tration remained in the hands the Compagnie des Cent-Associés from 1627 until 1645 when this group turned colonial affairs over to the Communauté des Habitants (National Archives, 2001). This latter group was composed of leading members of the colony.
             In 1663 this arrangement changed when, under the direction of Jean Colbert, the financial advisor to King Louis XIV of France, the Edit de Creation decreed that Quebec would become an overseas province of France and fall under direct Royal control. A system of Royal Government was established in Quebec by the Edit. This system of Royal Government would last until the British conquest of the colony. Under this system of government the King appointed various officials to administer the colony.
             The Governor of the colony was responsible f
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