The French approach to witchcraft on this continent really was different from the English response in the colonies. I have another ancestor -- Barbe Hallay -- who was "demon possessed." The nuns took her in, helped restore her vigor, then put her to work taking care of other patients. https://www.mqup.ca/possession-of-barbe-hallay--the-products-9780228014034.php
And now...waiting to find out what happened to the Morins!
Wow, she was an ancestor of yours? That is a fascinating case I came across while researching this.
Yes, the French were not that superstitious and did not go in for any of that nonsense. I don’t like to generalize, but it appears to have been a widespread attitude.
As you can tell from my version of the story I think Le Neuf probably didn’t believe any of it either, but saw the benefits of encouraging and manipulating people.
I loved that movie! Alas, it hasn't aged well in its problematic portrayal of native people, but I will take the compliment as it is great storytelling.
Me too. I'd like to think he walked into the bush and was maybe taken in by native people who would be impressed by his work ethic and what he could contribute, and perhaps less irked by his lack of social graces, since as a Frenchman he would already be dismissed as odd.
Fascinating story. I'm intrigued by the financial underpinnings of witchcraft charges in Salem, and it seems like in this case, Le Neuf really did not want to pay to have those marshes drained.
The French approach to witchcraft on this continent really was different from the English response in the colonies. I have another ancestor -- Barbe Hallay -- who was "demon possessed." The nuns took her in, helped restore her vigor, then put her to work taking care of other patients. https://www.mqup.ca/possession-of-barbe-hallay--the-products-9780228014034.php
And now...waiting to find out what happened to the Morins!
Wow, she was an ancestor of yours? That is a fascinating case I came across while researching this.
Yes, the French were not that superstitious and did not go in for any of that nonsense. I don’t like to generalize, but it appears to have been a widespread attitude.
As you can tell from my version of the story I think Le Neuf probably didn’t believe any of it either, but saw the benefits of encouraging and manipulating people.
I’m really enjoying the twists and turns of this story. And so interesting about the different approach to accusations of witchcraft.
I love the old map of Quebec. I think I can decipher le seminaire? I taught a class there one semester!
And yes if I were accused of witchcraft would much rather be tried in the land of Descartes.
I would to plot out where the prison and courtroom was. Will see if I can find this in the BANQ archives.
Can't wait for the next episode!
This story has the makings if a movie in the spirit if Black Robe.
I loved that movie! Alas, it hasn't aged well in its problematic portrayal of native people, but I will take the compliment as it is great storytelling.
I have to say I felt some relief for Jean Campagna. I wonder where he went. Probably sensible of him to go off and maintain a low profile.
Me too. I'd like to think he walked into the bush and was maybe taken in by native people who would be impressed by his work ethic and what he could contribute, and perhaps less irked by his lack of social graces, since as a Frenchman he would already be dismissed as odd.
Fascinating story. I'm intrigued by the financial underpinnings of witchcraft charges in Salem, and it seems like in this case, Le Neuf really did not want to pay to have those marshes drained.
I know another person who uses their power and the power of the law to not pay bills. Not mentioning any names.