Jacques Anne Joseph Le Prestre de Vauban facts for kids
Jacques Anne Joseph Le Prestre de Vauban (born March 10, 1754, in Dijon – died April 20, 1816) was a French general. He lived during the time of the old French government. He played a part in the American War of Independence, helping the American colonists. Later, he also joined a rebellion in France called the Chouannerie. This rebellion was against the new French government, known as the Republic, during the French Revolutionary Wars. He was the grandson of Antoine Le Prestre de Vauban.
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Who Was Jacques de Vauban?
Jacques de Vauban began his military career in 1770. He became a personal assistant to General Rochambeau. This was during the American War of Independence. In 1782, he was sent back to France. He carried important messages from the general.
Early Military Career
Soon after, Vauban became a colonel. He was second-in-command of the régiment d'Agenors. The Duke of Orléans, who was his chamberlain (a high-ranking official), made him a colonel. He was put in charge of an infantry regiment that took his name, the Régiment d'Orléans. On June 13, 1784, he also became a knight of the order of Saint-Louis.
Life During the French Revolution
Like many other officers, Vauban left France. This happened around the time King Louis XVI tried to leave the country. Vauban first went to Ath, then to Koblenz. There, the Count of Artois made him his personal assistant.
Joining the Royalists Abroad
Vauban traveled with the Count of Artois during the 1792 military campaign. He also went with him on a trip to Russia in 1793. They were welcomed by Empress Catherine the Great. After that, Vauban went to England.
The Quiberon Expedition
In the spring of 1795, Vauban joined the Quiberon expedition. This was a military mission. He was given the job of leading a group of Chouans. These were royalist rebels. Their task was to attack the back of the Republican army. However, General Hoche's forces stopped them. Vauban was tricked by false signals and had to retreat.
Later Years and Imprisonment
Vauban carried out several missions. These took him to the Vendée region and the île d'Yeu with the Count of Artois. He then returned to London. He quickly went back to Russia. But he arrived just as Empress Catherine died. Like many French royalists in Russia, he faced problems because Emperor Paul I often changed his mind. Vauban was soon forced to leave Russia.
He returned to France and stayed in Paris for a while. The police allowed him to be there. However, in 1806, he was arrested. He was held prisoner for a long time in the Temple prison.
