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Michel le Tellier

Michel le Tellier (April 19, 1603 - October 30, 1685), French statesman, was born in Paris.

Having entered the public service he became maître des requêtes and in 1640 intendant of Piedmont; in 1643, owing to his friendship with Mazarin, he became secretary of state for military affairs, being an efficient administrator.

In 1677 he was made chancellor of France and he was one of those who influenced Louis XIV to revoke the Edict of Nantes. He died a few days after the revocation had been signed.

Le Tellier, who amassed great wealth, left two sons, one the famous statesman Louvois and another who became archbishop of Reims. His correspondence is in the Bibliothéque nationale in Paris.

See L Caron, Michel Le Tellier, intendant darmée au Piémont (Paris, 1881).

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