The second Quebec
settlement, circa 1628
Photo: Steven Darby, Canadian
Museum of Civilization
The second settlement included the residence of the Sieur de
Champlain, lieutenant to the Viceroy of New France.
As the viceroy’s representative, Champlain was given considerable
power: to ensure that the settlement was sufficiently populated; to trade
with the Natives (whom he wanted to "civilize" and convert to Christianity);
to dispense justice; to draw up treaties; and to make decisions on matters
of war and peace.
However, much of the real power was in the hands of the rich merchant
shipowners and shareholders of the trading companies. The De Monts and the
De Caëns controlled the ships and, therefore, the supply of provisions
- and people - to the colony.
