Present day site of Tchichatala, de Cresnay 1733 - The Territory Between the Chattahoochee and Mississippi Rivers and a Woodcut Bust of a Chickasaw Warrior by Bernard Romans

Were the French Distracted from Their Indian Wars?

by Stephen R. Cook

While writing Bienville's Revenge Musing last year, I found a passage in Mississippi Provincial Archives, French Dominion (MPA) that caused me to pause. Diron D'Artaguiette (an officer in the list below) wrote the Minister of the Marine Maurepas May 8, 1737, "In truth, my lord, Sieurs De Lery and Belair, to whom Mr. De Bienville has had this trade granted, stay at New Orleans more than they do among the Choctaws." (MPA I 338). At first blush, I realized that Diron was upset that he had lost the Choctaw trade to his former Choctaw traders, De Lery and Belair. But was Diron also saying that De Lery and Belair were distracted by things going on in New Orleans, preventing them from performing their Choctaw trade? What was going on in New Orleans to distract them? A little research revealed that the few French officers that I had pulled records on did indeed have distractions. How broad was this contagion?

I decided to investigate selected French Marine officers who had served during the Natchez and/or Chickasaw Wars dating 1730-1740. In the list below I provide their names and snapshots of their Marine Service using short sentences or phrases as notes. Alternative spellings of the officers' names are provided in parenthesis following the names. Most of the French records do not use their full names; I have bolded the parts most frequently used. The order of officers is random. In several cases, I included their marriages. Also, when known, I noted the officers' trips to France. Note a number of these officers were awarded the coveted Order of Saint Louis. There were three classes of the order, Chevalier, Commandeur and Grand-Croix. References are noted at the end of this document.

Colonial Louisiana French Officers Natchez/Chickasaw Wars

  1. Joseph Chauvin de Lery: Born 1674 Montreal; Louisiana 1699 at Biloxi, son of famous explorer Pierre Chauvin. Three brothers in Mobile who moved later to New Orleans. He made unsuccessful trade journey to Mexico via Tejas 1717-1719; Lieutenant by 1724 Mobile; traded for Diron among Choctaw for years; 1733 de Lery (and Belair) awarded Choctaw trade by Bienville; 1736 officer at Ackia battle Chickasaw War Southern Force; after Ackia he became a half pay Lieutenant; He led two successful Choctaw raids against Chickasaw villages 1737 to cut their grain. He was killed by Indians near Natchez December 1737.
  2. Louis Chauvin de Beaulieu: Born Montreal 1678. Brother of Joseph Chauvin above and Nicholas Chauvinbelow. In Mobile he served as Ensign of Marines. He moved to New Orleans 1719 and lived next to his brothers. He married Charlotte Orbanne Duval 1724. He died New Orleans 1729.
  3. Nicholas Chauvin de la Freniere: Born Montreal 1676. Brother of Joseph and Louis Chauvin above; Ensign of Marines at Mobile and Indian trader. 1724 married Marguerite le Sueur, sister of Jean Paul le Sueur (below); Appointed to Superior Council of Louisiana 1732-49; Died 1749 New Orleans.
  4. Jean Jadart de Beauchamp (Beauchamps): Born France 1694; arrived Louisiana 1719 from La Rochelle France on L'Union; Brother-in-law of Sieur thru his wife Marie La Sueur, married Mobile 1736. 1720 Lieutenant Dauphine Island; 1722 Lieutenant Mobile; 1725-32 Major at Mobile; 1734-50 Major at Mobile; 1736 served as Captain of reserves in Chickasaw War Ackia campaign; Lieutenant of the King at Mobile 1751; Chevalier de Saint Louis. Died 1754.
  5. Henry de Louboey (Loubois also Louboye): Born Bearn France; Arrived Louisiana about 1720; 1723 commandant at Biloxi; 1725-6 Captain at Mobile; 1729 Commandant Pointe Coupee; Lead Natchez campaign 1729-30 with great valor per Perier; 1733 Commandant New Orleans; 1731 King's Lieutenant Mobile; 1733 King's Lieutenant New Orleans; 1733 requested time to visit France; Commandant New Orleans through the First Chickasaw War; 1738 assistant adjutant and King's Lieutenant New Orleans; 1739-1741 Commandant New Orleans; 1741-1749 King's Lieutenant and Commandant Mobile; Chevalier de Saint Louis. Died September 7, 1749.
  6. Joseph Christophe de Lusser: Swiss born 1688; Arrived in Louisiana 1720 Lieutenant Mobile; 1724 Lieutenant Mobile; Traveled to France 1729; January to March 1730 made Choctaw trip and recorded same in Journal (with Huche (interpreter) and Regis du Roullet (below)); January 1736 Builder of, Captain at and Commandant of Fort Tombekbe; May 1736 Captain of troops Chickasaw War Southern force battle of Ackia. Killed in action there.
  7. Sieur Jacques de Coustilhas: Born 1691 France; served in King's Guard France; arrived Louisiana 1719 as second Lieutenant; 1720 Lieutenant New Orleans; 1725 Lieutenant New Orleans; Captain 1732; 1733 Commandant Natchez; 1736 Captain Chickasaw War Southern Force Battle of Ackia; 1737 Captain New Orleans; September 1738 Commanded six boats and 150 men with Father Pierre Vitry and engineer de Verges from New Orleans to establish supply depot to be called Ft St Francis; Died November 1738 on St. Francis River.
  8. Regis du Roullet: He experienced six years of French military service in Europe; Arrived Louisiana 1724; 1724 Ensign under Pierre D'Artaguiette at Fort Toulouse; second Lieutenant under de Lusser Mobile; two Choctaw missions ordered by Governor Perier: August to November 1729 and April to August 1733 and a third with de Lusser; mapped road from Mobile to Choctaw villages; mapped Choctaw villages; mapped Pearl River south of Choctaw villages; witnessed Baron de Cresnay giving Red Shoe a medal Feb 1733; 1733 Bienville forced him to resign his commission in order to return to France.
  9. Antoine Le Moyne de Chateaugue (Chateauguay): youngest brother of Bienville; born Montreal; Commandant Massacre (Dauphine) Island 1702; Captain of Louisiana 1703; 1721 Lieutenant of the King Mobile; 1722 Lieutenant to the King Fort Louis, Biloxi and Member Superior Council of Louisiana; 1723 Mobile; Unofficial Governor Louisiana 1725. He left Louisiana after Perier arrived as new Governor; Governor of Cayenne or French Guiana 1738-43. Died March 21, 1747 France.
  10. Bernard Diron d'Artaguiette: Born France April 1696; Arrived Louisiana about 1708 with older brother, Martin Diron d'Artaguiette, and served as cadet to Chateaugue at Massacre (Dauphine) Island and Mobile 1708-11; March 1717 returned to Louisiana; 1719 Captain of Infantry Louisiana ; 1719 produced a large map of Mississippi River covering New Orleans to Illinois; 1721 appointed Inspector General of Louisiana; 1723 made a trip to France; made Journal of trip to Illinois Sept 1722- Sept 1723; produced at least three maps 1725, 1726 and 1734 of Mobile Bay entrance; Another trip to France and returned 1733 (berthing on the same ship as returning Governor Bienville); 1726-38 Commandant of Mobile; 1730 King's Lieutenant Mobile; Older brother of Pierre d'Artaguiette. Directed Choctaw and Chickasaw trade and traders 1726-1732 from Mobile; Chevalier de Saint Louis; transferred to Sant-Domingue (Haiti) 1742 where he died in August.
  11. Jean Paul le Sueur called "The Canadian": Born Montreal about 1699; Son of explorer Pierre Charles le Sueur; through his mother was first cousin of Bienville; brother-in-law to Beauchamp and Joseph Chauvin de Lery; 1720-21 Lieutenant Dauphine Island; 1722 Lieutenant Mobile; 1730 led successful Choctaw raid against Natchez Indians that killed 60 and captured 15 Natchez and recovered 54 French women and children and 100 Negro slaves; his efforts were commended by Perier; Chevalier of Saint Louis; 1733-34 among the Choctaw villages; 1736 Captain of infantry (planters) Chickasaw War Southern Force at Ackia; Commandant Fort Tombekbe 1736-42 (Note Bertet and le Sueur must have been co-commandants at Tombekbe 1736-40 as both are acknowledged as Commandant in several correspondences in MPA I and III.); 1739-40 Second Chickasaw War responsible for Choctaws and their role in campaign; 1745 Captain Mobile; Died Mobile October 13, 1751.
  12. Sieur de Chepart (Cheparre or Chapere): Arrived Louisiana 1719 on ship Duc de Noialles as Lieutenant; 1723 Captain of infantry and member Council of War Natchez Second War; 1727-29 Commandant Natchez; killed there by Natchez Indians November 1729.
  13. Jean Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville: Born Montreal 1680. Commandant General (Governor) of Louisiana (Four times); Chevalier de Saint Louis. 1736 Commander at Ackia battle Chickasaw War Southern Force; Planned Northern Force Chickasaw War 1736. Planned campaign and served as second-in-command Chickasaw War 1739-40. Left Louisiana 1743; died Paris 1767.
  14. Pierre d'Artaguiette d'Itouralde: Born France 1698; Louisiana about 1717; 1724 Commandant Fort Toulouse; Ensign Illinois under Boisbriand; by 1725 advanced to Captain; reassigned New Orleans; 1730 Captain of Infantry putting down Natchez Revolt and bravery noted by Governor Perier; 1732 Major New Orleans; Commandant Fort Chartres 1733; lead Northern Force Chickasaw War 1736; killed at Chickasaw village of Ogoula Tchetoka.
  15. Baron de Cresnay (Crenay): European service prior to arrival in Louisiana; in 1730 Perier placed him in command of Louisiana troops as Lieutenant Colonel; led company of troops in Third Natchez War 1730; 1731-32 Commandant Natchez and in charge of completing construction of new Fort; moved to Mobile early 1733 and made Commandant for about a year; finished his Concha Map (Musing7); after fall of 1736 he transferred to French Guiana as acting governor and died there 1738. Ironically, he was succeeded there by Antoine Le Moyne de Chatagugue.
  16. Jean Baptiste Benoist (Benoit) de St. Clair; Born France 1693; Came to Louisiana serving Mobile as Ensign. Made Lieutenant at Mobile 1725-1730; served as commandant Fort Toulouse 1733; Became ill and moved to New Orleans 1736; after Chickasaw war 1736 he commanded at Fort Tombekbe 1736-37; Reassigned Illinois 1738 as Captain second in command. Interim commandant after Commandant died while serving Chickasaw war 1739-40; Promoted Commandant Fort Chartres twice: 1741-42 and 1749-51. 1745 Captain New Orleans; 1749-51 Returned to Illinois as Commandant and later transferred to New Orleans. 1752 Captain New Orleans; Chevalier de Saint Louis; Died New Orleans 1757.
  17. Etienne de Perier: Born LeHarve France 1687. French Navy War of Succession; Replaced Bienville as Governor or Commandant General Company of the West Indies(Governor 1726-33; Arrived New Orleans with wife and son March 1727; Constructed public works New Orleans; Natchez Revolt and Massacre Fort Rosalie by Natchez Indians November 1729; 1733 Bienville replaced him as Governor; Grand Croix de Saint Louis.
  18. Marc Antoine Huche (Duche): Louisiana 1719; based in Mobile; Ensign and King's Interpreter (Choctaw) and Merchant; Died November 1736.
  19. Ignace Francois Broutin: Born France 1690; arrived Louisiana 1720; half pay Captain; performed drainage surveys and built levees in New Orleans BB 3; 1723 at Natchez; 1724 Captain and Engineer New Orleans; Commandant Natchez1725-6 and Director of Terre Blanche Concession; 1729 married widow of Francois Philippe de Marigny; Mapped Mississippi River from The Balize to Natchez 1731; 1730 active under Louboey in Natchez campaign; 1731 Mapped Natchez environs; Captain and Engineer New Orleans; 1736 Mapped Chickasaw battle sites Ackia and Ougula Tchetoka Chickasaw War 1736; Mapping Tombigbee River and route searching to access Chickasaw villages 1738-40; 1740 Discovered road to Chickasaw Villages from Fort Assumption; Member War Council Chickasaw War 1740; Produced and supervised production of maps attributed to Saucier, Verges, and Gonichon including New Orleans and environs, Natchez and environs, Chickasaw Wars 1736 and 1738-41. He designed Ursuline Convent New Orleans; Provided appraisal services for Superior Council of Louisiana; Royal Engineer of the King; Chevalier de Saint Louis; Died August 1751.
  20. Jean Charles de Pradel: Born Uzerche France 1692; 1714 Ensign Louisiana; 1723 at Natchez Captain and member of War Council Second Natchez War; Interim Commandant Fort Chartres 1725; Returned to France three times 1720 to 1731. He married Alexandrine Gabrielle de la Chaise, daughter of Jacques de la Chaise, 1730 in New Orleans. Commandant Fort Rosalie briefly; about 1733 resigned commission; Died 1764 in New Orleans.
  21. Charles Petit de Livilliers: Born Canada 1698; 1720 Lieutenant in Louisiana; 1723 member Council of War Second Natchez War; 1725 Captain in Louisiana; Served with distinction Natchez Revolt 1730; Commandant The Balize 1733; 1735-6 Captain led Chakchiuma campaign; Captain New Orleans1736; 1736 Captain Chickasaw War Southern Force and wounded Ackia; 1737 Captain New Orleans; Died April 1, 1738 result of duel with Macarty (below).
  22. Renaud de Hautervive (d'Hauterive): Born Tours, France 1691; Arrived Louisiana 1719; temporary commandant Fort St Jean Baptiste 1719-21; 1723 member War Council in second Natchez war; 1726 Captain at Natchez; 1730 Captain New Orleans; 1730 to France and returned 1731; 1735 commandant Natchez; 1736 in New Orleans Married Charlotte Bossua, widow of land owner Francoise Orbanne Duval; 1736 wounded Chickasaw War Southern Force at Ackia and served as Captain of the Grenadiers; 1738 Commandant New Orleans; Chickasaw War 1739-1740 Member of War Council at Fort Assumption; Chevalier de Saint Louis; 1749 Major New Orleans; Died 1753.
  23. Pierre Gabrielle de Juzan (Juzant): Born Versailles, France 1691; his father was chamber valet to Minister of the Marine Maurepas; 1730 arrived Louisiana adjutant major of Natchez; lead a Tunica force against renegade Natchez group 1733; moved to Mobile and New Orleans and married in April 1735 and had one child; Adjutant to Chevalier de Noyan (below) at Ackia Chickasaw War; killed by Chickasaw at Ackia May 1736.
  24. Jean Philippe Goujon de Grondel: Born Saverne, France about 1714 of Swiss parents; Louisiana 1732; received three gunshot wounds at Ackia Chickasaw War May 1736; 1741 married daughter of fellow French officer Major Claude Charles du Tisne at Mobile; Lieutenant Fort Conde 1743; 1745 Lieutenant Karrer Company Fort Conde; Captain Fort Conde 1748; Chevalier de Saint Louis 1753; Returned to France 1762 and imprisoned. Died 1807.
  25. Chevalier Gilles Augustin Payen de Noyan de Chavoy: Born Quebec 1705; Ensign at Isle Royale; arrived Louisiana 1725 (lived in New Orleans with brother and uncle, Bienville); 1725 Captain New Orleans; 1733 aide Major Mobile; 1736 aide Major New Orleans; 1736 Major of troops and wounded Chickasaw War Southern Force battle of Ackia; 1738-39 Major New Orleans; visited Choctaw chiefs 1738 to determine their support for and participation in Second Chickasaw war; Major 1739-40 Chickasaw War; 1740 Member of War Council Fort Assumption; 1735 Married Jeanne Faucon Dumanoir daughter of Jean Baptiste Massey; Married 1741 daughter of fellow officer du Tisne; Chevalier de Saint Louis; Died Quebec 1758.
  26. Charles Frederick d'Arensbourg: Born Sweden 1693. Captain Swedish army; arrived Louisiana 1721 at Biloxi; helped Germans settle at Allemand above New Orleans; served French marine reserve Captain; 1730 commended by Perier in actions against Natchez leading German settlers; Captain August 1737 led boat convoy from New Orleans to the Illinois; his daughter Marie Louise married Joseph Chauvin de Lery's son, Nicolas Joseph Chauvin deLery dit Boisclaire; Chevalier de Saint Louis; Died 1777.
  27. Jean Gasparde de Bertet (Berthet) de la Clue: Born 1700 France; served French Army 1719-1732 in Europe; 1733 Captain Mobile company; Captain (probably of Reserves under Beauchamp) in the field Chickasaw War 1736 Southern Force battle of Ackia; Captain and Commandant Fort Tombecbe June 1736-1740 (Note Bertet and le Sueur must have been co-commandants at Tombekbe 1736-40 as both are acknowledged as Commandant in several correspondences in MPA I and III.) ; Major 1741; Commandant Illinois 1742-1749; Chevalier de Saint Louis; Died 1749 at Fort Chartres.
  28. Etienne de Benac: Born 1688 France; Served in King's Bodyguards; 1724 d'Artagan Concession manager with Diron; Returned to active military service; Captain at Natchez 1730-31; 1732 Major and Commandant New Orleans. 1736 officer at Ackia battle Chickasaw War Southern Force; Led boat convoy to Illinois Sept. 1736; Sent March 1739 to Fort St. Francis to establish rank over engineer Verges and regular officers. Commandant at Fort St. Francis 1739 - 1740. December 1739 finished moving supplies from Fort St. Francis to Fort Assumption. 1747 Major at New Orleans; Chevalier de Saint Louis.
  29. Jean Louis Cesaire de Blanc de Neuveville: Born 1693 Marseille, France; 1723 Captain Biloxi; 1723 member Council of War Second Natchez War; 1736 officer at Ackia battle Chickasaw War Southern Force; 1736-39 Captain at Illinois to fill officer vacancies created by loss of Northern Force 1736 Chickasaw war; 1740 Captain New Orleans; Commandant Natchitoches 1744-1763; Chevalier de Saint Louis. Died 1763.
  30. Jean Baptiste de Membrede: Born France 1708; Member of King's bodyguards; Captain Louisiana 1732; 1736 officer at Ackia battle Chickasaw War Southern Force; January 1738 Captain Membrede sent by Bienville with 40 men to survey Yazoo River and to look for road to Chickasaw villages with Saucier and de Lery; 1745 Captain New Orleans; 1748 Major of New Orleans and member of Superior Council of Louisiana; 1753 Lieutenant of the King. Chevalier de Saint Louis. Died 1757.
  31. Jean Jacques de Macarty Mactique: Born 1698 Nimes, France; sub-Lieutenant France; arrived Louisiana 1732/3; married Francoise Trepagnier 1735 New Orleans; Captain 1735; 1737 killed Charles Petit de Livilliers in duel; visited France 1740; Lieutenant of the King and adjutant Major of New Orleans 1741-47; 1747 Captain New Orleans; Commandant Illinois 1751-60; commissioned King's Lieutenant and Major New Orleans1759; Chevalier de Saint Louis; Died New Orleans 1764.
  32. Jean Joseph Delfau de Pontalba: Born France 1708; Arrived Louisiana 1732; second Lieutenant Natchez under Benac; New Orleans service; 1736 officer at Ackia battle Chickasaw War Southern Force; Captain Pointe Coupee 1737; December 1741 married Louise Malbec, widow of de Livilliers; 1739 second Chickasaw War at Fort St. Francis and led two convoy boat trips to Illinois; Visited France 1741 where his wife died; 1742 served at The Balize; 1743 Lieutenant New Orleans; 1744-53 Commandant Pointe Coupee; married a daughter of Broutin 1754; Chevalier de Saint Louis; 1758 Captain of Marines Point Coupee; died 1760 New Orleans.
  33. Jean Baptiste Boucher de Monbrun (Montbrun) de Saint Laurent: Born 1700 Quebec, Canada; 1736 officer at Ackia battle Chickasaw War Southern Force; wounded Battle of Ackia ; 1738 replaced de Lery in Second Chickasaw War; searched for road to Chickasaw on Yazoo River; married Petit de Coulanges' (French Marine officer) daughter November 1746; he died at Illinois 1747.
  34. Louis Francois Tixerant (Tisserant or Tixerand): Born Paris about 1690; Arrived Louisiana early 1720s; 1739 Lieutenant Second Chickasaw War 1739-40 Fort Assumption; Louboey in letter to Maurepas dated January 1740 discusses affair part of which occurred in Tixerant kitchen in New Orleans; 1722 at Biloxi s Warehouse Guard; 1723 former warehouse guard Mobile; 1724 married widow (Marie Marguerite Arluc) of Andre Carriere, a landowner; 1745 Reforme Lieutenant Benoist's company New Orleans.

These men were distinguished as Marine officers. Many were awarded the coveted Chevalier de Saint Louis.

Let's take another look at these men, below. Note the references CM with a page number following and BB (Black Book of the Superior Council) with volume number following. As far as the Black Books go, I read volumes 2 through 69. At about 180 pages each volume that's a lot of reading. The notes below are selected and do not represent the entirety of each person's civil actions in the references.

Officers Listed in Order, as Above, with Different Interests

  1. Joseph Chauvin de Lery: In March 1719 de Lery and his brothers (Beaulieu and la Freniere) petitioned Superior Council for 6 arpents of land at Tchoupitoulas; By 1724 he and his brothers owned 140 arpents (1 arpent = 0.84 acres), slaves and cattle. They were lumber suppliers as well. Census 1721 33 Negro and 4 Indian slaves; Census 1726 95 Negro and 2 Indian slaves; Census 1731 de Lery also owned lumber mill 3 Negro slaves worked to provide lumber for individual house frames and military buildings.
  2. Louis Chauvin de Beaulieu: Census 1721 30 Negro and 1 Indian slave property neighbored Joseph Chauvin also Belair lived there; Census 1726 44 Negro and 4 Indian slaves, and large house on Rue Royalle New Orleans.
  3. Nicholas Chauvin de la Freniere: Census 1721 53 Negro and 8 Indian slaves; Census 1726 115 Negro and 3 Indian slaves; also a lumber and planking supplier New Orleans. 1731 Census 112 Negro and 4 Indian slaves. He owned several houses in New Orleans.
  4. Jean Jadart de Beauchamp (Beauchamps): Beauchamp built a large plantation above Mobile at Twenty-one mile bluff which he sold to Grondel, CM. He amassed estate worth 131,000 livres (1 livres = $1.25 US dollars) BB 78. 1726 Census at Mobile wife, one Negro and one Indian slave; his Mobile plantation would have required a number of slaves. He owned a lot in Mobile that he purchased in 1737 BB 28.
  5. Henry de Louboey (Loubois also Louboye): 1739 sale of three negroes BB 42; 1740 rent two Negroes BB 44; 1726 Census at Mobile wife, one child, one Negro and one Indian slave; 1732 Census 6 Negro slaves in New Orleans proper; 1737 Lease of a Negro slave to Rivard BB 31; 1738 leased Negro slaves to Germain BB 33; 1739 sold 3 Negro slaves 6200 livres BB 42.
  6. Joseph Christophe de Lusser: 1721 Census 1 Negro and 2 Indian slaves; 1726 Census at Mobile 9 Negro and 3 Indian slaves; Perier in April 1727 wrote that Lusser can not travel due to large family and plantation. de Lusser's wife Margaret in 1737 received a large land grant from Bienville and Salmon on an island on the Tensaw river above Mobile CM 140. There was also a Lusser Tract south and west of Fort Conde CM 144.
  7. Sieur Jacques de Coustilhas: His Will August 1738 set six slaves to be freed and given land BB 35. 1725 Contract to supply timber BB 9; 1726 Census 11 Negro slaves; 1727 Census with Sieur de Cayrac on Mississippi River 33 Negro and 2 Indian slaves; 1731 Census 55 Negro slaves (separate of Kairac (Cayrac)); BB 42 public sale of 61 cattle; 1738 Coustilhas owned St. Jean Baptiste, a ship that had apparently traveled to Africa to commerce in Negro slaves BB 33 and 37; 1738 freed 8 Negro slaves and gave them land by his Will BB 35; 1740 pre sale of plantation required repairs for orange trees and indigo factories BB 44.
  8. Regis du Roullet: I did not find a record that he owned land or slaves in Louisiana.
  9. Antoine Le Moyne de Chateaugue (Chateauguay): 1721 Mobile Census 5 Negro and 3 Indian slaves.
  10. Bernard Diron d'Artaguiette: Owner of large concessions, plantation(s) and slaves in Mobile and New Orleans. Owned three Louisiana Concessions; Baton Rouge and D'Artagnan and Diron Concessions at Cannes Bruslee. 1721 Census at Baton Rouge Concession 10 French male habitants, 5 women and 2 children, Diron Concession 8 French, 20 French domestics, 8 Negro slaves, and 2 Indian slaves, D'Artagnan Concession 58 French and 20 Negro slaves; 1726 Census Diron Concession 1 master, 2 servants, 23 Negro slaves, D'Artagnan Concession 1 master, 3 domestics, 29 Negro and 4 Indian slaves (Baton Rouge Concession not provided), also he owned a Mobile house 3 Negro and 3 Indian slaves, and house on Rue Quay New Orleans with one Negro slave; 1738 sold Concession at Cannes Brulee BB 33.
  11. Jean Paul le Sueur called "The Canadian": Made Will Feb 1736; 1731 Census le Sueur owned New Orleans plantation adjoining Chauvin brothers 1 Negro slave; Also owned large plantation 30 miles north of Mobile on west side of river at Chastang bluff, see CM 149.
  12. Sieur de Chepart (Cheparre or Chapere): 1726 Census owned house on Rue Royalle New Orleans; the French correspondences between Perier and Maurepas indict Chepart as the cause of the Massacre at Fort Rosalie in 1729. The reason? He demanded Natchez land to create his own plantation. The Natchez disagreed.
  13. Jean Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville: Census 1721 at Mobile 6 Negro slaves; at New Orleans 27 Negro and 7 Indian slaves; Census 1724 New Orleans 9 habitants on Bienville's land at Allemands (Concession); Census 1726 Bienville plantation house 4 Negro and 2 Indian slaves, a second plantation 45 Negro slaves; Census 1727 65 Negro slaves at second plantation; 1725 Sale of property to Officer Dutisne BB 5, BB 9; 1727 sale of property (in absentia) BB 13; 1737 Sale of plantations belonging to Bienville (and Provanche) BB 28; 1738 along with his partner Edme Salmon, Bienville sold D'Asfeld Concession BB 33; 1745 sale of plantation to Hugon BB 61.
  14. Pierre d'Artaguiette d'Itouralde: He was part owner of two Louisiana land concessions with his brother Diron. He did not appear to have been involved in day-to- day Concession operations or legal actions.
  15. Baron de Cresnay (Crenay): I did not find a record that the Baron owned land or slaves. He was in Louisiana about 5 years.
  16. Jean Baptiste Benoist (Benoit) de St. Clair: 1726 Census at Mobile wife and 4 Negro slaves; 1738 bill for cargo shipped La Reine des Anges of 1856 livres the La Reine des Anges was a privateer and a slaver to New Orleans BB 35.
  17. Etienne de Perier: Census 1726 Plantation on Mississippi River 25 Negro slaves; Census 1727 house Rue du Quay New Orleans where he had 5 Negro slaves: 1732 Census house on Rue St. Ann and 5 Negro slaves; 1735 sold 5 Negro slaves BB 22; 1737 sold his plantation near King's Plantation to Jean Charles de Pradel BB 26 and 27.
  18. Marc Antoine Huche (Duche): 1721 Mobile no slaves; Property Mobile sold January 1737 by court.
  19. Ignace Francois Broutin: 1726 Census owned 31 Negro slaves while Director of D'Artagnan Concession at Natchez; 1731 Census 48 Negro slaves and 2 Indian slaves; Bought plantation from his wife, the widow of Mandeville; 1745 swaps plantations with Nicolas Barbin BB 57.
  20. Jean Charles de Pradel: Census 1726 at Illinois 2 Negro slaves; Census 1731 plantation on Mississippi River above New Orleans 6 Negro slaves; Census 1732 rented a house on Rue de Chartres New Orleans; 1737 Bought Perier plantation BB 30; 1739 buying two adjoining lots New Orleans with buildings 10,000 livres BB 38 (formerly owned Chevalier de Noyan).
  21. Charles Petit de Livilliers: Census 1724 plantation on the Mississippi River, the same plantation stated MPA III 449; Census 1726 2 negro slaves plantation on Mississippi River and house on Rue du Quay; 1727 Census plantation on Mississippi river left bank 9 Negro slaves; Census 1731 31 Negro slaves. 1725 BB 9 bought two properties and sold one; 1731 owner of ¾ Plantation partnership with Perier's brother, de Salvert, at Cannes Brulee worth 44,000 livres BB 20; 1737 bought de Salvert's ¼ of plantation BB 28; 1738 purchase house at public auction BB 34; 1738 estate consists of a house in town with 10 Negro slaves, two adjoining lots in town, and a plantation of 6 arpents land with 31 Negro slaves and cattle BB 34.
  22. Renaud de Hautervive (d'Hauterive): Census 1731 owned 22 arpents of land, brick kiln and 36 Negro slaves; Census 1732 owned house Rue de Quay New Orleans 3 Negro slaves; 1734 Bought a second plantation from estate of French officer Villainville BB 21; 1737 bought a Negro slave BB 31; 1739 agreement to buy Descloseaux plantation BB 38 (15,000 livre down payment May 1740); 1739 sold plantation 8000 livres BB 42.
  23. Pierre Gabrielle de Juzan (Juzant) I did not find a record that he owned a plantation or Negro slave.
  24. Jean Philippe Goujon de Grondel: 1758 became a planter at New Orleans. He bought Beauchamp plantation at Twenty-one mile north of Mobile and named it St. Philippe CM 148; 1746 Grondel and wife sold house and lot on Rue Royalle BB 61.
  25. Chevalier Gilles Augustin Payen de Noyan de Chavoy: 1725 Purchase of Dutisne Property BB 9; 1727 Census owned a house on Rue de Quay New Orleans 9 Negro slaves also 7 Negro slaves at his uncle's Bienville's plantation; 1735 Sell house and lot BB 23; 1737 purchased Perier house and lot on Rue de Quay 7000 livres BB 29 and 31; 1737 bought a lot from the Company in New Orleans BB 30; 1738 sold house on plantation while he was conducting Chickasaw War BB 36; 1738 bought 11 arpents from estate of Joseph Chauvin de Lery Tchapitoulas land BB 38.
  26. Charles Frederick d'Arensbourg: Granted concession at Allemands; Census of 1726 wife and child with no slaves; Census 1731 6 Negro slaves.
  27. Jean Gasparde de Bertet (Berthet) de la Clue: I did not find a record that he owned land or slaves in New Orleans or Mobile.
  28. Etienne de Benac: (MPA III 397) the co director of Mr. d'Artagnan's concession May 1724 in Cannes Brulees (Kenner) which had 30 black slaves and 7 indentured servants. By 1729 he was repudiated by d'Artagnan and released. 1727 Census owns 31 Negro slaves adjacent to Diron Concession; 1737 wins lawsuit against D'Artagnan concession for value of 12 Negro slaves or 8400 livres BB 31; 1738 purchased two lots Bayou St John New Orleans BB 33 and 34; 1746 bought two lots New Orleans with brick house and shingles on one lot BB 61.
  29. Jean Louis Cesaire de Blanc de Neuveville: 1726 Census House on Rue de Chartres New Orleans Wife, no children, two Negro and one Indian slave; Census 1731 Plantation on Mississippi River 13 Negro slaves, also BB 20; Petition to sell plantation on Mississippi River with all buildings, etc. BB 30; 1739 lease of 3 Negro slaves to Dalcourt BB 37.
  30. Jean Baptiste de Membrede: Rented Pellerin plantation 1754 BB 76; 1758 he owned plantation on Mississippi River below New Oreleans BB 78. Married Francoise De Ruellen the widow of Louis Gerard Pellerin warehouse manager who died 1737.
  31. Jean Jacques de Macarty Mactique: He owned an indigo plantation north of New Orleans; 1738 bought and sold 5 Negro slaves BB 34; 1744 sell of 7 lots in New Orleans to Andre Carriere BB 54.
  32. Jean Joseph Delfau de Pontalba: Per Black Books, he often traded slaves, bought livestock and sold at least one plantation on Mississippi River. 1736 bought Negro slave BB 27; 1744 lease of house in New Orleans BB 54; 1745 sale of 19 Negro slaves BB 55; 1750 sued by de Livilliers' survivors for his first wife's inheritance or 85,000 livres BB 69 (Pontalba lost). 1754 bought a plantation at Tchoupitoulus BB 76. 1757 sold a plantation BB 76 and 81.
  33. Jean Baptiste Boucher de Monbrun (Montbrun) de Saint Laurent: 1733 sale of Plantation at bayou St. John, lot in New Orleans and two lots on Mississippi River BB 21; 1738 leases a Negro slave BB 34.
  34. Louis Francois Tixerant (Tisserant or Tixerand): 1726 Census wife and 4 children, 42 Negro and 6 Indian slaves, and a house on Rue du Quay in New Orleans( not occupied); 1727 Census 7 Masters, 1 Domestic, 45 Negro slaves and 7 Indian slaves; 1725 buys the frame and labor for house BB 5;1736 leases two Negro slaves to Montbrun BB 26; 1737 leases two Negro slaves to Montbrun BB 31; 1738 formed partnership with Aufrere to make pitch and tar BB 36; 1743 sale of Negro slave BB 51; 1744 consent to sell lot for debt to Company of Indies BB 53.

Lower ranked French officers, particularly at the remote forts and posts, were known to have traded for hides with the Indian peoples. But the trade was seasonal. I couldn't imagine that the French Marine leadership had farming as a second vocation. When I say French leadership, on the list we have two Governors, Perier and Bienville, and officers' with rank from King's Lieutenant to Ensign. When did these officers have time to perform both duties? The farming (plantations) required land preparation, ploughing, planting, daily plant care like hoeing and watering, and picking and curing in the case of tobacco and distilling in the case of indigo. There was also animal care and slave care. There were land auctions and slave auctions to attend. Compared to today there was no electricity so all the chores were performed manually or with simple tools. Owning a plantation meant that you had to have slaves to perform a number of these tasks. The soldiering was performed at the Forts in the City of New Orleans or Mobile or Illinois or Natchez, and most of these officers started farming in Mobile or New Orleans.

Of the 34 officers listed only Cresnay, Bertet. Juzan, Roullet and Chepart do not appear from the references to have owned plantation or slaves. Pierre d'Artaguiette owned both through his brother Diron. Chepart was the cause of the Massacre of Fort Rosalie as he coveted and demanded the Natchez peoples' land. He had a Fort to command and a plantation surrounding it in his mind. Cresnay, Juzan and Roullet were in Louisiana a few years and perhaps never intended to own land or slaves. In addition Cresnay, Juzan and Roullet were all from France where slavery was outlawed.

West African slaves were not uncommon to French provinces. The French Caribbean colonies of Saint Domingue (Haiti), Guadeloupe and Martinique had over 1.1 million West African slaves imported before 1794. By contrast Louisiana had just 6000 slaves imported 1719 to 1731.

Comparing the first two lists, it appears we are dealing with different men. Surely these officers were not plantation and slave owners. But they were. How did this happen?

A bit of history is required. First Biloxi 1698 then Old Mobile 1702 followed by New Mobile 1711 were settled. The issue with the three sites is they could/did not support agriculture. The issue with Biloxi was too much sand and the issue with Old Mobile was flooding. A site was needed which did not flood as much as New Mobile and which was large enough such that agriculture could be successful on a grand scale. That site was New Orleans. Settlement started there in 1719. The transfer of the capitol to New Orleans was made in 1723.

The first officers to settle near New Orleans were the Chauvin brothers, Numbers 1-3 in lists above. They received a grant from the Company of the Indies for a plantation. Other officers also received grants of land near New Orleans. Negro slaves from Africa were shipped to Louisiana, mostly New Orleans, immediately following. Slaves were made available via sale with terms. MPA II 281 in 1724 states that a two year term was allowed to make payment either in copper, company paper, or tobacco. Two years would have seemed too short for the officers when you consider a captain made 1,000 to 1,200 livres per year and a lieutenant made 600 to 800 livres per year and a male Negro slave cost 1,000 to 1,200 livres.

How did they afford to buy slaves? Some officers asked for and received loans from the Superior Council. Louboey had a loan for 3,600 livres, see MPA III 408. Other officers ask for permission to return to France (two months sea travel one way) to fetch inheritance or borrow monies. Others started businesses. The supplying of lumber and tar and pitch were early trades that proved successful if only to a few like de Lery and D'Hauterive. Others married money, though given French law at the time the husbands debt at death became the widow's. So some officers married debt, like Broutin.

The distribution of the Negroes to the inhabitants of Louisiana was determined by the Superior Council. While the Negroes were sold at public auction, there were preferences which again favored the officers, "We have always preferred the officers, employees and inhabitants who have paid cash for the Negroes to those in the distributions that we have made…", see MPA II 637.

The intent of the Colony in 1721 was to settle the Mississippi River from New Orleans to and including Natchez. The exclusion of land sales and slaves in other areas would ensure this settlement pattern, see MPA II 259. The success of these practices was shared in a 1726 correspondence from a Capuchin priest who set out from New Orleans bound for Natchez, "The plantations are rather numerous on both sides of the river during the first 10 leagues." See MPA II 525.

As property and slave owners, the officers increased their status in Louisiana. Slavery was not allowed in France and land ownership there was much more costly than Louisiana. So, the officers now had second careers, which demanded their time. At crop planting and harvesting the demand for their time peaked.

Did the French leadership factor an officer's plantation ownership into their decision making? 1n 1727 Perier and de la Chaise (list below) wrote the Company MPA II 539, "Sieur de Lusser, who is a supernumerary, can not leave Mobile because of his large family and of his plantation." The answer is a surprising yes.

Did the French leadership postpone military campaigns during these seasons for the benefit of their officers? The reader will find in the (Musings D'Artaguiette's Northern Force and Bienville's Southern Force) that Bienville as Commander General and Governor initially planned both Forces' simultaneous attacks on the Chickasaw villages for the fall of the year 1735. Why fall? The rainfall was lowest for the year and the air drier, making travel for man and beast easier. In addition, the men and animals could harvest and eat the grain of their Indian enemies. Guess what happened? Planning went out the window, both Northern and Southern Forces attacked in the early spring March and May 1736. There wasn't a simultaneous attack from the two Forces as Bienville's Force was late and the Southern Force had waited for him, otherwise both Forces would have attacked in late February or early March so as not to interfere with planting season.

What about the Chickasaw War 1739-40? I will add text to the Musing Bienville's Revenge to answer that. In the mean time, the French the military officers were not the only Louisiana authorities trying to become wealthy . . .

Louisiana Superior Council Administrative Staff 1725

  1. Jacques de la Chaise: Louisiana Dec 1722 Special Commissary Louisiana; July 1725 Ordannateur Commissioner; 1722-1730 Member Superior Council of Louisiana; Died 1730. Census 1727 3 Negro slaves; Census 1731 plantation and mill and 12 Negro slaves. 1731 a second plantation on Mississippi River (in his succession) 37 Negro slaves.
  2. Pierre Dugue Sieur de Boisbriand (various spellings): Born 1675 Canada; Bienville cousin; Arrived Louisiana at Biloxi 1699; 1704 escorted large party of Chickasaw through Choctaw territory, attacked by Choctaw, Boisbriand wounded; 1713 Major Biloxi; 1717; visited France 1717-18; 1718 Lieutenant of the King; 1718-24 First Commandant at Illinois; 1723 ordered to New Orleans as Lieutenant of the King and Presiding Officer of Superior Council of Louisiana; 1724-26 Governor of Louisiana; 1728 ordered to France. Died 1736 France. Census 1726 owned 22 Negro slaves at Illinois; Census 1726 house on Rue de Conde 6 Negro slaves.
  3. Antoine Philippe Brusle (Brule): Member superior Council of Louisiana; Died 1738; 1724 received loan of 4,000 livres from Superior Council to buy a house MPA II 496; Census 1727 owned house on Rue Chartres and 5 Negro slaves; 1731 plantation on Mississippi River with 7 Negro slaves.
  4. Jacques Fazende: Member Superior Council of Louisiana; Census 1726 house on Rue Royalie and 2 Negro slaves; Census 1727 Plantation and 4 Negro Slaves; 1731 Census Plantation and 23 Negro slaves.
  5. Paul Perry: Member Superior Council of Louisiana; Census 1726 He had a house on Rue Chartres and 2 Negro slaves. He retired to France 1730.
  6. Francois Fleuriau (various spellings): Member superior Council of Louisiana; 1726 Census house on Rue de Bienville and 3 Negro slaves; 1727 Census house on Rue de Conty (that is the Census spelling) and 8 Negro slaves; 1731 Census he owned a plantation on Mississippi River and 24 Negro slaves and 1 Indian slave.

The Superior Council of Louisiana 1718-1768 followed the laws of The Custom of Paris. The Council was the governing body of Louisiana and acted as investigator, prosecutor, jury, and judge in all civil and criminal matters.

Note the above members of the Superior Council are represented in the Black Book records.

The only person in Louisiana who was told by the Company not to own plantation was de la Chaise. In a 1728 correspondence MPA II 655, "… the Company will not permit a man who is performing for it the functions of Commissary General to own a plantation." At the time, de la Chaise owned two plantations.

Let's take one more step. Let's look at the French spiritual authorities. Were they involved in this contagion? This rush to wealth?

Catholic Orders in Louisiana

  1. Jesuit: Father du Ru to Biloxi, Census 1700, came to Louisiana on d'Iberville's second voyage. Father du Ru moved to Fort Louis Old Mobile, Census 1706 where mission established. Louisiana Jesuits served under Bishop of Quebec Jesuit Missions established Fort Rosalie, at Kaskakia in Illinois Country, Choctaw, Yazoo, and Tunica. After 1722 the Jesuits had spiritual authority in lower Louisiana of the Indians while in Illinois they had authority of French and Indians. In Census 1727 plantation and 13 Negro slaves. 1727 Father Beaubois asked Perier and de la Chaise for the six Negro slaves owed him MPA II 547. 1730 the Company is in partnership with Jesuits in a brick yards MPA II 671. In Census 1731 plantation and 42 Negro slaves. 1737 Jesuits return a rented Negro slave to owner BB 31.
  2. Capuchin: After 1722 the Capuchin had spiritual authority of the French population of Lower Louisiana. Father Raphael of Luxembourg was Capuchin Priest and Superior in charge of Capuchin Missions in Louisiana. He arrived Louisiana 1724.Experienced bitter differences with Jesuits MPA II 505. Census 1721 Priest Claude in Mobile. 1731 Census Capuchin fathers own plantation on Mississippi River with 5 Negro slaves. The 1731 Census also indicates the Capuchin had a presbitary at Allemands with 1 Negro slave. The land was obtained by grant from the Superior Council. Another 1731 Census property had a renter with 11 Negro slaves. The 1732 Census shows a house owned by the order with 4 Negro slaves. 1737 Capuchin fathers dissolve partnership to raise indigo on their Gentilly (near New Orleans) plantation BB 31.
  3. Ursuline: Ursuline nuns arrived in New Orleans 1727. Hospital and appurtenant buildings built New Orleans 1728 on Rue du Quay. Jurisdiction of Ursulines moved from Jesuits to Capuchin. Nuns treated variety of patients at hospital including military and slaves. Census 1726 4 Negro slaves at hospital. 1727 Perier and de la Chaise owe Nuns 8 Negro slaves for their farm (plantation) MPA II 547. The 1732 Census indicated an orphanage on Rue de Chartres run Ursulines with 26 orphans. February 1736 Ursulines buy a plantation for 3 Negro slaves BB 24.

Surprised that the Catholic Church's orders were involved in land owning and slavery? I was. But I am a back-sliding Southern Baptist (and not a good one). At any rate the French officers confessions were heard with an understanding ear.

References include . . .

  1. MPA Mississippi Provincial Archives French Dominion (Volumes I, II and III). Link to Volume I available HathiTrust Digital Library:
    https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.31822011327111&view=1up&seq=25&skin=2021 Volumes II and III are available from same site if one clicks previous screen.
  2. CM Colonial Mobile. An Historical Study, largely from Original Sources, of the Alabama-Tombigbee Basin and the old South West, from the discovery of Mobile Bay in 1519 until the Demolition of Fort Charlotte in 1821, Peter J. Hamilton, Houghton Mifflin and Company, 1897.
    https://ia902800.us.archive.org/3/items/colonialmobilehi00hami/colonialmobilehi00hami.pdf
  3. The Census Tables for the French Colony of Louisiana from 1699 Through 1732, Charles R. Maduell, Clearfield Company, 1972.
  4. BB Black Books of the Superior Council of Louisiana. Louisiana State Museum Collections. Colonial Documents Black Books Reference Page

More on this subject in the Musing Bienville's Revenge later this summer. Until then . . .

Regards from Tupelo,
Steve Cook
May 24, 2022