He enlisted in the French Royal Army in 1783 and rose to the rank of sous-officer.

Elected lieutenant colonel of a volunteer battalion in 1791, he led his troops at Jemappes in 1792 and Neerwinden in 1793.

Transferred to the Army of the Eastern Pyrenees and promoted to general of brigade, he fought at Peyrestortes, Boulou and San Lorenzo de la Muga where he was wounded.

In 1795 he led his troops at Quiberon, was promoted to general of division the next year and fought at Neuwied in 1797.

His surname is one of the names inscribed under the Arc de Triomphe, on Column 6.