AUUESSEAU, HENRY FR 1NC1S D', a chancellor of France, and, according to Voltaire, the most learned magistrate which that country ever possessed, was born at Limoges in 1668. He filled the office of advocate-gen oral for 10 years, and was promoted to dint of procureur general in 1700 ; in both of which offices, he was distin guished by all the qualities which can adorn a publii character, and by all the virtues of private life. Ile war. made chancellor under the regency of the duke of Or leans, and performed the duties of that high station Wit], that prudence aild fortitude which was suited to the exigencies of the times. lie resisted, for a considerable time, the financial project of Law but as the re el had resolved to adopt that measure, the chancellor obliged to retire from office in 1719. The dignity of chancellor, how v. as a unor.
him in 1720. In 1722, he was again deprived of that oflice, but was recalled by cardinal Fleury in 1727 ; and, in 1737, he was a third time put in possession of the seals, which he retained during the remainder of his life. in 1750, the infirmities of age bearing heavily upon his constitution, induced him to withdraw from his public duties, and terminated his life in 1751, at the age of 83.
As an active and upright statesman, Aguesseau has seldom been equalled. When deprived of the dignity and emoluments of office, he never made the least at tempt to regain them, but, disclaiming the intrigues of faction, he uniformly evinced a desire to serve his coun try rather than himself. During the last 20 years of his life, the whole force of his mind was directed to the great object of reined) ing the defects of the laws, cor recting their abuses, and lacilitating the administration of public justice. As a literary character, Agucsseau was highly distinguished. Ile was well acquainted with the languages of antiquity as well as the principal ones of modern times. His knowledge of history and juris prudence was solid and extensive ; his eloquence was rich and persuasive; and his style chaste and harmonious. His works have been published in nine volumes 4to. (a)