François Bigot, French politician (b. 1703)

François Bigot, whose name is pronounced [fʁɑ̃swa biɡo] in French, was a prominent and ultimately controversial figure in the administration of the French colonial empire during the 18th century. Born in Bordeaux, France, on January 30, 1703, Bigot embarked on a career as a French government official, serving in various key administrative roles that would shape, and eventually tarnish, his legacy. He passed away in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, on January 12, 1778, having lived a life marked by both significant responsibility and public disgrace.

Early Career and Ascendancy in the French Colonies

Bigot's administrative journey began with crucial postings in France's North American colonies, where he was tasked with managing vital financial and logistical affairs for the burgeoning empire.

Financial Commissary on Île Royale

One of François Bigot's initial significant appointments was as the Financial Commissary on Île Royale, known today as Cape Breton Island, off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. This strategically vital island was home to the Fortress of Louisbourg, a formidable French military and naval stronghold designed to protect access to the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and French possessions in North America, as well as to safeguard French fishing interests. As Financial Commissary, Bigot was responsible for overseeing all aspects of public finance, including the provisioning of troops and settlers, managing public works, and ensuring the smooth flow of goods and funds essential for the colony's survival and defence. His role was pivotal in sustaining the military and civilian infrastructure of this key Atlantic bastion.

Commissary General of the Ill-Fated Duc d'Anville Expedition

Bigot's career then saw him appointed as the Commissary General for the ambitious but ultimately disastrous Duc d'Anville expedition of 1746. This massive French naval undertaking, one of the largest ever sent to North America, aimed to reclaim Louisbourg, which had been captured by New England forces in 1745, and to launch an offensive against British strongholds, including Annapolis Royal. As Commissary General, Bigot was entrusted with the immense logistical challenge of provisioning thousands of soldiers and sailors, managing supplies, and ensuring the overall operational readiness of the fleet. However, the expedition proved to be a catastrophic failure, plagued by severe storms, widespread disease (such as typhus), and the untimely death of its commanders. These overwhelming misfortunes led to a significant loss of life and the complete abandonment of its military objectives, cementing its place in history as one of France's most ill-fated colonial ventures.

Intendant of New France: A Powerful Role at the End of an Era

Following these assignments, François Bigot reached the zenith of his career when he was appointed the Intendant of New France, a position he held from 1748 until 1760. The Intendant was the chief civil administrator in the French colonial system, directly appointed by the King. This powerful role encompassed broad responsibilities over justice, police, and finance, effectively making him the administrative head of the colony. The Intendant worked in conjunction with the Governor General, who handled military and diplomatic affairs, ensuring the smooth functioning of the colonial government, regulating trade, managing public funds, and overseeing the legal system. Bigot's tenure as Intendant coincided with the escalating tensions of the Seven Years' War (known as the French and Indian War in North America), a period that placed immense strain on the colony's resources and administration.

Bigot's time as Intendant marked a significant period in Canadian history. He holds the distinction of being the last official ever to hold this influential position in New France. His tenure, and indeed the role itself, came to an abrupt end on the occasion of the British conquest of 1760, which saw the fall of Montreal and the effective capitulation of French control over its North American territories. This conquest fundamentally reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the continent, bringing an end to over two centuries of French colonial rule in Canada.

Accusations of Corruption and the "Affaire du Canada"

In the aftermath of the British conquest, François Bigot returned to France, where he faced severe accusations of widespread corruption and embezzlement of public funds during his time as Intendant, particularly during the wartime period. These allegations led to a highly publicized and scandalous trial known as the "Affaire du Canada," or the "Grande Affaire," which began in 1761. The investigation uncovered an extensive network of fraud and profiteering involving high-ranking officials and merchants who had allegedly exploited wartime conditions, inflated prices for vital supplies, and diverted vast sums of money intended for the defense and sustenance of New France. Bigot was a central figure in these accusations, charged with enriching himself through illicit means while the colony suffered. Upon conviction, he was sentenced to a term of imprisonment in the notorious Bastille, a medieval fortress in Paris serving as a state prison and a powerful symbol of royal authority and arbitrary justice. Bigot endured eleven months of confinement within its walls, a profound fall from his earlier position of power and influence.

Banishment and Escape to Switzerland

Following his release from the Bastille, François Bigot was further sentenced to a lifelong banishment from the Kingdom of France, a severe penalty that aimed to strip him of his former standing and prevent any future involvement in public affairs. This decree effectively exiled him from his homeland forever. However, Bigot's story took another dramatic turn shortly after the judgement was rendered. He managed to evade the full consequences of his sentence, possibly due to a lax enforcement or a pre-arranged plan, and successfully escaped to Switzerland. He established himself in Neuchâtel, a principality then under Prussian rule, which offered him a haven outside French jurisdiction. It was in Switzerland that François Bigot spent the remainder of his days, living out his life away from the public eye and the political turmoil of France, until his death in 1778.

Frequently Asked Questions About François Bigot

Who was François Bigot?
François Bigot was a high-ranking French government official in the 18th century, primarily known for his roles as Financial Commissary on Île Royale and, most notably, as the last Intendant of New France. He became infamous for being accused and convicted of widespread corruption during his colonial service.
What was the role of the Intendant of New France?
The Intendant of New France was the chief civil administrator appointed by the French King, responsible for justice, police, and finance within the colony. This position held immense power over the colony's daily administration, economic affairs, and legal system, working alongside the Governor General.
What was the "Affaire du Canada"?
The "Affaire du Canada" was a major corruption scandal and trial in France that occurred after the Seven Years' War, specifically from 1761 to 1763. It investigated widespread fraud and embezzlement of public funds within the administration of New France, with François Bigot being a central figure among those accused of profiteering from wartime shortages and manipulating prices.
Why was François Bigot imprisoned in the Bastille?
François Bigot was imprisoned in the Bastille following his conviction in the "Affaire du Canada" for corruption and embezzlement of public funds during his tenure as Intendant of New France. He served eleven months in the infamous prison.
Where did François Bigot live after his banishment?
After being sentenced to lifelong banishment from France, François Bigot escaped to Switzerland. He settled in Neuchâtel, a principality that provided refuge outside of French legal jurisdiction, and lived there until his death in 1778.