Claude-Cyprien Porlier

Porlier works as a merchant before being appointed clerk of the jurisdiction royale de Montréal. According to the intendant, he is but “poorly versed in jurisprudence”. Nevertheless, he is appointed following a verification of his Catholicism and honesty.

During the initial phases of the trial, he is present at all times, from the first interrogation to the execution of the accused. The transcripts of the trial that are available to us are tinged by his ability to faithfully transcribe the words of all those, men and women, who appeared before him.