afterwards CHARLES XIV., king of Sweden and Norway, was the son of a lawyer at Pau in Béarn, and was born Jan. 26, 1764. His original name was Jean-Baptiste-Jules Bernadotte. He was destined by his parents for the law; but he chose the profession of arms, and enlisted in 1780 as a private in the royal marines. When the revolution swept away the arbitrary distinction of classes, and opened up to all alike the path of preferment, the abilities of Bernadotte were speedily acknowledged. In 1792 he was made a colonel; in the following year a general of brigade; and soon after a general of division. In the campaigns of the Rhine and of Italy his military talents found ample scope for display; and his diplomatic abilities had also been tested as ambassador at the court of Vienna. During Buonaparte's absence in Egypt, Bernadotte was appointed minister of war. He re-organized the whole army, and prepared the way for the conquest of Holland. Notwithstanding the rivalry that all along existed between him and Napoleon, Bernadotte was made a marshal on the establishment of the empire. He was also nominated to the government of Hanover, and took part in the campaign of 1805 at the head of a force of 20,000 men. At the battle of Austerlitz he covered himself with glory; and in 1806 he was created prince of Ponte-Corvo. In 1810 the assembled states of Sweden nominated him as successor to Charles XIII. of Sweden, a distinction for which he was scarcely less indebted to his nobility of character than to his military talents. The jealousy exhibited by Napoleon on that occasion, and Bernadotte's politic rebuke, are characteristic of the two men. "What!" said Bernadotte, "would you make me greater than yourself, by compelling me to refuse a crown?" Napoleon could only reply, "Go—our fates must be accomplished."

As crown-prince of Sweden, Bernadotte devoted his whole energies to the welfare of his adopted country. Owing to the infirmities of the king, he was intrusted with the entire conduct of the government. On the death of Charles XIII., in February 1818, Bernadotte ascended the throne. The events of his administration, so conducive to the prosperity of that country, are given in the article SWEDEN. He died at Stockholm, March 8, 1844, at the age of seventy-nine; and left an only son, Oscar, who succeeded him. See SWEDEN.