Cosnac, Daniel De

Cosnac, Daniel De a French prelate, was born at the chateau of Cosnac, in Limousin, about 1630. Being destined from his birth for the ecclesiastical calling, he first pursued his studies at Brives and at Perigueux, and went, in 1644, to take the degree of master of arts at the College of, Navarre. He received the degree of bachelor of divinity at the University of Paris in 1648, and his licensure two years later. Being admitted, through the kindness of the duke of Bouillon, to the house of the prince of Conti, young as he was, he realized the advantage thus acquired, proving himself a man of uprightness and integrity. He appeared several times in assemblies of the clergy, took part in the grave question of the right of enjoying the revenues of vacant bishoprics, which threatened to make a schism, and was one of the French prelates who aided most in achieving the liberty of the Gallican Church. He had charge of examining the briefs of Innocent XI, and his report is worthy of being read. In 1687 Cosnac was called to the archbishopric of Aix, but, owing to the troubles between France and Rome, he did not take the oath until June 11, 1695. In 1701, the king gave to him the abbey of St. Riquiers of Evreux, and appointed him commander of the order of the Holy Spirit. He died at Aix, January 18, 1708, leaving some Memoirs in MS., which were published in 1852 by count Julius de Cosnac. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.; Biog. Universelle, s.v.