Since the fall of New France in 1760, relations between France and its former colony in North America have been virtually non-existent.
It would take almost 100 years for two events to re-establish the relationship between the former mother country and the abandoned colony. First, when the government of Great Britain abolished the laws in 1849 which prohibited foreign ships from accessing Canadian waters, then when, six years later, the British and the French formed an alliance against Russia in the conflict in Crimea.
Crimean War (1854-1856)
Painting by Adolphe Yvon
CONNECTION BETWEEN SWORN ENEMIES
It is in this context of diplomatic détente that a beautiful large corvette, The Capriciouswill become the first French-flagged ship to return to Canada since the British Conquest. Until July 13, 1855, apart from the few boats that came to pick up those who were forced to return to France, no other armed vessel flying the French flag had sailed in Canadian waters. The Capricious then makes history by proudly sailing up the river to finally anchor at the port of Quebec. The diplomats on board are tasked with meeting Canadian leaders and re-establishing commercial bridges, finding new outlets for French products and subtly assessing the importance of the Canadian market. The French also wish to communicate their intention to establish a lasting peace and formalize reconciliation with Great Britain.
The surrender of Montreal in 1760
Virtual Museum of Canada
THE CAPRICIOUS IN CANADA
The French boat, placed under the command of Paul-Henry de Belvèze, begins its tour of North America in the Maritimes in May. Then, the flamboyant corvette enters the St. Lawrence River where it is welcomed to the sound of the bells of the parish churches along both banks. Canadians are proud of this visit and many of them gather on the banks to greet the passage of the large building. The Capricieuse finally arrived at the quay of the port of Quebec on July 13, 1855. The tricolor flag flew over all the houses and the inhabitants of Quebec literally rushed to exchange with the sailors of The Capricious.
Commander Paul-Henry de Belvéze. From July 13 to August 25, 1855, Belvèze visited Lower Canada and Upper Canada.
BAnQ
Receptions, street parades, balls and grand ceremonies, nothing is too beautiful to make our guests feel welcome in old New France. Commander Belvèze is the guest of honor at the official ceremonies given by the mayor of Quebec Joseph Morrin and the governor general of Canada Edmund Head. He was asked to install the first stone of the Braves monument on the Plains of Abraham.
A diplomatic ball of great importance. Since 1849, Canada has been able to trade with other countries such as France. Until then, commercial relations with France were limited and only concerned a few heavily taxed products, impossible to find in England. In fact, you should know that France was not connected by transatlantic cable to Canada, all trade had to pass through London.
Domaine public
The next day, July 14, France Day and the storming of the Bastille were celebrated with great pomp. The French emissary is aware of the importance of the event and he understands that he is only a circumstantial hero, he must therefore be subtle and position himself, in his speeches, as the ally of the ‘England. In his speeches, he took great care to honor the virtues of the British regime in Canada. The press is unanimous in celebrating the elegance of Belvèze’s speeches.
“The city of Quebec has just witnessed one of these astonishing spectacles which mark an era and whose history retains an unforgettable memory.”
Universal monitor (official journal of the British Empire)
It is as if, for the first time, French speakers in the country had permission to demonstrate their emotional attachment to France, without feeling like they were betraying the British conqueror.
After visiting Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Trois-Rivières, the crew returns to The Capricious and weighed anchor on August 25, 1855.
“La Capricieuse” upon departure from the port of Quebec, August 27, 1855
Domaine public
LEGACY OF THIS VISIT
Many artists, including the famous poet Octave Crémazie, will be inspired by this visit to The Capricious to create patriotic works. This popular exaltation will also give birth to the literary movement of the Literary and Patriotic School of Quebec.
Crimean War (1854-1856)
Painting by Adolphe Yvon
Despite the population’s enthusiasm, the results of the diplomatic mission were mixed. France agrees to open three official delegations in the British Empire of North America, two in the Maritime colonies and one in Quebec. The latter became, in 1859, the first French consulate in United Canada. However, Montreal will have to wait a few more years to have its own. It seems that the priority of the foreign policy of Napoleon III (who then ruled France) was to get closer to Great Britain, but not to develop privileged links with French Canadians.
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