Soult, Nicolas-Jean de Dieu

(1769-1851)

   marshal of France

   Born in Saint-Amans-la-Bastide, Nicolas-Jean de Dieu Soult joined the military in 1785 and later, during the revolution of 1789 and the first empire, served with distinction in a number of campaigns. He took part in the victory at Saxony, Austerlitz (1805) and the capture of Konigsberg (1807), after which he was made governor of Prussia and duke of Dalmatia by napoléon i. Sent to Spain, Soult eventually forced the British to give up the siege of Badajoz (1811). Returning to France because of his differences with joseph bonaparte, he soon took part in the victory of Bautzen, Saxony, then was sent back to Spain, where he stopped Wellington's advance. Rallying to the Bourbons in 1814, he was made a peer of France and named minister of war (1814-15). During the hundred days, he joined Napoléon and was banished under the Second restoration. He returned to France in 1819 and was restored to the Chamber of Peers in 1827. A supporter of the july monarchy, Marshal Soult suppressed the insurrection at lyon (1831); as minister of war, planned the expedition to Antwerp (1832); and as president of the Council of Ministers, was sent to London as part of the French delegation to the coronation of Queen Victoria (1838). He later again served as president of the Council of Ministers (1840-47), but power at that time was held by françois guizot.