This collection of documents was formed by Charles Chadenat, a bookseller of Paris, evidently from whatever material chanced to come his way dealing with the French in Canada. In most instances, the connection with Canada is direct; in a few it is merely a signature of Canadian interest on a document not otherwise bearing on the subject. Coming as it does from many sources, the collection covers many different phases of life in New France. A good many documents are concerned with transactions in real property, but many other kinds of affairs are represented, from marriage contracts to pew rentals. The most interesting group of documents dealing with a single subject is that surrounding the estate of the notary Jacques Barbel in 1740-1741.
