The Three Estates of clergy, nobles, and commons had existed in France from time immemorial.  But in taking this step and in expecting the king to approve it Frontenac displayed his ignorance of French history; for the ancient meetings of the Three Estates in France had left a memory not dear to the crown. [Footnote:  The power of the States-General reached its height after the disastrous battle of Poitiers (1356).  For a short period, under the leadership of Etienne Marcel, it virtually supplanted the power of the crown.] They had, in truth, given the kings moments of grave concern; and their representatives had not been summoned since 1614.  Moreover, Louis XIV was not a ruler to tolerate such rival pretensions as the States-General had once put forth.

Parkman thinks that, ’like many of his station, Frontenac was not in full sympathy with the centralizing movement of his time, which tended to level ancient rights, privileges and prescriptions under the ponderous roller of the monarchical administration.’  This, it may be submitted, is only a conjecture.  The family history of the Buades shows that they were ‘king’s men,’ who would be the last to imperil royal power.  The gathering of the Three Estates at Quebec was meant to be the fitting background of a ceremony.  If Frontenac had any thought beyond this, it was a desire to unite all classes in an expression of loyalty to their sovereign.

At Quebec it was not difficult to secure representatives of clergy and commons.  But, as nobles seldom emigrated to Canada, some talent was needed to discover gentlemen of sufficient standing to represent the aristocracy.  The situation was met by drawing upon the officers and the seigneurs.  The Estates thus duly convened, Frontenac addressed them on the glory of the king and the duty of all classes to serve him with zeal.  To the clergy he hinted that their task was not finished when they had baptized the Indians.  After that came the duty of converting them into good citizens.

Frontenac’s next step was to reorganize the municipal government of Quebec by permitting the inhabitants to choose two aldermen and a mayor.  Since these officials could not serve until they had been approved by the governor, the change does not appear to have been wildly radical.  But change of any kind was distasteful to the Bourbon monarchy, especially if it seemed to point toward freedom.  So when in due course Frontenac’s report of these activities arrived at Versailles, it was decided that such innovations must be stopped at once.  The king wished to discourage all memory of the Three Estates, and Frontenac was told that no part of the Canadian people should be given a corporate or collective status.  The reprimand, however, did not reach Canada till the summer of 1673, so that for some months Frontenac was permitted to view his work with satisfaction.