La Galissonière was a naval commander who reluctantly accepted the position of Governor due to military necessity.

He did send Céloron de Blainville to extend France's trading posts and François Picquet to convert the Indians in the Detroit area and the Ohio valley in order to out-flank the British American colonies.

In 1756, La Galissonière supported the invasion of Menorca (historically called "Minorca" by the British) and was engaged in combat for three hours by Admiral John Byng.

The modest naval victory over the British was lauded in France to the point that the king was said to be preparing a marshal's baton for La Galissonière's return.

He had connections with numerous well-known scientists such as Henri-Louis Duhamel du Monceau, Bernard de Jussieu, Pierre-Charles and Louis Guillaume Lemonnier.