Intendant of New France

During the century and a half preceding the French Revolution, the main administrative organization of France was known as the Généralité.

The intendant was, according to W. B. Munro, "armed with very extensive administrative powers, distinguished by his loyalty to the interests of the king, and in a sense reflecting the absolutism of the monarchy.

At the beginning of 1663, the Company of One Hundred Associates (Compagnie des Cent-Associés) was dissolved and New France became a royal possession once more.

[2] The appointment of the intendant by Louis XIV and Jean-Baptiste Colbert was an attempt to correct the weakened state of New France and intervene before it was too late.

"[4] The Intendant received power to reestablish order and security and to carry out important responsibilities in governing the colony of New France.

On the advice of Colbert, the king had decided to provide New France with a new framework of government modelled in general upon that of a French province.

These were men who entered the service at an early age and had been promoted as the result of tested fidelity to the interests of the monarchy and of industry shown in office.

According to Munro, "each intendant received from the king a commission of appointment setting forth his jurisdiction and powers.

These commissions were expressed in such general terms, Munro argued, "that the intendant was the real agent of administration in the colony.

He was also responsible for establishing regulations relative to the police, commerce, market prices, currency, militia, and seigniorial rights.