Joseph Foullon de Dou: The Controller-General of Finances Who Met a Tragic End

A Brief Introduction

Joseph Foullon de Dou was a French politician who served as the Controller-General of Finances under King Louis XVI, a position that would ultimately lead to his downfall. He is infamously known as the first recorded person to have been lynched à la lanterne, a brutal and tragic end to a life marked by controversy and unpopularity.

Early Life and Career

Born on June 25, 1715, in Saumur, Maine-et-Loire, Foullon de Dou began his career in public service as Intendant-General of the Armies during the Seven Years War. He later served as Intendant of the Army and Navy under Marshal de Belle-Isle, before being appointed Intendant of Finances in 1771.

Rise to Prominence and Unpopularity

In 1789, following the dismissal of Jacques Necker, Foullon de Dou was nominated by the reactionary Court party as Controller-General of Finances and Minister of the King's Household. However, his appointment was met with widespread disapproval from various quarters. The farmers-general resented his severity, while the Parisians viewed him as wealthy and exploitative of the poor.

The "Let Them Eat Hay" Rumor

A damaging rumor, which remains unsubstantiated to this day, accused Foullon de Dou of callously stating, "If those rascals have no bread, then let them eat hay" during an earlier famine. This rumor further fueled the public's growing animosity towards him.

Foullon's Downfall and Tragic End

After the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, Foullon de Dou fled to his friend Antoine de Sartine's estate at Viry-Châtillon, south of Paris. However, he was soon captured by peasants on Sartine's estate and taken to the Hôtel de Ville. Humiliated and mistreated, Foullon de Dou was forced to walk barefoot, with a bundle of hay tied to his back, and was given peppered vinegar to drink. Despite the attempts of Jean Sylvain Bailly and the Marquis de La Fayette to intervene, he was eventually dragged to the Place de Grève, where he was hanged from a lamppost. The rope broke three times in a row, a cruel and painful delay to an already brutal end.

Legacy and Historical Context

Foullon de Dou's tragic end serves as a stark reminder of the intense passions and violent upheaval of the French Revolution. His unpopularity and brutal fate have become a cautionary tale of the dangers of perceived oppression and the ferocity of revolutionary fervor. Despite his controversial life and tragic end, Foullon de Dou remains a significant figure in French history, a testament to the tumultuous and transformative spirit of the late 18th century.

Personal Characteristics and Beliefs

Foullon de Dou was known to be a staunch conservative, deeply hostile to the circle of Louis Philippe d'Orléans. He was also a member of the Parlement of Paris, earning the unflattering nickname "Âme damnée" (damned soul).

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Foullon de Dou's life and tragic end have been immortalized in various works of art, including a painting by French artist Jean-Baptiste Lesueur.
• His hated and feared reputation earned him the epithet "le contrôleur général de la populace" (the controller-general of the mob).

Conclusion

Joseph Foullon de Dou's life serves as a stark reminder of the risks of political intrigue, unpopularity, and the devastating consequences of being on the wrong side of history. Despite his tarnished legacy, Foullon de Dou remains an important figure in French history, a symbol of the tumultuous and transformative power of revolution.