In France, from 1669 on, responsibility for the colonies fell to the Secretary of State for the Marine. He settled affairs related to New France on behalf of the King, and it was to him that individuals and institutions (including religious communities) addressed written requests known as placets [petitions]. The majority of these documents concern requests for pensions, increases in the salaries attached to official appointments, bonuses or letters of naturalization, together with appeals for intervention on legal matters.