The King and His People in the Discourse of the Ancien Capitaine.
Jerry A Micelle
The linkage between king and people in the discourse of ancien capitaine is based on dual roles captain as an intermediary representing to a royal officer commissioned by exercise sovereignty. Maritime captains, Indian chiefs, French missionaries participated that advanced nurtured village leader post captains links France New France, old world his new. Tracing development diplomatic language observing Canadian they extended dominion into Mississippi Valley, shows chain linking was strained gap developed interests king's service welfare colony itself. city Natchitoches planted Louis Juchereau de Saint Denis border two empires became nucleus viable frontier community. economic failure Company West created new opportunities for those who were ready learn apply techniques capitaine, demonstrating their ability control vast territory with handful soldiers, attempted bridge interest survival colony. use words force forged strong link tied people--families, tribes, traders--of captain's kingdom, confederacy, or federal republic which best able defend protect supply needs. presented himself agent could bring benefits protection material prosperity accepted him spokesman. effective commandant commanded loyalty fictive kinship groups surrounding post. key Spanish enlistment king.