GOUVION SAINT-CYR, LAURENT, MARQUIS DE (1764-183o), French marshal, was born at Toul on April 13, 1764. He studied painting in Rome, but never adopted the pro fession of a painter. He entered the army in 1792 and from 1796 to i800 held commands in the Rhine campaign (1796), Italy (1798), Germany, Italy, and again (r800) on the Rhine. In 180r he was sent to Spain for the intended invasion of Portugal, and when a treaty of peace was concluded with Portugal he suc ceeded Lucien Bonaparte as ambassador at Madrid. From 1803 he again served in the army, in Italy, Prussia, Poland and Cata lonia, but eventually resigned his command in protest against orders received from Paris, and remained in disgrace until 1811. He was excluded from the first list of marshals owing to his refusal to influence the troops in favour of the Empire. On the opening of the Russian campaign in command of an army corps, on Aug. 18, 1812, he defeated the Russians at Polotsk and was created a marshal of France. On the fall of Napoleon he was created a peer of France, and became war minister (July–Nov. 1815). In June 1817 he was appointed minister of marine, and in September again war minister, until November 1819. He was made a marquis in 1817. He died at Hyeres (Var) March 17, 1830. He was the author of the following valuable works: Journal des operations de l'armee de Catalogne en 1808 et 18og (182I) ; Memoires sur les campagnes des armies de Rhin et de Rhin-et-Moselle de a (1829) ; and Memoires pour servir a i'histoire militaire sous le Directoire, le Consulat, et l'Empire (1831) .