CAMUS, ARMAND GASTON, a prominent character in the French revolution, was b. in Paris, April 2, 1740. On account of his superior knowledge of ecclesiastical law, he was elected advocate-general of the French clergy. He was a zealous and ascetic Jan senist, and possessed of extraordinary firmness of character, Ile hailed the movements of 1789 with joy, and was elected member of the states-general by the people of Paris.
In this position, he appeared as the resolute foe of the ancient regime. He gained pos session of, and published, the so-called Bed Book, giving accounts of court expenditure, which was highly disadvantageous to the court and its ministers. After the fight of Louis XVI., C., with Montmorin, Lafayette, and Bailly, accused the king of treason and conspiracy, and insisted on the suppression of all orders and corporations based on hereditary rights. As conservator of. the national archives, he rendered an important service by preserving from destruction the old documents of the abolished corporations and institutions. He was absent in Belgium during the king's trial, but sent his vote
for death. In Mar., 1793, when he was commissioned to make prisoners of Dumouriez and other generals suspected of treason, C. himself and his four colleagues were taken prisoners and delivered over to the Austrians (April 3); but, after an imprisonment of two and a half years, he was exchanged for the daughter of Louis XVI. On his return to Paris, he was made member of the council of five hundred, of which he became presi dent, Jan. 23, 1790, but resigned 20th May, 1797, and devoted his time to literature. Remaining, however, true to his principles, he voted, July 10, 1802, against Napoleon's proposed consulship during life. C. died of apoplexy, Nov. 2, 1804.