Lefebvre

Lefebvre, FRANÇOIS JOSEPH, Duke of Danzig and Marshal of France, was born at Ruffach, in Alsace, 25th October 1755. He entered the army at the age of eighteen, and was a sergeant in the French Guards when the Revolution broke out. He was engaged for some time on the Moselle and Rhine, fought at Fleurus, Altenkirchen, and Stockach, and rose in rank with wonderful rapidity. In 1799 he took part with Bonaparte in the overthrow of the Directory, and in 1804 was made a Marshal of the Empire. He also conducted the siege of Danzig, and after its capture was created Duke of Danzig. He distinguished himself in the early part of the Peninsular war, and suppressed the insurrection in the Tyrol. During the Russian campaign he had the command of the Imperial Guard, and in 1814 of the left wing of the army which resisted the advance of the allies in France. Submitting to the Bourbons after Napoleon's abdication, he was made a peer, a dignity restored to him in 1819, though he had sided with his old master during the Hundred Days. He died in Paris, 14th September 1820.