He will explain everything in the best manner. I shall be
extremely sensible to any kindness you may show him, and hope that when
you know him you will like him as much as I do."[564]
[Footnote 561: _Memoires sur le Canada_, 1749-1760.]
[Footnote 562: _Vaudreuil au Ministre, 15 Oct. 1759._]
[Footnote 563: _Ibid., 7 Nov. 1759._]
[Footnote 564: _Ibid., 6 Aout, 1758._]
Administrative corruption was not the only bane of Canada. Her financial
condition was desperate. The ordinary circulating medium consisted of
what was known as card money, and amounted to only a million of francs.
This being insufficient, Bigot, like his predecessor Hocquart, issued
promissory notes on his own authority, and made them legal tender. They
were for sums from one franc to a hundred, and were called
_ordonnances_. Their issue was blamed at Versailles as an encroachment
on the royal prerogative, though they were recognized by the Ministry in
view of the necessity of the case. Every autumn those who held them to
any considerable amount might bring them to the colonial treasurer, who
gave in return bills of exchange on the royal treasury in France. At
first these bills were promptly paid; then delays took place, and the
notes depreciated; till in 1759 the Ministry, aghast at the amount,
refused payment, and the utmost dismay and confusion followed.[565]
[Footnote 565: _Reflections sommaires sur le Commerce qui s'est fait en
Canada.
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