VILLENEUVE, Pierre-Charles Jean-Baptiste-Sylvestre De, French admiral: b. Valensoles, deparunent of Basses-Alpes, 31 Dec. 1763; d. 22 April 1806, of ancient and noble family. Villeneuve entered the navy in his 15th year, and passed as captain 1793. In 1796 he was raised to the rank of (captain of division) (equivalent to commodore), and commanded the rear division at the battle of the Nile. In 1804 he was nominated vice-admiral; and in the following year was appointed to the com mand of the Toulon squadron. Having sailed to the Azores, he encountered a British squad ron, under Sir Robert Calder, and a fierce fight ensued, which lasted till dark. On the follow ing morning, neither side cared to renew the engagement (for which Villeneuve was abused by Le Moniteur, and Admiral Calder was put on trial), and Villeneuve, unable to reach Brest, returned to Cadiz, where he was strictly block aded by Nelson. The severity with which he
was treated by Napoleon on account of these reverses, and the further indignity of being su perseded, goaded Villeneuve into the desperate resolve of engaging Nelson before his succes sor could arrive at Cadiz. The memorable con flict of Trafalgat was the result. Villeneuve, whose vessel, the Bucentaure, was completely dismasted. was forced to strilce his liag; and was made prisoner, and conveyed to England, whence he returned to France April 1806. He stopped at Rennes, with the view of ascertain ing the kind of reception he was likely to meet • at Paris from the emperor. The result of his inquiries was unfavorable; and on the morning of 22 April he was found dead in bed, with six knife-wounds in his heart, inflicted by his own hand.