CAMBON, PIERRE JOSEPH (1756-182o), French revo lutionary and financier, was born at Montpellier. As a member of the legislative assembly, he quickly attracted public attention by his able and sagacious speeches. An opponent of Marat, Dan ton and Dumouriez, Cambon nevertheless voted in favour of Louis XVI.'s execution. He opposed the creation of the Revolu tionary Tribunal, and he incurred Robespierre's hatred by his outspoken criticism of his actions no less than by his interven tion in favour of the Girondists on June 2, 1793. Cambon gave his valuable support to the Mountain, and it was due to his initiative and financial acumen that the assignats appreciated in value. Accused by Robespierre of reactionary and aristocratic leanings, Cambon replied so vehemently and effectively that his speech sounded the knell for Robespierre's own downfall. Under the Thermidor Cambon was violently attacked as a supporter of the Mountain and was accused of malversation. In April he was excluded from the committee of finance, and he soon afterwards sought safety from Tallien's attacks in flight to Swit zerland. The amnesty of the 4th Brumaire enabled him to return to his estate at Terral, near Montpellier, where he lived in seclu sion throughout the entire Napoleonic era. After Napoleon's downfall, and despite his advocacy of a Bourbon restoration, Cambon was exiled as a regicide. He retired to Belgium and died near Brussels on Feb. 15, 1820.