Jacques l'Hermite

Jacques l'Hermite also known as Jacques le Clerq, was a Dutch merchant, explorer and admiral known for his journey around the globe with the Nassau Fleet (1623–1626).

Born in Antwerp, Jacques moved with his family to Rotterdam when he was still a boy. At the age of 24 he entered the service of the Dutch East India Company and spent the next six years serving as chief merchant in Bantam and Ambon Island in the Dutch East Indies.

In 1623 l'Hermite was commissioned by Prince Maurice of Nassau and the Dutch State General to lead a fleet of eleven ships known as the Nassau Fleet. The primary goals of the expedition were to establish a Dutch military and trading presence in Peru in opposition to the Spanish. However, L’Hermite would not live to complete his task as he died from the effects of the scurvy and dysentery during the voyage.

A small island in the Tierra Del Feugo is named after him.