François Bigot, French politician (d. 1778)

François Bigot (French pronunciation: ​[fʁɑ̃swa biɡo]; born in Bordeaux, France, on January 30, 1703; died in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, on January 12, 1778) was a prominent and ultimately controversial French government official whose career spanned significant periods of French colonial administration in North America. His trajectory from a capable financial commissary to the last Intendant of New France, culminating in accusations of widespread corruption and subsequent exile, paints a vivid picture of the complexities and challenges of imperial governance in the 18th century.

Early Colonial Service: Financial Commissary on Île Royale

Bigot began his distinguished service in the French colonies as a Financial Commissary on Île Royale, known today as Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. This position was crucial for the strategic fortress town of Louisbourg, a vital French port and military stronghold in North America. As Financial Commissary, Bigot was responsible for managing the colony's finances, provisions, and administrative logistics, a role that required considerable organizational skill and attention to detail. His duties involved overseeing military expenditures, civil administration, and the general economic well-being of the island, which served as a key gateway to the St. Lawrence River and a critical naval base for France in the Atlantic.

The Ill-Fated Duc d'Anville Expedition

His administrative capabilities led to his appointment as Commissary General for the ambitious but disastrous Duc d'Anville expedition in 1746. This large-scale French naval and military endeavor aimed to recapture Louisbourg (which had fallen to the British in 1745) and launch attacks against British North American colonies. As Commissary General, Bigot was charged with ensuring the supply and logistical support for thousands of soldiers and sailors. However, the expedition was plagued by a series of catastrophic misfortunes: severe storms, widespread disease (including typhus and scurvy), and the deaths of both the commanding generals. The fleet suffered immense losses without even engaging the enemy, becoming a symbol of French military failures in the mid-18th century. Bigot's role, though logistical, placed him at the heart of this significant colonial setback.

Intendant of New France: A Pivotal Role

In 1748, Bigot was appointed Intendant of New France, the highest civil administrative position in the colony. An Intendant held immense power, overseeing justice, policing, and finance, effectively managing the colony's internal affairs and economic development. This role was distinct from that of the Governor, who was primarily responsible for military and diplomatic matters. Bigot's responsibilities included managing the public treasury, collecting taxes, regulating trade, supervising justice, and ensuring the provisioning of both military and civilian populations. His tenure coincided with the escalating tensions of the Seven Years' War (known as the French and Indian War in North America), a conflict that would ultimately decide the fate of French colonial power. He was the last official to hold this significant post, as French rule in Canada effectively ended with the British conquest of Montreal in 1760, marking the conclusion of the war in North America and the transfer of Canada to British control under the Treaty of Paris in 1763.

Accusations of Corruption: The "Affaire du Canada"

Following the fall of New France, Bigot became the central figure in a major scandal known as the "Affaire du Canada" or the "Grande Fraude." He was widely accused of rampant corruption, embezzlement, and illicit financial dealings during his time as Intendant. Allegations included colluding with merchants to inflate prices for goods supplied to the colony, defrauding the royal treasury through inflated invoices and fictitious purchases, and engaging in profitable illicit trade practices. These accusations suggested a systematic scheme to enrich himself and his associates at the expense of the French Crown, particularly during the desperate wartime conditions when supplies were critical and oversight was lax. The scandal severely tarnished the reputation of the French colonial administration and contributed to public anger in France over the loss of Canada.

Trial, Conviction, and Imprisonment in the Bastille

Upon his return to France, Bigot, along with many other officials and merchants, faced a highly publicized and politically charged trial. The "Canada Affair" proceedings, initiated by the French government to investigate the reasons behind the enormous expenses incurred in New France during the war and the alleged abuses, resulted in his conviction. For his role in the large-scale corruption, Bigot was sentenced to imprisonment. He was famously incarcerated in the Bastille, the notorious Parisian fortress-prison often used for political prisoners or those accused of serious crimes against the state. He spent eleven months within its formidable walls, from which he was eventually released, but not without further penalty.

Lifelong Banishment and Escape to Switzerland

Following his release from the Bastille, Bigot was handed a severe sentence: lifelong banishment from the Kingdom of France. This meant he was permanently expelled from his homeland and forbidden to return. However, remarkably, shortly after this judgment was pronounced, Bigot managed to escape the vigilance of the authorities. He fled to Switzerland, a neutral country that offered a safe haven for exiles. He settled in Neuchâtel, where he lived out the remainder of his days, far from the political turmoil and accusations that had defined the latter part of his career, until his death on January 12, 1778. His ability to evade the full extent of his punishment remains a notable detail in his complex biography.

Frequently Asked Questions About François Bigot

Who was François Bigot?

François Bigot was a significant French government official who served as Financial Commissary on Île Royale and, most notably, as the last Intendant of New France, holding the highest civil administrative position in the colony before its conquest by the British in 1760.

What was the "Affaire du Canada"?

The "Affaire du Canada," also known as the "Grande Fraude," was a major corruption scandal involving François Bigot and other colonial officials and merchants. They were accused of widespread embezzlement, price inflation, and defrauding the French royal treasury during the Seven Years' War, contributing to the financial strain on the French state and public discontent.

Why was François Bigot imprisoned in the Bastille?

Bigot was imprisoned in the Bastille for eleven months following his conviction in the "Affaire du Canada" trial. The Bastille served as a state prison for individuals accused of serious crimes or political offenses against the monarchy.

Did François Bigot serve his full sentence?

No, while he served eleven months in the Bastille and was sentenced to lifelong banishment from France, Bigot did not serve the full punitive extent of his banishment. He managed to escape to Switzerland shortly after the judgment was made, living there until his death.