[Born at Tours, in France, 1680. Died 1754. Aged 74.]
In his youth served as a volunteer in the French army. Then adjoined to
the embassy in Switzerland, where his leisure enabled him to follow the
bent of his fancy, and to write for the stage. His plays were as popular
as his diplomatic skill proved useful. He found favour with the Duke of
Orleans, who attached him to the mission of Dubois, when that minister,
in 1717, went to London. His diplomacy still pleased the Regent, who,
unfortunately, died too soon for Destouches. But the dramatist had been
prudent; and upon the death of his patron, he retired with a sufficient
fortune to his estate, and sought consolation in the pursuits of
agriculture and philosophy. His plays won applause rather by the
interesting situations of which they were full, than by subtle
development of character.
[From the only bust of him, by P. F. Berruer, done in 1781 and signed.
Berruer was a member of the Paris Academy, and died in 1797.]