Proposal to have Negroes brought to Canada, 1717.

M. Begon has made it known that it would profit the Colony and its trade practices to have Negroes brought to Canada.
26 January 1717. This proposal does not appear to be convenient at present.

New England, where there is considerable Trade due to the large number of Ships constructed there for the shipping of Wood to Europe, has established itself so swiftly and so prosperously only because of this source of assistance.

Most of the English and Flemish government officials of Manatte, contiguous to the government of Montreal, do not work the land, but have their Negroes do the work,

The same work could take place in Canada with the help of Negroes who could be of great use. In addition to working the Land, there is Cod, Porpoise and Seal fishing, Hunting, ship building and wood logging and cutting and Masting [masts for ships].

There are also Iron Mines that would be profitable if we were able to work them.

One might object that the cold is detrimental to the temperament of the Negroes, but it is in trying that we will find out, since those in the government of New England and Manatte and

One might also object to the difficulty of payment; however, the trade in Beaver pelts, and promissory Notes paid in full within the time limit will be the means to pay for the Negroes in good and due time.

Monsieur de Vaudreüil does not believe it to be convenient to have Negroes brought to Canada, as the climate is too cold and it would be costly for the inhabitants to clothe them in winter. He believes that it would be more advantageous to have salt traffickers brought over.