Paul-Jacques de Bruyères-Chalabre

Paul-Jacques de Bruyères-Chalabre (Castelnaudary, 25 May 1734 — Chalabre, 6 July 1821)^[1][2] was a French Navy officer. He notably captained the 74-gun Illustre at the Battle of Trincomalee from 25 August to 3 September 1782 ^[3] and at the Battle of Cuddalore on 20 June 1783. ^[4]

Paul-Jacques de Bruyères-Chalabre
Born	25 May 1734 Castelnaudary, France
Died	6 July 1821 Chalabre, France
Service / branch	French Navy
Rank	vice-admiral
Battles / wars	Yorktown campaign Siege of Savannah Battle of Trincomalee Battle of Cuddalore

Biography

Bruyères was born to the family of Count de Bruyères Chalabre. He joined the Navy as a Garde-Marine on 11 February 1751, and was promoted to lieutenant on 1 October 1764, and to captain on 4 April 1777.^[2]

With the rank of captain, Bruyères commanded the 80-gun Tonnant in the Yorktown campaign. He later captained the 74-gun Zélé and was part of the French blockade during the Siege of Savannah in 1779.^[5] His role in the War of American Independence earned him a membership in the Society of the Cincinnati.^[5]

He then took part in the Indian Ocean campaign under Suffren, commanding the 74-gun Illustre at the Battle of Trincomalee from 25 August to 3 September 1782, ^[3] where he was wounded. ^[6] Suffren made flattering reports on his conduct in the battle. ^[7] He went to fight at the Battle of Cuddalore on 20 June 1783.^[4]

After the Peace of Paris put an end to the war in 1783, he returned to France in 1784. He was amongst the captains that Suffren recommended for promotion^{[8][Note 1]} He received a 600-livre pension in recognition of his service.^[9] On 1 May 1786, he was promoted to Chef de Division.^[5][2]

Bruyères resigned from the Navy on 15 March 1792.^[2] During the Reign of Terror, he was arrested, but was released after the Thermidorian Reaction. He then fled France to become an émigré.^[5]

After the Bourbon Restoration, Bruyères-Chalabre returned to France. On 13 June 1814, he was promoted to rear admiral. In December 1814, he became a vice-admiral.^[5]

From November 1815, he served as a Deputy for Aude in the Chamber of Deputies.^[5]

Notes

1. The list comprised d'Aymar, Bruyères, Clavières, Du Chilleau, Saint-Félix, Cuverville, Vignes d'Arrac and La Règle.^[8]