General Count de Bourmont, born September 2, 1773, at the Chateau of Bourmont (Maine-et-Loire), amid the “Chouans,” had shared their religious and monarchical passions.  Officer of the French Guards at sixteen, and dismissed by the Revolution, he followed his father at the beginning of the Emigration, lost him at Turin, then went to join the Count d’Artois at Coblenz.  He took part in the campaign of 1792, until the disbandment of the Prince’s army, served as a simple cavalryman in the army of Conde, then threw himself into La Vendee in the month of October, 1794.  He was second in command of the troops of Scepeaux.  The Vendean insurrection of 1799 recognized him as one of its chiefs.  Victor at Louverne, he seized Mans the 15th of October, and was the last to lay down his arms.

Bourmont had a passion for the life of the camp.  When the royal troops had laid down their arms, he was ready to fight in the ranks of the imperial troops rather than not to fight at all.  He distinguished himself in the Russian campaign, contributed to the victory of Lutzen, made a heroic defence at Nugent during the campaign in France, and was named general of division by the Emperor.

During the Hundred Days, General de Bourmont, guilty as was Marshal Ney, abandoned the cause of Napoleon as the Marshal had that of Louis XVIII.  But there were attenuating circumstances for their conduct.  One could not resist the prestige of the Emperor, nor the other that of the King.  What aggravated the situation of General de Bourmont was that, after having sought a command from Napoleon, as Marshal Ney had from Louis XVIII., he deserted three days before the battle of Waterloo.  The royalist, the soldier of the army of Conde, the “Chouan” had suddenly reappeared under the General of the Empire.  His King had summoned him, and impelled by a false sentiment of conscience, he had responded to the appeal of his King.  But he was wrongly suspected of having delivered to the English and Prussians the plans of Napoleon.

One may read in the Memoirs of the Duke Ambroise de Doudeauville:—­

“The Count de Bourmont was appointed Minister of War.  He had to meet grave prejudices.  It was claimed that, having accepted service under Bonaparte in the Hundred Days, he had deserted a few hours before the battle of Waterloo, taking with him a great part of the troops, and carrying to the enemy the plans and projects of the campaign.  I owe it to the truth to say that this story is greatly exaggerated.  I have it from Marshal Gerard himself—­and his testimony cannot be suspected—­that some days before this battle M. de Bourmont had written him that, summoned by Louis XVIII., he believed it his duty to go to him, but promised to guard the most religious silence.  He kept his word, went alone, carried away no plan, and faithfully kept the secret.”

The Duke adds:—­

“I knew, from Charles X. himself, that he was very greatly surprised at the accusation of desertion brought against M. de Bourmont when he appointed him minister.  He had not the least idea that that reproach could be addressed to him, for he knew that the General had but obeyed the orders of Louis XVIII., his legitimate sovereign.”