Louis d'Elbée

Louis d'Elbée by Girodet.

Maurice-Joseph-Louis Gigot d'Elbée (pronounced: [mɔ.ʁis ʒɔ.zɛf lwi ʒi.go dɛl.be]) (21 March 1752 – 6 January 1794) was a French Royalist military leader. He was the second commander in chief of the Royal and Catholic Army formed by Royalist forces of the Vendean insurrection against the Republic and the French Revolution.

Life

Born in Dresden, he moved to France in 1777, becoming a naturalised citizen. He embarked on a military career, reaching the rank of lieutenant, but resigned from the army in 1783 and married, thereafter living a retired country life near Beaupréau in Anjou. He then served as an officer in the army of the Prince-Elector of Saxony. After the Revolution, he returned in obedience to the law which ordered emigrants to return to France.

In 1793, the anti-Jacobin uprisings in the Vendee and Brittany broke out, leading the peasants of Beaupréau to appoint him as their leader. His troop joined those of Charles Bonchamps, Jacques Cathelineau and Jean-Nicolas Stofflet. He served under Cathelineau, and was recognized as the new generalissimo after the death of Cathelineau. He led the Vendéans to victory in conflicts with the Republicans at Coron and Beaulieu. At the Battle of Luçon he managed to extricate the Royalist force from a potential rout, but suffered a significant reverse.

A few months later the Royalists under d'Elbée were completely defeated at the Battle of Cholet on 17 October 1793. He was severely wounded and taken prisoner. Three months later he was tried, condemned and executed by Republican troops in Noirmoutier. He was shot sitting in a chair, since he was unable to stand due to his wounds.

Persondata
Name	Elbee, Louis d'
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Date of birth	21 March 1752
Place of birth
Date of death	6 January 1794
Place of death