He left the 7th Hussars to become a commissaire des guerres to the armée d'Orient, with the job of guaranteeing Bonaparte's supply lines to Egypt.

Colbert was wounded in the fighting in Upper Egypt and was promoted to captain in the 3rd Dragoon Regiment (France) which distinguished itself at Abukir.

During the German campaign of 1813, Colbert further demonstrated his superb abilities as a cavalry leader, at Bautzen he broke and routed the Russians and cut them to pieces.

During the 1814 defence of France General Colbert displayed his usual bravery and skill, fighting at La Rothière, Champaubert, Château-Thierry, Montmirail, Nangis, Craonne, Reims and Arcis-sur-Aube.

Upon Napoleon's abdication, Colbert submitted to the Bourbons, who made him a chevalier de Saint-Louis and commander of the lancers corps in the royal guard.

He thus returned home, only for his loyalty to turn against him – in 1816 he was arrested without charge, held in the Prison de l'Abbaye for two months and exiled on his release.

After ten years' inactivity, his military career resumed in 1826 and he became inspector general of cavalry and commander of a division of the camp de Lunéville.

D'or, à la couleuvre ondoyante en pal d'azur surmontée d'un lambel du second; au canton des Barons militaires de l'Empire brochant.