A brave soldier who, had he lived, would undoubtedly have proved not the
least eminent of the famous Marshals of the Empire. He was intended for
the bar: but at the breaking out of the Revolution, moved by his
Republican sympathies, he entered the National Guard. Subsequently
enlisted in the regular army as a common soldier, and rapidly
distinguished himself. For his admirable conduct under Kellerman, at the
Battle of Loano (1795), he was made General of Brigade upon the field.
Two years afterwards he was General of Division. In 1798, he succeeded
General Brune in the command of the army in Italy. He fell at Novi,
whilst impetuously leading on his men. He was prompt, energetic, and
fearless to a fault; he enjoyed the unbounded confidence of the
soldiers, and his private life was stainless. His countenance had a
melancholy cast--his manner was grave and silent. When he spoke it was
with blunt and soldier-like brevity. An ardent Republican. One great aim
of his life was said to be the dethronement of all the petty sovereigns
of Italy, and the substitution of one great Italian Republic.
[From the marble in the Tuileries by Boizot.]