[6] Reportedly to teach the young Duke how to escape an idle life, respect his rank, and accomplish great things, his mother decided to organize an expedition to Africa.

[7] The Duchess sent her Jacques, Lt. Émile Julien, Charles Pottier, a journalist from L'Illustration, convoy leader Rogier, and Dr. Jean Hess.

In Brazzaville, Albert Dolisie (later the governor of French Congo) convinced the Duke to continue his mission towards Ubangi to reinforce the forces already present there.

A reprisal expedition was organized at the beginning of February to fight the "Boubous" in the Kotto valley, but, at the end of the month, the Duke and Lt. Julien, suffering from fevers, were evacuated to Brazzaville.

[10] His body was returned to France, via Lisbon (accompanied by his brother, then styled Count of Crussol, and brother-in-law, the Duke of Luynes), and his funeral was held at the Uzès.