Guillaume Brune

French commander
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Quick Facts
Born:
March 13, 1763, Brive-la-Gaillarde, Fr.
Died:
Aug. 2, 1815, Avignon (aged 52)

Guillaume Brune (born March 13, 1763, Brive-la-Gaillarde, Fr.—died Aug. 2, 1815, Avignon) was the only one of Napoleon’s marshals associated with the French Revolutionary Reign of Terror. A distinguished cavalry commander, he consolidated his reputation as defender of Holland against the Allies. At first dedicated to a literary career, Brune became associated in Paris with the Revolutionary leader Georges Danton, for whom he wrote a pamphlet on military matters. He then became a commissaire for purges of the army of the north and later escorted terrorist officials to Bordeaux (where he is credited with trying to restrain the terrorism). The ...(100 of 267 words)