Étienne Franconie was born in 1731.[1]
Franconie was hostile to the Colonial Assembly in 1790, but later joined it.[2]: 139
He was close to deportees from France; namely, Laffon de Ladébat and La Villeurnoys.[2]: 139–140
In late 1799, Franconie led angry colonists to force French Guiana's agent, Burnel, to disband the black battalion, stop the state of siege and the requisitions. Burnel was removed from his functions after swearing vengeance and sent back to France.[3]: 142–143 Franconie took power under the title of vice-agent of the Directory.[4]: 11
Franconie ruled from November 1799[5]: 153 until Victor Hugues' arrival in early January 1800 (Hugues was named agent of the Directory of Guiana in August 1799).[2]: 174 He received assistance from Laffon de Ladébat, François Barbé-Marbois,[3]: 143 Paguenaut, Ménard and Laborde. His first act as vice-agent was to empty Cayenne of its black denizens, with only partial success.[2]: 174 Franconie brought back order, respect of the law and regular tax collection in French Guiana.[3]: 143
Slaves captured by privateers arriving in Cayenne on 4 January 1800 were forced to work on plantations.[2]: 143
Franconie died in 1805.[1]