Withdrawal of French Troops and "Soldier-Settlers": 1667

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A French offensive in the fall of 1666 removed the immediate threat of Iroquois raids in Canada. As a result, in the spring of 1667, companies of the Régiment de Carignan-Salières began to leave Canada. Marquis de Tracy, Lieutenant-General for America, embarked for France in the summer of 1667 with four companies. More companies left for France the following year, and, by 12 February 1669, only four companies of the Régiment de Carignan Salières remained stationed in Canada. Replacements would be recruited from the local militia. Two companies formed part of the garrison at Montreal; the others were posted at forts Chambly, Ste. Anne, and St. Jean along the Richelieu River.

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In 1666, Jean Talon, the Intendant in Canada, proposed an ambitious scheme to settle soldiers permanently in New France. With de Tracy's approval, Talon submitted his proposal to Jean Colbert, the minister responsible for France's economic, military, and colonial affairs. His plan called for the active recruitment of soldiers from the ranks of the Régiment de Carignan-Salières to become colonists. Land grants and cash subsidies would be given as incentives. King Louis XIV approved of Talon's plan, and recruitment began the following year.

Only 400 officers and men from the Régiment de Carignan-Salières, including 30 captains and lieutenants, chose to stay in Canada. Talon hoped that these experienced officers and troops would provide leadership and discipline for the Canadian militia units. However, the new colonists displayed little interest in commanding militia units, and local captains of militia continued to lead the majority of locally raised forces.

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Credit: https://www.lermuseum.org/new-france-1600-1730/1650-1730/withdrawal-of-french-troops-and-soldier-settlers-1667