Virginia statesman. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1828-1829, 1829-05-23
MISCELLANEOUS.
RFNARKABLE BIOGRAPHY


Theophile-lIalo Crrct de la Tour Auyerg-
ne was a hero of peculiar order: perhaps the
annals of war in all times and in all countries do
not afford another example of the kind. lie was
simple, generous and disuterested the sensibiiiv
of his feelings were equal to the darneness ofhl,
courage his temperament was rs proud as il was
gentle: IN short his sterling character was full of
sterling greatness. Decended from a bastard
branch of the house of Bouillion. he bore the
same name as Turenne, and III many points resem-
bed hm-the same prudence, the same bravery:
but Turcnne was beaten, changed sides. served
Spain La Tuor d Auyergne was always
conuuerer, faithful 10 his country. lived and died
under the national banners. Born at Cashiax. in
the department Of the FiniSterre, the 23rd Ono
vembcr, l743 he entered the service in 1867.
was made captain in l779, IN the regiment of An
goumoIs and served, in I7S2, as a VOLUNTEER in the
war of America. lie was, the seige ofilahon
aide-decamp ofthe Duke If Crlon, who COM
manded the Spanish army lie was offered the
command of his corps: he refused it. Always
the firstn onset the last IN retreat he was seen one
day 10 take up a wounded soldier on his shouldes
and carry him into the rear aud return to take his
place in the broken ranks, where he fought till
the affair IN which he was engaged was successful
" carried The King of Spain offered him sum
crown OF a statue, the sole reward for deeds of
this kind, would have been decreed 10 him by the
republics of antiquity. When the French Reyolu-
ton broke out, La Tour d Auyergne was 80 years
of age. and lived retired on moderate pension.
The ardent generosity ofhis character led him 10
hail with rapture the promises of liberty which h
held out, and he was one Of the first TO range him
self under the trl coulered flag. He served as cap
tain Of GrenadIers ofthe army of Spain, though he
would not accept the title of General la Tuor
taught the infantry TO avail themselves of the bav-
onei, at the time neglected, bu. which since then
has decided many battles in favour of the French.
He exposed his life every day: the cannon respec-
ted this hat and his clothes were ridled with
balls aud vet he receied no wound lie di-tin-
guished himself especially IN the retreat of sritz
az the taking of ST. Sebastian and ola battery on
the opposite bank 0fBldass0a. lie led the adyace-
guard; and always filled the troops be edun with
such enthusiasm, so thai tins column called the In
fernal, frequently decided The fortune of the day
before the main body of the army was set in mo-
ton. II IS impossible to record here all the traits
of bravery which are told of him. In the affair of
Andaye- he was seen 10 20 up slnglehanded 10
a church standing alone IN the country, where the
enemy had taken refuge, and break open the door
with an axe After the peace Of Bale, he was 20
ING by sea 10 Brittany, when he was taken by The
English fighting with the national cockade tied on
the ht ofhs sword. Heremained year In pris-
on; after which he returned to France to reside al
Passy near Paris where he employed his leisure
in antiquarian studies until the time when the war
was rekindled
He then set out for the army Of Helyetia. com
manded by Mlssena, as a substitute for the son
Of ms friend Lebrigant, who had been drawn a !
cOnscrpt and desplayed ms usual valour. II was
at this time that he received The honorable title oil
First Granadier Of France, and the solemn pre-
seniaion of a SABRE he STILL however, refused the
pension attached to his military distinction. This
noble and perseverng dsinterestedness, had SOME
thing of the antique about H. which raised him IN
ms own estimation. He refused TO wear his sd /
bre OF honour, until he had as he SAID 10 some of
ms comrades, 'given the enemy a near view Of
It. LA Tour d Auvergne took service again IN
the 10th demi-bneade. IN the army Of the Rhine; /
and was slain 27th June, 1900, al the battle OF !
NenbouTg. He was advancing in the front rank, (
sword IN hand, when HHIan ran lance right 4
through his heart. His funeral and bis tomb were
worthy Of him; ms body was buried on the field 1
OF honour and branches Of oak nrG laurel marked