Kellermann, FRANCOIS CHRISTOPHE

Kellermann, FRANCOIS CHRISTOPHE, Duke of Valmy, born 28th May 1735, at Wolfsbuchweiler, in Alsace, entered a French regiment of hussars at seventeen, and had risen to the rank of major-general before the Revolution broke out. In 1792 he received the command of the Army of the Centre on the Moselle, repelled the Duke of Brunswick, and by his daring promptitude delivered France by the famous cannonade of Valmy. Yet on allegation of treason against the republic, he was imprisoned for a year, and only liberated on Robespierre's fall. He afterwards rendered important services in Italy, and on the erection of the Empire he was made a marshal and a duke. In the campaigns of 1809 and 1812 he commanded the reserves on the Rhine. At the Restoration he attached himself to the Bourbons. He was moderate and constitutional in his views. He died 12th September 1820. It was his son (1770-1835) whose charge turned Marengo (q.v.) into a victory.