Cathelineau, Jacques

Cathelineau, Jacques, leader of the Vendéans in their resistance to the Republic, was born at Pin-en-Mauge, Anjou, in 1759. But a poor linen-merchant at the outbreak of the Revolution, in the spring of 1793 he put himself at the head of a handful of stubborn recruits, and soon became famous for the courage and success of his exploits, the greatest of which was the storming of Cholet. Spite of his own modesty, the supreme command was forced upon him after the victory of Saumur. He immediately determined to make an attack upon Nantes, and managed to penetrate into the town, but was mortally wounded by a musket-ball, and his troops immediately dispersed. He was carried to St Florent, where he died twelve days later, July 11, 1793. Cathelineau was a man of great simplicity and honesty of character, and his piety was such that he was called the Saint of Anjou.