In 1812 he was still Captain of the Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard when he took part in the campaign of Russia. He returned with a frozen foot and the rank of Major in second. During the campaign of Germany, he took part in the siege of Hamburg in September 1813. On 1 March 1814, just before the abdication of Emperor Napoleon I, Marshal Davout elevated him to the rank of Colonel, considering him as ""one of the most brilliant officers in the army"."