The Sale of the Forest

This flow traces recurring confrontations over who may claim, clear, and profit from land as French, British, American, and Indigenous systems collide.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Seigneurial Authority

Seigneurial Authority Labor Before Land René and Duquet work under Claude Trépagny’s authority without a clear grant of their own property. Competing Claims The seigneurial system treats forest clearance as improvement, while René’s labor and Mari’s knowledge point to other relationships with land.

The English Land Claims

The English Land Claims Paper and Timber Duquet buys claims and seeks forests, but settlers and competing operators challenge ownership on the ground. Violence as Enforcement His response to a trespasser’s son turns property conflict into murder and creates the revenge that will eventually return to him.

The Crown Versus Colonial Courts

The Crown Versus Colonial Courts A Royal License A royal mast-tree permit collides with a private title acquired after the Crown’s original claim. Jurisdictional Defiance A Massachusetts court refuses to enforce the royal order, making timber access a test of colonial authority.

The Settlers’ Land Take

The Settlers’ Land Take A Home Destroyed English soldiers occupy Achille’s home, kill his family, and force him into exile. Retaliatory Labor Achille works in Maine logging camps, directing his anger toward forests settlers regard as theirs to clear.

The Heirs’ Uncertain Claim

The Heirs’ Uncertain Claim A Report Resurfaces Sophia finds evidence that living Mi’kmaw descendants may have a stronger blood claim to the company’s founding family. Legal Threat and Denial The company worries about a possible lawsuit, but family members debate whether the claim can be pursued or should be ignored.

1693, during René’s first service years

Early eighteenth century, as Duquet expands into Maine

1730s, during the Frost timber dispute

Mid-eighteenth century, as English settlement expands

Late in the company’s history