“ His dexterous resistance to the superior forces of the Austrians with the left wing of Masséna’s army, when the right and centre were shut up in Genoa, not only prevented the invasion of France from this direction but contributed to the success of Napoleon’s crossing the Alps, which culminated in the battle of Marengo on the 14th of June. He took a prominent part in the Italian campaign till the armistice of Treviso. ”

“ He originally intended to follow his father’s business; but having in 1792 served as volunteer in the cavalry of the national guard at Lyons, he manifested military abilities which secured his rapid promotion. As chef de bataillon he was present at the siege of Toulon in 1793, where he took General O’Hara prisoner. During the Italian campaign of 1796 he was severely wounded at Cerea on the 11th of October. ”

“ Inthe campaigns of 1805 and 1806 he greatly increased his reputation at Austerlitz, Saalfeld, Jena, Pultusk and Ostrolenka. He obtained the title of count on the 19th of March 1808, married Mlle-de Saint Joseph, a niece of Joseph Bonaparte’s wife, and soon afterwards was ordered to Spain. ”