From 1793 to 1799 du Bousquier was commissary of provisions to the French armies.

He lived in a magnificent hotel and was one of the matadors of finance, did business with Ouvrard, kept open house, and led the scandalous life of the period,--the life of a Cincinnatus, on sacks of corn harvested without trouble, stolen rations, "little houses" full of mistresses, in which were given splendid fetes to the Directors of the Republic.
The citizen du Bousquier was one of Barras' familiars; he was on the best of terms with Fouche, stood very well with Bernadotte, and fully expected to become a minister by throwing himself into the party which secretly caballed against Bonaparte until Marengo.

If it had not been for Kellermann's charge and Desaix's death, du Bousquier would probably have become a minister.

He was one of the chief assistances of that secret government whom Napoleon's luck send behind the scenes in 1793.
(See "An Historical Mystery.") The unexpected victory of Marengo was the defeat of that party who actually had their proclamations printed to return to the principles of the Montagne in case the First Consul succumbed.
Convinced of the impossibility of Bonaparte's triumph, du Bousquier staked the greater part of his property on a fall in the Funds, and kept two couriers on the field of battle.

The first started for Paris when Melas' victory was certain; the second, starting four hours later, brought the news of the defeat of the Austrians.