RAPP, JEAN, Count, a French gen., was b. at Colmar, in the department of Haut Rhin, France, April 27, 1773. He was intended for the church, but his taste for a mili tary life led him to enroll himself G788)41. the mounted "ehasseurs" of the French army. Rapp distinguished himself by dashing gallantry in Germany and Egypt, and on the death of Desaix at Marengo he became aide-de-camp to Napoleon. His brilliant charge at Austerlitz upon the Russian imperial guard, which put the latter to a complete rout, was rewarded with the 'grade of gen. of division (Dec. 24, 1805). But Rapp joined to the utmost bravery and coolness a quick and unerring judgment, which enabled him not only fully to comprehend Napoleon's plans, and execute to the spirit the duties intrusted to him, but also at times to amend and even disobey his orders with the hap piest results. The latter was the case at Bohan, where Ra-pp's disobedience decided the battle in favor of Napoleon; and for this service he was named a count of the empire (Aug. 1, 1809). He opposed the Russian expedition with the utmost earnestness; but, notwithstanding, accompanied the emperor throughout the whole of it, adding on many occasions to his own reputation and the glory of the French arms. His obstinate defense of Dantzic for nearly a year against a powerful Russian army placed him in a high posi tiou among military men; and his chivalrous and considerate treatment of the unfortu nate inhabitants during the siege was so warmly appreciated by them that they presented him with a magnificent sword enriched with diamonds. The Russians, contrary to the
articles of capitulation, sent Rapp and his garrison prisoners to Russia, and he did not return to France till July, 1814. On reaching Paris lie was well received by Louis XVIII.; and in March, 1815, was one of those appointed to oppose the return of Napo leon; but deserted, along with his troops, to his old master, and was appointed com mander-in-chief of the army of the Rhine (April 16), and peer of France (June 2). After 'Waterloo, Rapp again submitted to Louis, but retired to Switzerland for two years, returning in 1817, and receiving a full pardon in the following year. He was re-created a peer of France (March 5, 1819), and held various offices about the court; but, broken in health by constant hard service and numerous severe wounds, he died at Paris, Nov. 8, 1821. A volume of memoirs (1823, in 8vo) has been published under his name.