[Armée d'Orient] - Boyer, Pierre François Xavier. Etat des services du C. André Churau Grenadier à la ditte demie Brigade.

€ 1,500.00

Service record of André Churau, an infantryman serving in Napoleon's Oriental Army during the Egyptian campaign, bearing a rare autograph signature of commander Pierre François Xavier Boyer (1772-1851), a devout follower of Napoleon nicknamed "Pedro the Cruel" for his brutal actions against Spanish partisans. Co-signed by five other officers and confirmed at the Divisions Office on 3 March 1799. Embellished with a fine engraved headpiece commemorating the most significant victories of the 85th Demi-Brigade.

Born in Angers in 1766, André Churau served in Italy from 1793 to 1798, fought at the capture of Malta, and was injured at Neumarkt, Tyrol, in 1798. He was discharged following the loss of his eyesight during his service in Egypt.

Pierre François Xavier Boyer was named chief of staff of Laharpe's division in March of 1796, as a young General Bonaparte took command of the Army of Italy. In 1798 Boyer was attached to Kléber's division in the Army of the Orient, took part in the action in Malta in June and was subsequently selected to serve on the general staff. After Napoleon left the army to return to France, Boyer continued to serve in Egypt and was sent in pursuit of Murad Bey. In 1802 he took part in the Expedition to Saint-Domingue. While sailing back to France he was captured by the British. After being exchanged, he fought at Jena and Pultusk in 1806, Friedland in 1807, and Wagram in 1809. Transferred to Spain, Boyer led a dragoon division at Salamanca and the Battles of Venta del Pozo in 1812 and Vitoria in 1813.