Boufflers, LOUIS FRANÇOIS, DUC DE

Boufflers, LOUIS FRANÇOIS, DUC DE, peer and marshal of France, one of the most distinguished generals of his time, was born in 1644, of an ancient family of Picardy. He began his military career early, and served under the great Condé, Turenne, and Catinat in the wars of Louis XIV., with such distinction that he received the mar- shal's baton in 1693. His famous defence of Namur against William III. in 1695, and of Lille against Prince Eugene in 1708, made him a duke and peer of France. After the defeat of Malplaquet in 1709, he conducted the French retreat with admirable skill and success. He died at Fontainebleau, 20th August 1711.—His son, JOSEPH MARIE, Duc de Boufflers (1706-47), was likewise a marshal of France.