Dominique Perignon

French Marshal
Marquis de Perignon
1754-1818

Dominique Perignon was equally at home with either the sword or the diplomat's letter, but proved more successful in the latter role.

His early army career did not take off until had been serving for twelve years when, in 1792, he was promoted to lead a division after excellent performances in the Pyrenees.

Despite some notable successes, he was replaced in 1795 and returned to his old career of diplomacy, which saw him elected to the Council of the 500 and then appointed as ambassador to Spain.

A brief switch back to military life proved unhappy, as he was badly wounded and captured at Novi, but was boosted by a senatorship in 1801.

A marshalcy was given in 1804, but Perignon saw no further clash of arms, being given political positions instead.

When the Bourbons returned in 1814, the marshal pledged loyalty to the new regime and did not support Napoleon Bonaparte's ill-fated restoration.

Perignon was one of those who voted for Michel Ney's execution.