Forces Present

Abstract

The Jesuits arrived in Guiana in 1666 to evangelize the Indians. The 104 priests sent to Guiana over the next century honored their religious responsibilities while also becoming successful colonial landowners.² Exploration was another of their notable activities, as illustrated by the achievements of their most experienced explorers: Fathers Grillet and Bechamel. These two traveled up the La Comté River in 1674, implementing the principle of successive fronts of colonization. Their subsequent expeditions were always followed by a return to the coast, and ultimately none would lead to settlement very far removed from the coastline.

The country had long been entirely given over to the Jesuits. They controlled everyone, either by appealing to personal interest or through religion [...] The Fathers are able to do everything, they know the most hidden things, they know all about the trade and all the colony’s resources. In a way, they are receivers, they sell to Blacks through barter, making the best of everything, silver, cotton, yarn, coffee, chicken, cassava. They then sell to the Whites [...]. Their power is incredible. Fusée-Aublet, Rapport addressé au roi.¹