Marie Felicité de Saint Maxent
Marie Felicité de Saint Maxent (27 December 1755 – 1800) was the daughter of Gilbert-Antoine de Saint Maxent, the wealthiest man in New Orleans during the mid-18th century.[1]
Biography[edit | edit source]
Born into a life of privilege, Marie Felicité was a true socialite, frequently attending balls and parties. On 13 October 1776, she attended the Capitán's Ball at a New Orleans plantation with her father. There, Marie-Felicité caught the attention of several Spanish soldiers, who attempted to court her by inviting her to dance.[2]
She was then joined by Aveline de Grandpré, the daughter of one of her father's associates. The noblewoman departed as swiftly as she had arrived however, spurned by an untoward remark from one of the soldiers. As Aveline left, Marie Felicité gossiped about the former's African heritage and disinterest in parties.[2] The following year, Marie Felicité married Louisiana's Spanish governor Bernardo de Gálvez.[3]
