Born, 1756; died, 1826.
A philosopher of the school of Jean Jacques Rousseau, he led until the
outbreak of the Revolution, a secluded and studious life, devoted to
literature, music and philosophy, in his native town of Angers.
Elected to the States-General as a representative of Anjou he
embraced extreme revolutionary views, and, becoming later a member
of the Assembly, invariably voted with the majority: as a member of
the Convention he voted for the immediate death of the King. He was
suspected of favouring the principles of the Girondins, and arrested
and imprisoned, but released after the fall of Robespierre.
When on the Council of the Five Hundred he created the French
Conservatoire of Music.
In 1801 Le Clerc was elected President of the _Corps Législatif_,
but only retained this office for a year. He then retired to Chalonnes,
refusing all honours from Napoleon.
The act of 1816 banished Le Clerc as a regicide.
Some years before his death he was permitted to return to France.
He wrote books upon history, philosophy and music, besides much poetry
and many moral tales.