[2][1] He came to France at a young age to study in Paris and Bordeaux.

During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, he served voluntarily and wrote a collection of verses titled L’Invasion (1870), which achieved great success.

[3] His American nationality saved him from death during the Paris Commune; he served as an aide-de-camp to Admiral Saisset, who attempted mediation.

[4] In 1883, he engaged in a duel with Alphonse Daudet, accusing him of various literary offenses.

He died on January 5, 1893, at his residence in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, and was buried in the Montmartre Cemetery (28th division).