In him one divined a man of government, with hands which were fitted for difficult tasks, and which never released a prey.

Formerly mayor of the town of Tulle, he came from La Correze, where he owned a large estate.

He was certainly a force in motion, one whose constant rise was anxiously watched by keen observers.
He spoke in a simple quiet way, but with extraordinary power of conviction.

Having apparently no ambition, affecting indeed the greatest disinterestedness, he nevertheless harboured the most ferocious appetites.

Sagnier had written that he was a thief and a murderer, having strangled two of his aunts in order to inherit their property.