his great influence with the minister. Colbert conveyed
the gratifying information to Courcelle:

His Majesty has granted freedom of trade to Canada,
so that the colony may hereafter receive more easily
the provisions and supplies needed. It will now be
necessary to inform the colonists that they must
provide cargoes agreeable to the French, who will
supply them with necessities, and so make a profitable
exchange of goods. For there is now a great supply
of furs in this kingdom, and if there were no other
goods available as a return cargo perhaps the French
ships would not go there.

The spring of 1669 was memorable for Canada. Nearly all
that Talon asked for New France was granted. But one
thing which he did not ask was desired by Louis and
Colbert. It is probable that Talon intended to go back
to Canada, but he did not expect or wish to return
immediately. Yet this was what the king and the minister
deemed advisable and even essential. It was very well to
send troops, labourers, women, settlers, and supplies;
but, in order that all should yield their maximum of
efficiency, it was necessary that the business affairs
of the colony should again be placed in the hands of the
intendant, who had already worked wonders by his sagacity
and skilful management. There was no man who knew so well
the weak and strong points, the requirements and
possibilities of Canada. True, only a few months had
elapsed since the king had given him permission to leave