Francois Certain Canrobert, a French marshal, born in the department of Gers, June 27, 1809. In 1826 he entered the military school of St. Cyr, and in 1830 enlisted as a private soldier. In 1835 he went to Africa, and during the war in the Oran country was promoted to a captaincy. He distinguished himself in 1837 at the storming of Constantine. He was made a major in 1842, lieutenant colonel in 1846, colonel in 1847, and brigadier general in 1850. After the coup d'etat of 1851, in which he commanded the troops most actively engaged at the close, he was one of the commissioners sent to the departments to expedite the prosecution of those who had attempted to resist that act. In 1853 he was appointed general of division, and in 1854, upon the formation of the army of the east, he was placed in command of the first division. He set out for the Crimea on March 13, and was slightly wounded in the battle of the Alma. After the death of St. Arnaud he took command of the army, and defeated the Russians at Inker-man, where he was again wounded (Nov. 5, 1854). The general dissatisfaction in the allied armies at the slow progress of the siege of Se-bastopol, and questions as to the ability of both the English and French commanders, prompted Canrobert to resign to his subordinate, Gen. Pelissier (May 16, 1855), after which he resumed command of his division.

His health failing, he returned to France, and was made marshal March 18, 1856, and subsequently senator. From the British queen he also received the grand cross of the bath. In 1859 he took command of the 3d corps of the army of the Alps, served with great distinction at Magenta, and at Solferino effected a movement which gave valuable assistance to Marshal Niel. When France declared war against Prussia in 1870, Canrobert commanded the 6th army corps. He participated in the battles around Metz, and alter the defeat at Gravelotte (Aug. 18) was shut up with Bazaine in that fortress, and on its capitulation, Oct. 27, was sent a prisoner to Germany. In October, 1872, he was made a member of the supreme council of war, which was intrusted with the organization and administration of the army.