He took part in the Invasion of Algiers in 1830 as an ensign on the Aventure, under Lieutenant Quernel, and was aboard when she was wrecked on 14 May.
[2] He survived the ordeal of the 200 marooned sailors when they were captured by Kabyles and 108 were decapitated.
In 1854, he married Sophie Hamon; together, they had two daughters: Émeline in 1855 and Gabrielle in 1856.
[1] In 1867, he published a four-volume Batailles navales de la France, mimicking William James' plan for his Naval history of Great Britain.
[4] Michel Vergé-Franceschi characterises them as promoting commerce raiding and states that they remain a classic to this day.