‘Des bonnes relations de voiages’. Travel Books and Colonial Ambitions in the Correspondence between John Locke and Nicolas Toinard (1678–1704)

Abstract: During his time in France, Locke and Toinard engaged in discussions about the Fundamental Constitutions of Carolina, a document Locke had helped draft while serving as secretary to the Lords Proprietors of the colony. Toinard later exhibited a keen interest in the Constitutions throughout their correspondence. This chapter explores the motivations behind Toinard’s curiosity, drawing on references to voyages and travel literature present in his letters to Locke and other correspon-dents. It highlights Toinard’s connections with notable explorers such as La Salle and Iberville, as well as his strong ties to the court and members of the French Navy. The aim is to illuminate Toinard’s involvement in the French expansionist plans in North America and his understanding of the intricate relationship between travel and politics, thus offering new insights into his correspondence with Locke.