[Born in Paris, 1757. Died at La Houssaye, in France, 1816. Aged 59.]
One of Napoleon’s generals, and remarkable for his recklessness and
courage. At the age of 35, in the ranks, he rose to become a General of
Division. On the fall of Napoleon, he took his army over to the
Bourbons. When Napoleon returned from Elba he shouted “_Vive
l’Empereur!_” After Waterloo, he again joined the legitimate monarch.
His avarice was unbounded: he robbed churches and private houses, and
his coarse manners contrasted strongly with the pomp of his dress and
daily life.
[From the marble in the Tuileries, by Masson.]