Ernest Doudard de Lagrée (1823-1868) was a French explorer and naval officer who is best known for his exploration of the Mekong River in Southeast Asia. He was born in Paris, France, and joined the French Navy in 1841. He served in the French Navy for the next twenty-seven years, during which time he was involved in several expeditions to the Far East.
In 1866, Doudard de Lagrée was appointed to lead an expedition to explore the Mekong River. The expedition was sponsored by the French government and was intended to open up trade routes between France and China. The expedition was also intended to explore the river and its tributaries, as well as to collect scientific data. The expedition was composed of two ships, the L'Éclaireur and the L'Étendard, and a crew of twenty-five men.
The expedition set sail from Saigon in April 1866 and proceeded up the Mekong River. Along the way, the expedition encountered numerous obstacles, including rapids, sandbars, and hostile natives. Despite these difficulties, the expedition was able to make its way up the river and eventually reached the Chinese border in October 1866.
At the Chinese border, the expedition encountered further difficulties. The Chinese government refused to allow the expedition to proceed any further, and the expedition was forced to turn back. Despite this setback, the expedition was able to collect a great deal of scientific data and make numerous geographical discoveries.
Upon returning to France, Doudard de Lagrée was hailed as a hero. He was awarded the Legion of Honor and was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral. He was also awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the Dragon of Annam, a prestigious award given by the Vietnamese emperor.
Doudard de Lagrée's expedition was a major success and helped to open up trade routes between France and China. It also helped to increase knowledge of the Mekong River and its tributaries. In addition, the expedition helped to establish diplomatic relations between France and Vietnam.
Doudard de Lagrée died in 1868, at the age of 45. He is remembered as one of the most important French explorers of the 19th century. His expedition to the Mekong River was a major success and helped to open up trade routes between France and China. He is also remembered for his courage and determination in the face of adversity.