INTRODUCTION

The year 1713 ushered in three decades of peaceful growth and unusual development in the French colonies. Their economies, especially in the West Indies, leapt forward in size and value, but development occurred independent of growing foreign trade and of naval power, usually considered vital prerequisites. Moreover, colonial development evolved separate from French foreign policy, which remained focused on the continent of Europe. The increasing transformation of colonial societies into slave societies was irrelevant as to whether France was a “reluctant imperialist” or its empire was elusive. Local developments posed much greater threats to the continuity and security of French possessions in the Americas than foreign commercial rivalry or imperial ambition. The conduct of Indian relations remained the primary responsibility of Canadian colonial officials. Colonists looked after themselves, shaping their society in their own image. In the West Indies, local unrest and the depredations of pirates following the peace were far greater problems than illicit commerce with British North American colonies or threats of attack from British colonies in the Caribbean.

By the end of hostilities, virtually all navy vessels proceeded to sea only after being fitted out and provisioned by private merchants. In 1713, private investors readied L'Affriquain for Quebec, Le Semslack for Plaisance, Le Ludlow for Cayenne, L' Heros for Martinique, and Le Baron de la Fouche for Louisiana, and the practice continued for many more years.