For six years France had been making repeated attempts to establish a strong base in Newfoundland. For six years she had suffered reverses or had made very little progress. In such a situation, Louis XIV could, like Charles II, have abandoned his plan to colonize the island. But this was not the case. In 1667, the king continued his efforts.
First of all he appointed a new governor, La Palme. In his instructions the king reminded him of the importance of Placentia and ordered him to help the new families, to encourage the exploitation of the soil and to protect the fishermen, as the development of the cod fishing industry was "principale et la premiere intention de Sa Majeste." La Palme arrived in the colony in June 1667 aboard the Saint-Sebastien. We have very little information concerning his administration, except that he seems to have complied with the King's wishes. What was more important, however, was the support he received from the mother country. Aboard two warships, France sent 150 soldiers, arms and materials, which is convincing evidence of her firm intention to establish a strong colony.