Jean Baptiste Colbert was born at Rheims, August 29, 1619. His
relations, both on the father’s and on the mother’s side, were connected
with the civil service of the state. This facilitated his entrance into
public life, and may have been the means of directing his mind to the
study of statistics, and of the causes of national wealth and greatness:
for to these abstruse pursuits it appears that he devoted his attention
from an early age. He entered into the service of the Secretary of
State, Tellier, in 1648. Tellier introduced him to the prime minister,
Mazarin, who exercised the authority of a regent during the minority of
Louis XIV.; and having gained the esteem of Mazarin, to whose interests
he remained firmly attached during the stormy period of the Fronde, he
was rewarded, on the minister’s final triumph over his enemies, by an
entire confidence, and an abundant share of lucrative, honourable, and
important employment. Mazarin died in 1661, and on his death-bed
recommended Colbert to his master in these strong terms:—“I owe every
thing to you, Sire; but in presenting Colbert to you, I regard my debt
as in some sort acquitted.”
[Illustration:
_Engraved by W. Holl._