Studied law in Paris, during which time he lost money gambling. To survive, he became a typographer, writing a book that put him in touch with future revolutionaries. In 1791, he joined the National Guard. He rose through the ranks to become a major general. Remaining a republican at heart, he was sent away as ambassador to Constantinople by Napoleon, who recalled him in 1804 and appointed him Marshal of the Empire. Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. After Waterloo, he was recalled to Paris by the King, but assassinated on the road to Avignon.Autograph signed letter. ÒBruneÓ as Marshal of the Empire, to Mr. Saint-Luce; s.1. 8 Thermidor Year XIII (July 27, 1805), 2 pp. in-4¡. Very beautiful rare piece a.s.Nice letter of a friendly turn. He cannot give notice of any resolution of the minister with regard to his correspondent: " "Croyez qu'en tout ce que je pourrai vos intŽrts seront rglŽs suivant vos dŽsirs. Il est difficile maintenant de causer avec le ministre; ses occupations sont actives et lais- sent peu de temps ˆ ceux qui vous ai- ment pour parler de vous... En tous cas, mon cher St Luce nous vous oblige- rons ˆ croire ˆ la sincŽritŽ de notre attachementÉ.".