Polytechnician fascinated by the China Seas. Commander of the Indochina squadron, he forced the Annamese government to recognise the French protectorate over Annam (Treaty of HuŽ, 1883). He contributed to the conquest of Tonkin and died on his flagship after the signing of peace with China.Autograph letter signed dated 21.11.1880. When he had just been appointed governor of New Caledonia; he gives details of this colony, the last where a military governor will be left.: "Éet qui tente beaucoup moins que les autres nos rŽpublicains amateurs de positions ŽlevŽesÉÓ. 3 pp. _. In-8.