Jeanne wasn’t in New France during the earthquake. She had left for France a few months earlier. Now fifty-four years old, Jeanne prepared to act as Maisonneuve’s representative and formally hand over control of Ville-Marie to the Order of St. Sulpice. King Louis XIV officially declared New France a crown colony in 1663. No longer needed, the Society of Montreal dissolved. Ville-Marie was secure, but missionary work was no longer a priority.
Back in France, those still dedicated to the original plan for Ville-Marie were encouraged to send over young girls interested in becoming nuns. More than twenty arrived. Most had intended to join the Hospitalières but ended up married to colonists instead.
New France was similar to a French province. The King’s representative and commander of the army was the Governor, but it was the Intendant who controlled civilian affairs and made sure the King’s wishes were implemented. Soldier recruits protected the colony from Iroquois raids, and trade was managed by the large Compagnie des Indes occidentales (West Indies Company).
Coins were not made in New France; they came from the mother country. In 1685, card money was introduced because of the lack of coins and other currency. They were used like an IOU or post-dated cheque is today.
An assortment of original 1685 playing card money