French lawyer and statesman.

Practiced law briefly in Rouen. Entered the finance ministry (1781), rose to the rank of premier commis, and distinguished himself as an overseer of the farmers general. Advocate of free trade; influenced Anglo-French commercial treaty of 1786. Rose rapidly under the Revolutionary and Napoleonic governments. Minister of the Treasury (1806-14).

Born in Rouen. Educated in Paris. Ennobled as a comte de l’empire (1808) and peer of France (1819).