Aguesscau

Aguesscau, HENRI FRANCOIS D', pronounced by Voltaire the most learned magistrate that France ever possessed, was born at Limoges in 1668. As procureur-général of the parliament, he effected many improvements in the laws and in the administration of justice; and he displayed great benevolence during the famine of 1709. A steady defender of the rights of the people and of the Gallican Church, he successfully opposed the decrees of Louis XIV. During the regency of the Duke of Orleans, he became chancellor of France; but in 1718 he fell into disgrace by opposing Law's fatal system of finance. In 1720 he was reinstated, in 1722 was again dismissed, and did not resume the office of chancellor till 1737. He resigned in 1750, and died February 9, 1751. His works fill 13 vols. 1759–89 (2 vols. 1865).