Who is Frederic De Maurepas from Red Prophet and what is their importance?

Frederic is a young Comte who believes that waiting for Napoleon to arrive is the greatest humiliation he could possibly suffer. He sees Canada as a repository for the dregs of French society. He wishes that La Fayette had managed to stay in France long enough to attain a posting with more elegance where they could face a civilized enemy. Frederic is feeling the personal humiliation of his exile to Canada.