Louis Charles Antoine, one of the most distinguished generals of the French republic, was born at Vegou, near Riom in 1768. The first engagement in which he took part was the battle of Lauterburg in which he was wounded; and when Moreau executed his masterly retreat through the Black Forest, Desaix contributed not a little to the success of that memorable exploit. After some gallant achievements, such as the repulse of the Archduke Charles at Rastadt, and the defense of the bridge of Kehl, he accompanied Bonaparte to Egypt, where he dispersed the Arabs, and for his various services was made commander of Upper Egypt. On his return to Europe he found Bonaparte marching to the conquest of Italy. With a small squadron he hastened to join the first consul, whom he overtook at Marengo at the very moment when the Austrians had deemed themselves secure of the victory. His timely arrival changed the fortune of the day; but in the moment of victory he was shot through the heart and immediately expired, 14th June 1800. His body was embalmed at Milan, and finally deposited in the convent of Mount St Bernard, where a handsome monument is erected to his memory.