COUNT

See also:

• LOUIS
• LOUIS (804–876)
• LOUIS (893–911)
• LOUIS, JOSEPH DOMINIQUE, BARON (1755-1837)
• LOUIS, or LEWIS (from the Frankish Chlodowich, Chlodwig, Latinized as Chlodowius, Lodhuwicus, Lodhuvicus, whence-in the Strassburg oath of 842-0. Fr. Lodhuwigs, then Chlovis, Loys and later Louis, whence Span. Luiz and—through the Angevin kings—Hungarian

LOUIS

See also:

• PIERRE

PIERRE

See also:

• COUNT LOUIS PIERRE MONTBRUN (1770-1812)

MONTBRUN (1770-1812)  , French cavalry general, served with great distinction in the cavalry arm throughout the wars of the Revolution and the Consulate, and in 1800 was appointed to command his regiment, having served therein from trooper upwards . At Austerlitz (Dec . 2, 18o5) he was promoted general of brigade . He earned further distinction in Germany and Poland as a dashing leader of horse, and in 18o8 he was sent into Spain . Here occurred an incident which unfavourably influenced his whole career . He found himself obliged to overstay his leave of absence in order to protect the lady who afterwards became his wife . Napoleon was furious, and deprived him of his command, and Montbrun was awaiting his master's' decision when an opportunity came to retrieve his reputation . Some doubt exists as to the events of the famous cavalry charge at the Somosierra, but Montbrun's share in it was most conspicuous . Soon after-wards he was promoted to be general of division, and in 18og his cavalry took no inconsiderable part in the victories of Eckmuhl and Raab . He was employed in the Peninsula, r810-1811 . He was killed, when commanding a cavalry corps, at the beginning of the battle of Borodino (Sept . 7, 1812) .

Montbrun was considered, as a leader of heavy cavalry, second only to

Kellermann of all the generals of the First Empire .