Sahuguet, Marc Rene

Sahuguet, Marc Rene, abbe d'Espagnac, was born at Brives, in 1753. Being destined for the Church, he received orders, and was soon appointed canon of Paris. He gave himself principally to literary pursuits, and his earlier essays have received just praise. In 1782 he became advisory clerk of Parliament, and soon developed a great love of riches. The agent and friend of Calonne, he only engaged in those enterprises which would increase his wealth. Among his operations was a speculation in shares of the East India Company, which was so scandalous as to oblige the government to cancel the whole bargain. After the disgrace of Calonne, the abbe d'Espagnac was exiled, though he was still canon of Notre Dame. In 1789 he returned to Paris and associated himself with the so called Club of 1789. At the same time he was a friend of the Jacobins, whose influence procured for him the office of purveyor to the army of the Alps. He was very soon denounced by Cambon and put under sentence of arrest for engaging in fraudulent business transactions, but succeeded in clearing himself. Having gained his liberty, he attached himself to the army of Dumouriez, and by various means acquired an immense fortune. But at the revolt of Dumouriez, Sahuguet was arrested, and tried as an accomplice in a conspiracy to corrupt the government. He was found guilty, and executed at Paris, April 5, 1794. Of his literary works there are a few remaining which show considerable ability. The most noticeable are L'Eloge de Catinat, who was crowned by the French Academy in 1775, and Reflexions sur l'Abbe Suger et sur son Siecle (1780). — Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.