Clermont (Tonnerre), Anne Antoine Gules de

Clermont (Tonnerre), Anne Antoine Gules De, a French prelate, second son of duke Jules Charles Henri, was horn in Paris; Jan. 1, 1749. After having studied at the Sorbonne, he was made doctor of that school. He was nominated grand-vicar of Besancon, and shortly afterwards became bishop of Chalons (1782). As a deputy; of the principal states, he protested against the decree relating to the clergy, and in 1792 published a letter on the subject, and then retired to Germany. After the concordat he returned to France, in 1820 became archbishop of Toulouse, and in December, 1822, cardinal. In 1823 he published, from Rome, a pastoral letter, attacking the liberty of the Gallican Church, but it was suppressed by a royal decree. He continued, however, his opposition. Charles X interfered, and notified the prelate that he must retire to his diocese. Finally the cardinal ceased his agitation, by the counsel of the holy see. In 1829, notwithstanding his age, he went to the conclave, and contributed to the election of Plus VIII. On his journey he suffered a fall, in consequence of which he died at Toulouse, Feb. 21, 1830. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.