King’s reply to governor Beauharnois and intendant Hocquart, 11 April 1735.

He [His Majesty] last year explained to Sieurs de Beauharnois and hocquart the reason why he did not approve their proposal to pass a formal Law regarding the Status of Panis savages and other nations with whom France does not conduct trade or is at war. This has not changed. However, judges in the Colony may comply with common practice, which so far has been to view the Panis as slaves. On the issue of how to proceed in granting them their freedom, As Sieurs de Beauharnois and hocquart do not see any Inconvenience in Sieur hocquart [formulating?] an ordinance compelling masters who wish to grant their slaves Freedom, to do so by notarial deed and not verbally, under penalty of the granting of freedom being nullified, His Majesty has agreed to rely upon their judgment in this matter.