NICOLAS-CHARLES, Duke of Reggio and Marshal of Franco, was the son of a merchant, and was born in 1767. He was a soldier from his youth, and at the outbreak of the Revolution he was appointed to the command of a battalion. His skill and intrepidity speedily raised him in the scale of promotion. A successful stand which he made at the head of the regiment of Picardy against an overwhelming force of Austrians, gained for him in 1794 the rank of general of a brigade. His services under Moreau in Germany were recognised by his being created a general of division in 1799. Nor was his conduct less notable when, immediately afterwards, he was transferred to the army of Italy. Under Massena he played an important part in the victory of Zurich; in the famous defence of Genoa, under Brune, he distinguished himself at the passage of the Mincio; and his reward for these services was a sword of honour from the First Consul. The next important achievements of Oudinot were performed under the direct command of Napoleon himself. At the capture of Vienna he was the first to lead his corps into the city; on the memorable day of Friedland he elicited the commendation of Bonaparte himself; and on the field of Wagram he won a marshal's baton, a pension, and the title of Duke of Reggio. The warlike renown of Oudinot had now reached its climax. Although he conducted himself bravely in the campaigns of 1812, 1813, and 1814, his cause wanted that success which renders great exploits recognisable. On the first abdication of Napoleon he submitted to the Bourbons, and forsook for ever the fortunes of his great leader. The remaining years of his life, though occupied with the discharge of several high military offices, were spent in comparative inaction. His death took place in September 1847.