Claude Lecourbe

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Claude Jacques Lecourbe (February 22, 1759-October 22, 1815), born in Besançon, was a French general during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars.

After having studied at a college in Poligny and Lons-le-Saunier, he enlisted in the Regiment of Aquitaine where he served for eight years as an enlisted man. Having been promoted to corporal when the French Revolution started he became commandant of the National Guard of Ruffey-sur-Seille in 1789. He was then given command of the 7th volunteer battalion of the Jura, with which he served in the armies of the Rhine and the Nord. Having been promoted to colonel in 1791 Lecourbe distinguished himself in the battle of Fleurus. Having been promoted to brigade general in 1794 and to divisional general in 1798, he fought against Alexander Suvorov in Switzerland and distinguished himself in the Second Battle of Zurich under André Masséna.

Lecourbe's friendship with Jean-Victor Moreau and his vocal defense of Moreau in the proces Georges Cadoudal brought on the enmity of Napoleon Bonaparte which forced his retirement in 1805. After Napoleon's abdication he was made a count by Louis XVIII of France. The count of Artois recalled Lecourbe to active duty in February 1815 and made him inspector-general of the 6th military Division with headquarters in Besançon.

Upon Napoleon's return from exile on Elba, Lecourbe offered him his services and during the Hundred Days he commanded the Army of the Jura (I Corps of Observation), operating in the Jura against Archduke Ferdinand. After Louis's second return to the throne, Lecourbe retired and on October 22, 1815 he died after a long illness bough on by disease in Belfort.

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