Born in the provinces, La Tour d'Auvergne received a thorough military schooling, and entered the army when quite young.
Throughout a career of nearly twoscore years, he served ever with fidelity and distinction, yet always refused the promotion which was constantly offered him, preferring, as he said, the familiar duties of the grenadier to even the glories of a marshal.
His wishes were, in a measure, respected. He held always the rank of Captain, though eventually his command equalled in numbers almost ten regiments.
After his death, which occurred in action, there was instituted in the regiment with which he had been connected, and by the express directions of Bonaparte himself, a most touching tribute to his faithful service. His name had never been stricken from the roll, and at its call, upon the daily parade, the oldest veteran present would step forward, and saluting, answer, "Died on the field of battle."
The details of his history show that his life was well worthy the honors thus paid to his memory, and many incidents are told of him which illustrate his unselfish devotion to the profession he loved so well.
Upon one occasion, being on furlough, he paid a visit to an old friend in a section of the country as yet remote from actual war.
While there, he learned that a detachment of several hundred Austrians, having in view the prevention of a certain important movement of the French, was on the march to a spot where this purpose could be easily accomplished. To reach this they must pass through a narrow defile, guarded by an old stone tower, which was garrisoned by perhaps half a company of French soldiers.
To warn these of their danger in time to prepare for defense was the aim of our hero, and putting up a slender store of provisions, he started off.
To his dismay he found on arriving at the tower that his comrades had been only too well warned already, and had fled, even leaving their muskets and a goodly supply of ammunition behind them.
He knew that if the Austrians could be held in check long enough to allow the completion of the French manœuvre, by that time tower and pass would be of little use to either side. He determined, single-handed, to make the fight against a regiment.