born in New York. Graduated at Harvard, 1782. In 1786 major of militia, and in 1788 colonel. In 1789 elected to the Assembly as a member of the Federal party, of which he soon afterwards became leader; state Senator in 1790-1795; lieutenant-governor in 1795, and returned to the Assembly in 1798 and 1808-1810. In 1801 promoted major-general. In 1812, on the outbreak of war with Great Britain, commanded the United States forces on the Niagara frontier. Resigned his command, Oct. 24, 1812, and left the service. In 1816 elected to the Assembly, and from 1823 to 1829 served in Congress. Index: Bk In command on Niagara frontier, 284; correspondence with Brock, 285; force under his command, 287. Bib.: Cyc. Am. Biog.; Lucas, Canadian War of 1812.
Varin, J. B. E Commissioner under Seigniorial Tenure law, 187.
Vauban, De. F French engineer, prepares plans for defence of Quebec, 326.
Vaudreuil-Cavagnal, Pierre de Rigaud, Marquis de (1698-1778). Born at Quebec, son of Philippe de Vaudreuil (q.v.). Entered the army at an early age, becoming ensign, 1708; lieutenant, 1712; and major, 1729. The following year gained the coveted honour of chevalier of the Order of St. Louis. Appointed governor of Three Rivers, 1733; and of Louisiana, 1742; governor of Canada, 1755. Continually at odds with Montcalm, and hampered him in his defence of Quebec. After the battle of the Plains retired with the army to Jacques Cartier, and took no part in the subsequent operations before Quebec. On his return to France arrested and thrown into the Bastile on charges connected with his government of Canada, but released after trial before the Châtelet de Paris. Index: WM Governor, his first interview with Montcalm, 28; considered the sending out of Montcalm unnecessary, 28; birth and personal qualities, 29; his inveterate hatred for Montcalm, 62; popular with Canadians, 63; his military views, 80, 81; activity of, 127; congratulates Lévis on victory of Montmorency, 144; prefers his advice to that of Montcalm, 145; thought Le Foulon (Wolfe's Cove) insufficiently guarded, 160; writes Bougainville that safety of colony is in his hands, 161; gives orders for disposition of troops along the heights, 162; his uneasiness about Le Foulon, 162; would not risk engagement between French and British fleets, 167; learns of landing of Wolfe's army, 189; begs Montcalm not to precipitate an engagement, 193; takes no part in battle, 201; prepared, according to Chevalier Johnstone, for immediate capitulation, 208; holds council of war, 211; decides on retreat to Jacques Cartier, 212; his letter to Lévis on loss of battle, 212; letter to Montcalm, 214; gives instructions respecting capitulation of Quebec, 214; his lack of energy, 215; promises assistance to Ramezay, 226; Quebec having fallen, he marches with Lévis to retake it, 241-242; maintains spies in Quebec, 243; congratulates Lévis on victory of Ste. Foy, 267. P Extent of his responsibility for defeat of Montcalm at Quebec, 143. BL His capitulation at Montreal in 1760, 1. Hd Last French governor of Canada, 36; Amherst's letter to, 38, 39. Bib.: Doughty, Siege of Quebec; Wood, The Fight for Canada; Parkman, Montcalm and Wolfe; Bradley, The Fight with France.
Vaudreuil, Philippe de Rigaud, Marquis de. Came to Canada, 1687, in command of eight hundred troops, and, leaving his men behind, pushed on alone to join Denonville in his expedition against the Iroquois. In 1696 commanded a division of Frontenac's army against the Iroquois, and led a detachment to destroy the Oneida town. Appointed governor of Montreal, 1698; administrator of the colony, 1703; and governor, 1705-1725. Index: L Acting governor of Montreal, 223; succeeds Callières as governor, 235. F Acts as chief of staff to Governor Denonville, 209; acting governor of Montreal, 225; surprises and destroys band of Indians at Repentigny, 308. Bib.: Parkman, Frontenac and Half Century of Conflict.
Vauquelin, Jean (1726-1763). Born in Caen, France. Entered the navy, and in 1745 successfully engaged a British frigate off Martinique. In 1754 did good service in reconnoitring the English ports, and subsequently given command of the Arethuse. In 1758 despatched to Louisbourg with reinforcements and stores for the French troops and got into the harbour, although many of his crew were killed and wounded. In 1759, with three frigates, sailed to the relief of Quebec. After the capitulation endeavoured to escape with his ships, but they were destroyed or captured by the British, and Vauquelin taken prisoner. On his release returned to France, and was arrested. Index: WM Hero of Louisbourg, 81; in charge of frigates Atalante and Pomone, 243. Bib.: Doughty, Siege of Quebec.
Vaux, Mme. de. WM Grandmother of Montcalm, 4.