Part 4

1744. Birth of Marie Jean Antoine de Caritat, Marquis de Condorcet 175 1765. Ætat. 21. His Essay on the Integral Calculus 175 His scientific Works 175 Is appointed joint Secretary of the Academy of Sciences 175 His Friendship with D'Alembert 176 Visits M. de Voltaire at Ferney 176 Edits the "Pensées" of M. Pascal 177 A Friend of the Minister Turgot 178 His Reply to M. Necker on the Corn Question 178 He writes the "Reflections on Negro Slavery" 178 Refutation of De Lolme on the English Constitution 179 Mental Qualities of Condorcet 179 His Influence at the Commencement of the French Revolution 180 1789. Ætat. 44. Writes a Declaration of the Rights of Man, on the Convocation of the States-General 180 Flight of Louis XVI. to Varennes 181 Marquis de Condorcet, a Deputy of the City of Paris in the National Assembly 182 His Speech relating to the Emigration 182 His "Declaration" adopted by that Body 183 His Character for Integrity 184 A vigorous Opponent to monarchical Government 184 His Theories, and Idea of public Virtue 185 The Girondists treat with the Court and lose Influence thereby 186 Manifesto of the Duke of Brunswick 187 Marquis de Condorcet popular 187 Did not vote for the Death of Louis XVI. 188 1793. Ætat. 49. Denounced as Brissot's Accomplice, is obliged to conceal himself 190 His "Historical Sketch of the Progress of the Human Mind" 190 Is obliged to fly, but is seized at Chamont, and perishes of Hunger and Cold in a Prison 192 His Character pourtrayed by Madame Roland 193 Mademoiselle de Condorcet married to Arthur O'Connor 194

MIRABEAU.

1749-1791.

Family of the Marquis de Mirabeau 195 Originally Italian, and named Arrighetti 195 Valour of the Marquis Jean Antoine de Mirabeau 196 His high Character 196 Victor, Marquis de Mirabeau, a tyrannical Father 197 His literary Reputation founded on his "L'Ami des Hommes" 197 Is imprisoned for writing the "Théorie de Impôt" 197 Marries Marie Geneviève, Marchioness de Saulvebeuf, and has eleven Children 193 Instals Madame de Pailly over his Household 198 This occasions a Separation from his Marchioness 198 His Prejudice against GABRIEL HONORÉ DE MIRABEAU, his fifth Child, the Subject of this Article 199 Accuses him of an innate Depravity of Character 201 The Father makes him undergo a severe Education 202 Gabriel serves in the Regiment of the Marquis de Lambert, a strict Disciplinarian 203 The Marquis Victor de Mirabeau obtains a Lettre-de-cachet and imprisons Gabriel 204 Gabriel de Mirabeau declares his love of a military Life 205 1772. Ætat. 23. He marries Marie Emilie de Covet, Daughter of the Marquis de Marignane 207 Incurs Debts, and is confined by his Father by means of a Lettre-de-cachet 207 Is jealous of the Chevalier de Gassaud 209 His Quarrel with the Baron de Villeneuve-Moans 209 Is imprisoned by his Father in the Castle of If, near Marseilles 209 1775. Ætat. 26. Is transferred to the Fortress of Joux 210 His amour with Madame de Monnier (Sophie de Ruffey) 212 He escapes from Prison 213 Is indignant at his Father's Severity 214 1776. Ætat. 27. He flies with Madame de Monnier to Holland, and earns a Subsistence by his Pen 215 M. de Monnier prosecutes him and Madame de Monnier, and they are condemned to ignominious Punishments in their Absence 216 1777. Ætat. 28. They are arrested at Amsterdam, and Gabriel de Mirabeau is imprisoned at Vincennes 217 His Complaints of the long Persecution of him 218 His Writings during Imprisonment 219 "Essay on Lettres-de-Cachet and State Prisons" 219 Death of his Son 219 Endeavours to persuade his Wife to live with him 221 1780. Ætat. 31. Is enlarged after Forty-one Months' Imprisonment 221, 223 Subsequent History of Madame de Monnier 222 His Father conducts himself with Kindness towards him 223 1782. Ætat. 33. Mirabeau's Sentence for the Seduction of Madame de Monnier reversed 223 He fails in a Suit to compel Madame de Mirabeau to live with him 224 1784. Ætat. 35. Visits London, but is not successful in the Profession of an Author 225 Renewed Cruelty of his Father, who reduces him to a State of Destitution 225 1785. Ætat. 36. Returned to France, writes on financial Subjects; and for a Pamphlet on the system of "Agiotage" is compelled to fly to Liege 226 1787. Ætat. 38. Financial Controversy with Necker 226 His early Exertions in favour of Revolution 226 Occasional Display of his powerful Eloquence 228 His Independence as a political Economist 228 1788. Ætat. 39. His Reputation at its height 229 1789. Ætat. 40. Convocation of the States-General 230 Mirabeau excluded by the Nobility of Provence from his Privileges as a Noble 231 His "Correspondence from Berlin" condemned to be burnt 232 Becomes a popular Leader of the Provençeaux, and is enthusiastically received at Aix and Marseilles 232 Disturbances in Provence, on account of Scarcity, allayed by Mirabeau 233 Is elected Deputy for Marseilles and for Aix in the "Tiers Etat;" he sits for the latter Town 234 He publishes a Journal of the Proceedings of the Chambers 234 His political Writings 235 The National Assembly 235 He draws a Line between the royal and legislative Power, or between the Throne and the People 236 His Energy and Eloquence in the Chamber 238 Address to Louis XVI. 239 1789. Death of the Marquis Victor de Mirabeau 240 Mirabeau's genuine Sorrow on that Event, forgetful of his long Persecution by his Father 240 Louis' Ministers draw Troops around the Capital 240 Destruction of the Bastille 241 Mirabeau's Speech against the Court Party, on the Scarcity of Grain 242 He supports M. Necker's Proposal of a Subsidy of one-fourth of the Income of all Proprietors 242 He maintains that the Royal Authority is essential to the Balance of Power between the Aristocracy and People 243 The Orléans Party 237, 246 Popularity of Mirabeau with the Parisians 247 In what degree Mirabeau is to be considered the real Defender of the Monarchy 248 He negociates with the Court 249 His Enthusiasm nevertheless maintains his Influence over the National Assembly 250 His Speech on the Establishment of the Convention 250 1791. Ætat. 42. His splendid Style of Living 251 Supposed to be supplied by the Court with Resources, as the chief Supporter of Royalty 251 His Deference to the Assembly, and Conciseness of his energetic Speeches 252 Original of his Treaty with the Court, in the Hand-writing of Monsieur [Louis XVIII.] 252 Mirabeau's ill Health 253 His last Struggle with the Jacobins, or "Mountain" 254 Sickness of Mirabeau excites the Fears of both King and People 255 His notion of the Character of the Rt. Hon. William Pitt 256 Death of Mirabeau 256 His Sepulture in the Pantheon at Paris 257 His Misfortunes 257 His wit 258 His Character of La Fayette 258 Allusion to his military Talents 259

MADAME ROLAND.

1754-1793.

Mémoires of Madame Roland, and Considerations thereon 260 1751. Birth of Manon Phlipon 261 Care of her Education by her Father, an Engraver of some merit 261 Domestic Economy of her parental Roof 262 Madame Phlipon's Piety 262 Mademoiselle Phlipon's Residence in a Convent 263 Her Admiration of Blaise Pascal and Port Royal, or the Jansenist' Party 263 She rejects the Theories of M. Helvetius 263 Her Enthusiasm in the Cause of Liberty 264 Her Rejection of many Suitors 265 Death of Madame Phlipon 266 Impression of the "Nouvelle Héloïse" on the ardent Mind of Manon Phlipon 267 Her Habits of Economy and Seclusion from Society 267 History of M. Roland de la Platière 268 1779. Ætat. 25. His Offer to marry Mademoiselle Phlipon, and Refusal by her Father 268 1780. Ætat. 26. Their Union takes place 270 Madame Roland accompanies her Husband to Switzerland and England 271 Her Letters 271, 274 1785. Ætat. 32. Her placid Temper, and domestic Happiness 274 1789. The French Revolution. M. Roland's Mission from the Municipality of Lyon to the National Assembly on financial Affairs 272 1791. Ætat. 37. Madame Roland's Visit to, and Residence in, Paris 273 Writings of M. Roland 273 Beauty and political Influence of Madame Roland 273 M. and Mdme. Roland form a Friendship with Brissot and the Gironde Party 273 Madame Roland's Opinions anti-monarchical 275 Position of Louis XVI. 275 1792. M. Roland appointed Minister of the Interior 277 General Dumouriez Minister for Foreign Affairs 277 Roland's Letter to Louis XVI. written by his Wife, occasions his Dismission 278 Recalled to the Ministry 279 The Massacre of Prisoners in September alarms Madame Roland 280 Robespierre, Danton, and Marat 280 Description of Madame de Roland 281 M. Roland exhibits considerable Intrepidity during the popular Agitations 282 Madame Roland is hated by the "Mountain" Party 283 Robespierre denounced by Louvet 284 1793. Death of the King 285 M. Roland resigns 286 Arrest of Madame Roland 287 Her calm Demeanour 288 The Reign of Terror in Paris and France 290 Condemnation of the Girondists 290 Brissot and the Girondists executed 291 Accusation and Defence of Madame Roland 291 Ætat. 39. Her Execution 292 Interesting Character of this celebrated Authoress 293

MADAME DE STAËL.

1765-1817.

M. Necker of Geneva early in life placed in a Banking-house 295 His Partnership in Thelusson's Firm 295 1773. His "Éloge de Colbert" 295 Minister from Geneva, and appointed Director-general of Finance in France 296 He marries Mademoiselle Churchod 296 Allusion to Gibbon the Historian 296 1766. April 22. Birth of their only Daughter, afterwards Baronne de Staël 296 Her Education under the parental Roof 296 MM. Thomas, Marmontel, de Grimm, &c. form the literary Society at M. Necker's 297 Talent of Conversation early acquired by Mlle. Necker 297 Her Writings 298 She delights M. Necker by her Talents and Wit 300 Publication of M. Necker's "Compte Rendu," or Statement of French Finance 301 His Retirement to his Estate of Saint-Ouen 302 Purchase of Coppet on the Lake of Geneva 303 Publication of his financial Work, written at Coppet 303 Administration of M. Calonne 304 1786. Ætat. 20. His Daughter's Marriage with the Baron de Staël Holstein, Swedish Ambassador to France 305 Portrait given at that period of Madame de Staël 306 1788. M. Necker Minister, Revival of public Credit 307 1789. Convocation of the States-General 307 Louis XVI. commands him to retire quietly from France 307 Troops collected round Paris, by Louis, against the People 308 M. Necker generously leaves two Millions of Livres in the National Treasury 309, 313 Madame de Staël's Description of the Journeys to and from Switzerland 309, 313 Destruction of the Bastille, and Recall of M. Necker 310 His Popularity 311 Sentiments of Madame de Staël 311 1790. Necker again retires to Coppet 313 1792. Madame de Staël witnesses the Tumults of the Capital in August, &c. 314 Her Endeavour to save M. de Lally-Tolendal 314 Her Carriage stopt by the Republicans; she claims Privilege as Wife of a foreign Minister 315 She is carried before Robespierre, Collet d'Herbois, and the Revolutionary Tribunal 315 Is saved by the Republican Manuel, who obtains Leave for her to quit France 317 Her Emotion on the Journey across the Jura to Coppet 317 1793. Her Appeal in favour of Marie Antoinette 318 M. Necker's Pamphlet designed to save Louis XVI. 318 1794. Madame de Staël's "Reflections on the Peace" 318 Death of Madame Necker 318 1795. M. de Staël resides at Paris as Swedish Minister 319 Madame de Staël's Residence there considered as an Epoch in Society 319 Reign of the Directory 320 Napoleon Buonaparte, unfavourable to Madame de Staël 321 Their Interviews 321 His Attack on the Helvetian Republic 322 1798. Madame de Staël retires to M. Necker's at Coppet 322 She presents a Memorial at Paris in the Name of M. Necker, requiring to be erased from the List of Emigrants, and succeeds therein 323 1799. Ætat. 33. She Witnesses the Overthrow of the Directory by Buonaparte 323 Account of Benjamin Constant 324 Jealousy of Buonaparte on Account of Madame de Staël's Influence in Parisian Society 324 His Interview with M. Necker on his Route to Italy 325 French Police, and Fouché, Minister 325 1799. M. de Staël Holstein recalled to Sweden 327 1802. Ætat. 36. His daughter joins M. Necker at Coppet, and the Baron de Staël dies 327 Publication of her "Delphine" 327 Critique of that Work 327 M. Necker's "Last View of Politics and Finance" 328 Madame de Staël's Affection for her Father 328 1803. Ætat. 37. She returns to France on the Rupture of the Peace of Amiens 329 Is ordered to quit France within twenty-four Hours 329 Her Regret on being exiled 330 1804. She is accompanied by Benjamin Constant, and receives Tidings of M. Necker's Decease 330 She resides at Coppet 330 Her "Dix Années d'Exil" 330 Her Education of her Children 331 1805. Ætat. 39. Her Visit to Italy 331 Criticism on her "Corinne" 331 She revisits France and repairs to Rouen 332 Not having flattered Napoleon in her Writings, she is again exiled 333 She visits Vienna 333 At Coppet she writes her Work on "Germany" 333, 334 1810. Ætat. 44. Attempts to publish her "Germany" at Blois; the Edition seized, anti she is again banished 334 Forbidden to visit Aix in Savoy for the Recovery of her Son's Health 335 William Schlegel ordered to quit Coppet by the Authorities 336 Madame de Staël makes a Tour through Switzerland in company of M. de Montmorency 336 M. de Montmorency exiled 336 Persecution of Madame de Staël 337 1810. M. Rocca, a Spanish Officer in the French service, visits Geneva 337 He offers his Hand to Madame de Staël 338 Their Marriage 338 1812. Madame de Staël escapes from Coppet 338 Travels through Germany and Poland to Russia 338 Her Reception by the Emperor Alexander at St. Petersburg 339 Her "Dix Années d'Exil" 339 She visits Sweden and England 339 Lord Byron 339, 340 1814. Louis XVIII., repays to Madame de Staël the two Millions of Francs advanced by Necker to Louis XVI. 339 The Duke de Broglie marries the Daughter of Madame de Staël 340 Ill-health of M. Rocca 340 Madame de Staël's Character and Sentiments 341 1817. Ætat. 51. Her Death in Paris 341 Death of M. Rocca 341 Criticism on the Writings of Madame de Staël 342 The Viscount de Chateaubriand's Opinion of her 343 Her "Dix Années d'Exil" 343 Her "Germany" 343 Her political Sentiments 343

LIVES

OF

EMINENT

LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC MEN.

VOLTAIRE

1694-1778.