Highly informed, and speaking several languages, his erudition equals his courage.

We are indebted to his pen for the interesting work entitled _Les Origines Gauloises_.

Such rare talents and virtues appertain to the page of history, but to the First Consul belongs the right to anticipate its award.' "The First Consul, citizen, heard this recital with the same emotions that I experienced.

He named you instantly first grenadier of the Republic, and decreed you this sword of honour.

_Salut et fraternite_." The distinction accorded so readily to Latour d'Auvergne by the First Consul, himself a hero, who could better than any other contemporary among his countrymen appreciate the glory he was called on by Carnot to reward, was refused by the gallant veteran.
"Among us soldiers," said he, "there is neither first nor last." He demanded, as the sole recompense of his services, to be sent to join his old brothers-in-arms, to fight once more with them, not as the _first_, but as the _oldest_, soldier of the Republic.
His death was like his life, glorious; for he fell on the field of battle at Neubourg, in 1800, mourned by the whole army, who devoted a day's pay to the purchase of an urn to preserve his heart, for a niche in the Pantheon.
Another distinction, not less touching, was accorded to his memory by the regiment in which he served.