In the autumn of 1809, Marchand led the VI Corps when Ney went on leave. Under Marchand's leadership, the corps suffered a defeat at the Battle of Tamames on 18 October. In the Battle of Alba de Tormes under the command of General François Étienne de Kellermann, the VI Corps gained revenge against the Spanish victors of Tamames on 28 November. General Lorcet's cavalry and Kellermann's dragoon division did most of the fighting, while Marchand's infantry arrived only in time to mop up.