Philippe spent the greater part of that winter in cantonments, but as soon as he knew how to ride a horse he was dispatched to the front, and went eagerly.
During the campaign in France he was made a lieutenant, after an affair at the outposts where his bravery had saved his colonel's life.

The Emperor named him captain at the battle of La Fere-Champenoise, and took him on his staff.

Inspired by such promotion, Philippe won the cross at Montereau.

He witnessed Napoleon's farewell at Fontainebleau, raved at the sight, and refused to serve the Bourbons.

When he returned to his mother, in July, 1814, he found her ruined.
Joseph's scholarship was withdrawn after the holidays, and Madame Bridau, whose pension came from the Emperor's privy purse, vainly entreated that it might be inscribed on the rolls of the ministry of the interior.