M. Jacques de Meulles pays French troops in Canada IOUs printed on backs of playing cards

On June 1, 1685, a peculiar event took place during the French colonial period in North America. M. Jacques de Meulles, the intendant of New France, paid French troops stationed in Canada with IOUs printed on the backs of playing cards. This unusual method of payment holds historical significance and offers a glimpse into the economic conditions of the time.

During the late 17th century, the European powers were engaged in various colonial pursuits around the world. New France, which encompassed a vast territory in present-day Canada, was under French control and heavily relied on its military force to maintain its dominion in the region. With limited financial resources, the French authorities faced challenges in providing regular payment to their soldiers.

In this context, M. Jacques de Meulles, as the intendant of New France, came up with a creative solution to meet the soldiers’ financial needs. He decided to issue IOUs to pay the troops, printing them on the backs of playing cards. These playing card IOUs served as a temporary means of payment, allowing the soldiers to obtain basic necessities until proper currency could be arranged.

The decision to use playing cards for printing IOUs was pragmatic. Playing cards were readily available in the colony, as they were a popular form of entertainment among the French settlers. Cutting the cards into individual pieces and printing the IOUs on the backs was a resourceful way to repurpose existing materials and provide a medium of exchange for the soldiers.

While the soldiers received these unique IOUs, it’s important to note that they weren’t entirely worthless. The IOUs represented a promise of future payment and were redeemable once regular currency became available. Soldiers could exchange the playing card IOUs at local stores and establishments for goods and services. It provided them with a temporary means to sustain themselves while awaiting their full wages.

Additionally, the use of playing cards as the medium for printing IOUs added an element of familiarity and trust to the transaction. Soldiers were likely more inclined to accept and utilize these playing card IOUs compared to a newly introduced form of currency. The recognizable and everyday nature of playing cards helped to instill confidence in the soldiers that their future pay would be honored.

The practice of issuing IOUs on playing cards continued for some time in New France. However, it was not a long-term solution to the financial challenges faced by the French authorities. As the colony developed, efforts were made to establish a stable currency system that could adequately meet the needs of the growing population and economy.

The use of playing card IOUs as a form of payment by M. Jacques de Meulles remains a unique event in history. It showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of individuals facing challenging circumstances. The decision to repurpose playing cards as a temporary means of exchange demonstrates the creative problem-solving abilities of those in positions of leadership.

Today, the event of M. Jacques de Meulles paying French troops in Canada with IOUs printed on the backs of playing cards serves as a fascinating anecdote from the colonial era. It highlights the economic conditions and financial complexities of the time. By understanding this historical event, we gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by early colonial powers in managing their economies and providing for their military forces.