 But Hocquart's successor, François Bigot, proved more cooperative.Arnaud de La Porte became a key figure in the “Grande Société”, acting as Bigot's protector in the office of the colonies.The de La Porte family's fortunes waxed thanks to this, but however frustrating to the locals it might be for distant and powerful officials back in France to be reaping the benefits of their labour, it was entirely in keeping with the usage of the day.