Promoted to lieutenant on 3 April 1793, by May he was a captain of grenadiers, participating in the infamous ""colonne infernale"" led by Théophile Corret de la Tour d'Auvergne in the Army of the Western Pyrenees. He distinguished himself in July 1794 by successfully taking Hondarribia, defended by 1700 men, with a small force. He was promoted once more and transferred to the Army of the Rhine. He participated with distinction in the Battle of Engen (3 May 1800), Battle of Messkirch (5 June 1800), Battle of Höchstädt (19 June 1800) and Battle of Hohenlinden (3 December 1800). In the last action he was so successful that General Moreau recommended him to Napoleon to receive the rank of brigadier general, which he was given.