BAnQ’s judicial archives in Quebec reveal a rich history of unique criminal cases from the French Regime. Notable incidents include a tragic shooting during a celebration in 1686, soldiers punished for blasphemy and possessing a “magic ticket,” a public outcry against a quick remarriage in 1728, and a mystery theft involving superstition in 1742. These cases highlight the intertwining of societal norms, justice, and crime in early Quebec.
Exploring Unique Criminal Cases in Quebec’s Judicial Archives
If you have a fascination with historical criminal cases, you’ll be intrigued to learn that BAnQ houses an extensive collection of judicial archives at the National Archives in Quebec, dating back to the inception of the French Regime.
For instance, the records from the Prévôté of Quebec (1668-1759) encompass all aspects of justice, including police, commerce, and navigation, addressing both civil and criminal matters. These documents, along with those from the Sovereign Council (1663-1760), serve as valuable resources for examining royal justice in Quebec.
Unusual Criminal Incidents in History
Among these archives, one can uncover extraordinary crimes and offenses that stand out from the ordinary.
1) A Tragic Celebration Gone Awry
On November 6, 1686, Jean Bochart de Champigny, the intendant of New France, organized a lavish event in lower Quebec to unveil a bronze bust of Louis XIV, which he had brought from France. During this festive occasion, Jean Gauthier, also known as Larouche, a local tanner, seized a rifle left unattended by a soldier. Amidst the excitement of the crowd, he fired the weapon, unaware that it was loaded. Tragically, the shot struck merchant Henri Petit, causing severe injuries that led to his death 13 days later. Gauthier was charged with murder and initially sentenced to a public act of contrition before ultimately appealing his case and being fined instead.
2) Blasphemous Soldiers and Magic Tickets
In another fascinating case recorded in the Sovereign Council’s judgments, two soldiers, François Jarret (Beauregard) and Ignace Marenne (Saint-Louis), were arrested on February 9, 1699, for possessing a “Magic ticket” and for blaspheming the name of God. Under the French Regime, such offenses were viewed as serious violations of religious law. After a brief investigation, the soldiers were lightly punished with fines to be donated to the poor, while the “magic ticket” was destroyed.
3) The Charivari of Discord
On March 31, 1728, Joseph-Marie Caron, a bailiff at the Sovereign Council, remarried just four months after his wife’s death, prompting a public disturbance known as a charivari. This raucous custom involved community members making noise outside the couple’s home to express disapproval of the hasty remarriage. A subsequent trial revealed that a quarrel ensued during the charivari, leading to charges against several individuals. In the end, the accused were exonerated, and the case was deemed insignificant.
4) The Case of the Outraged Crucifix
On June 28, 1742, Charles Robidoux, a shoemaker from Montreal, discovered that about 300 livres had been stolen from his home. Seeking assistance, he enlisted François-Charles Havard de Beaufort, a soldier known for his entertaining and purportedly magical abilities. As the investigation unfolded, the community became engulfed in the mystery surrounding the theft, showcasing how crime and superstition intertwined in early Quebec society.