In 1809 he entered the École militaire de Saint-Cyr and became second lieutenant. He was then sent to garrison at Milan and took part to the last campaigns of the Empire. Captain, he was captured at the battle of the Mincio River on 8 February 1814. Captain of staff during the Hundred Days, he served at Grenoble then participated to the battle of Waterloo and battle of Ligny where he gained the rank of battalion chief.