LA NODE, In n(71, FRANCOIS DE, called BRAS DE FER ( 1331-91). A eclebLted Huguenot sol dier, born at Nantes. He was educated in arms, and after seeing service in Italy, was placed at the Court of Henry H. at the age of eighteen, and there became a Protestant through the influ ence of D'Andelot. After the massacre of Vassey, he joined the great Condi% He took part in the battle of Dreux, where Condo was made pris oner, and assisted Coligny in conducting the re treat. He afterwards served under various Hu guenot leaders and gained a great reputation for bravery, prudence, and humanity. In 1569 he was captured at Moneontour. but was soon after exchanged. In 1570 he lost his left arm at the siege of Fontenay-le-Comte. and had its place supplied with an iron one—hence his sobriquet. In 1571 La None went to the assistance of the Dutch Protestants, and was captured by Alva at Mons, and sent a prisoner to Charles IX. of France. lle was kindly treated by the King. Escaping before the massacre of Saint Bartholo mew, La None rallied the Huguenots after that fatal event and fortified La Rochelle. After the
Peace of Bergerac put an end to the religious war for the time, La None commanded in Hol land (1578). In 1580. however, lie was again captured by the Spaniards, and remained for five years a prisoner in the Castle of Limburg, where he composed his Diseours politiqucs et militaires (Basel, 1587). In 1586 he aided in the defense of Geneva against the Duke of Savoy, and a little later he was permitted to return to his own country. He immediately resumed command in the Huguenot army under Henry of Navarre, and rendered brilliant service at time siege of Paris. at Argues. and at Ivry. He was mortally wounded at the siege of Lamballe, in Brittany, and died a few days later at Moneontour, Au gust 4, 1591. His Correspondence was published at Paris (1854). Consult Vinien. Les hccros de la ri'forme: Fr. de la None (Paris• 1875).