Kirke, Sir David

(1596-1655?). Born in Dieppe, son of a Scottish merchant. Went to England, and, with his two brothers, given command of an expedition against the French in Canada, 1627. Appeared before Quebec, but Cham plain, who was then in charge, refused to surrender. Returned down the river, met and defeated the French squadron under De Roquemont , in July, 1628, and reappeared before Quebec the following year, when the garrison, reduced to starvation, was forced to surrender. Knighted by Charles I, 1633, and obtained a grant of lands in Newfoundland. Appointed governor of the island; removed by Cromwell; and returned in 1652. Index : Ch Commands expedition against Quebec, 173; acts under authority of Sir William Alexander, 176; his letter to Cham plain, 176; sails for Europe, 179; spends several days in Quebec, 204; accused by Cham plain of intolerance, 205, 206; learns of treaty of peace between England and France, 207. F Captures Quebec, 21. Bib. : Kirke, The First English Conquest of Canada ; Parkman, Pioneers of France ; Cyc. Am. Biog.