I haven't so far addressed the subject of Lepic's personality and general demeanour. We know that he was a good and successful commander but did he get on with his immediate subordinates ? In April 1813 he became Colonel du 2e regiment de gardes d'honneur. Alain Pigeard, in his mighty "Les Etoiles de Napoleon" alludes to some friction between Lepic and one of his colonel-majors. In this sumptuous tome, Pigeard cites Lambry, in notes on page 23 of an issue of Sabretache in 1924 in which it was stated that although Lepic was an excellent soldier, he was a difficult character which led to him having violent arguments with one of his colonel-majors. Was this Alexandre-Charles-Louis Valon d'Ambrugeac ? I suspect that it was.

However, I cannot recall having seen any other mention anywhere of Lepic having an attitude problem. Quite who was at fault I have yet to determine, and so for the moment I am going to reserve judgement. So there is another task for me. What was the real reason for Lagrange replacing Lepic in 1813 ? Was it his health ? He wasn't exactly fit now was he ? Or was it his mental state ? Did any other officers, apart from Colonel-major d'Ambrugeac have any problem with Lepic's general demeanour?

d'Ambrugeac was another Parisien born officer and had at least one other brother Louis-Alexandre who was an infantry commander. Does anyone know whether any portraits of the these two soldiers exist and if so, where they are located. Secondly, if anyone has any background detail of the family, especially the, brothers, sisters, and any children of the d'Ambrugeac family I would be pleased to hear from them.

I hope you liked this first edition of the French Commanders Study Group web site. If you would like to enter into correspondence please feel free to go ahead.