[Born in Guienne, 1769. Killed at Essling, in Austria, 1809. Aged 40.]
In the first rank of Napoleon’s renowned Marshals. Of poor and humble
parents, was in early life apprenticed to a dyer. In 1792, entered the
army as a volunteer. By signal intelligence, activity, and matchless
courage, soon fought his way upward, and secured the notice of Napoleon.
Distinguished himself greatly in the first Italian campaign; accompanied
Buonaparte to Egypt; followed him again into Italy in 1800, and covered
himself with glory at Montebello in 1804, when he was created Duke. At
Austerlitz, Jena, Eylau, and Friedland; and at one and all justified the
fame his skill and intrepidity had gained. At the battle of Essling,
1809, he had the command of the centre. On the 22nd, on passing through
the lines to cheer on his men, he was struck by a cannon shot, which
took off both legs. He was borne to the Emperor, who was deeply affected
at the sight of his brave and mutilated soldier. When speaking of
Lannes, at a later period, Napoleon said that “at first his courage
carried away his mind; but by degrees his mind came more and more
abreast of his courage, and he was great when he perished. I took him,”
he added, “a pigmy: I lost him a giant.”