Bertrand

Bertrand, HENRI GRATIEN, COUNT, one of Napoleon's generals, known for his faithful attachment to the emperor through all his fortunes, was born at Châteauroux (1773), and early entered the armies of the Revolution as engineer. He accompanied the expedition to Egypt, and directed the fortification of Alexandria. He distinguished himself at Austerlitz, and became the emperor's adjutant; and, after the battle of Aspern in 1809, for his share in saving the French army by bridges, he was created count and governor of Illyria. After serving with credit in the subsequent campaigns, he retired with the emperor to Elba, was his confidant in carrying out his return to France, and finally shared his banishment to St Helena. On Napoleon's death, Bertrand returned to France, where, though sentence of death had been pronounced upon him—a sentence which Louis XVIII. had wisely recalled—he was restored to all his dignities, and in 1830 appointed commandant of the Polytechnic School. In 1840 he formed part of the expedition which brought back the remains of Napoleon to France. He died at Châteauroux, January 31, 1844.