Commander of the Army of the Coasts of Brest who held Nantes in 1793, later commander of the Army of the West
Born in Paris in 1740 to a family of magistrates, he joined a cavalry regiment in 1756, fought at Minden in the Seven Years’ War and became maréchal de camp in 1788. His moderation in putting down risings in Brittany in 1792 won him notice, and he was made lieutenant general that September. Appointed commander of the Army of the Coasts of Brest in April 1793, he defended Nantes with barely 12,000 men against Cathelineau’s Vendéan army on 29 June. His September offensive with the Mainz garrison faltered after defeats such as Tiffauges, and in October he was dismissed because of his noble birth. Recalled after Thermidor to command the Army of the West, he sent Hoche reinforcements against the Quiberon landing in 1795. He was later envoy to Naples, a senator of the Empire and a peer under the Restoration.
Activities and affiliations
- 1792–1795 Military command · French First Republic state institutions
- 1756–1792 Military command · French monarchy state institutions
- 1796–1797 Diplomacy and international organization · French First Republic state institutions
- 1804–1814 Legislature and state representation · Consulate and First Empire state institutions
Career Timeline
- 1756Joined the Fumel cavalry regiment
- 1788Maréchal de camp
- 1793Commander of the Army of the Coasts of Brest; defence of Nantes
- 1794–1795Commander of the Army of the West
- 1796–1797Minister plenipotentiary at Naples
- 1804–1814Senator of the Empire