The Lost Code

In charge of the colony

Seigneur Paying Fealty and Homage

Musée de la civilisation, bibliothèque du Séminaire de Québec.
Jefferys, Charles William. « Seigneural dues » [detail] in : Long, Morden Heaton. A history of the Canadian people. Toronto : Ryerson, c1942-. Vol. 1, p. 155. Loc. 825.6 (temp.)

Jean Talon, Intendant of New France (1665–1668)

Musée de la civilisation, fonds d'archives du Séminaire de Québec. Jean Talon. Livernois et Bienvenu. 1870. N° Ph1988-2104

Although not as socially important as the governor, the intendant was the true master of the colony in his charge. Intendants were appointed—and dismissed—by the king. The intendent acted on behalf of the king to receive seigneurs wishing to pay fealty and homage at the Governor's Castle. As the person in charge of finances, the intendant also saw to the economy, managed the colonial budget, controlled exchange rates, and set commodity prices. The intendant was also in charge of the legal system and the police, which made him responsible for the courts of law and public safety. Intendents also made government appointments and watched over settlement efforts and the road network. He chaired the Sovereign Council and lived at the Intendant's Palace in Québec City. His power could sometimes conflict with that of the governor, and quarrels between the two were common.