Truguet, born in Toulon, spent his whole career in the navy and commanded five fleets, something few officers of his century could claim. Minister of the Navy under the Directory, he became ambassador to Spain: the sea then led to the embassies, the two trades following the same routes. Seven titles are lined up where he is named, and not a word of the five fleets.
The story
Five times Laurent Truguet was given command of a French fleet. Born at Toulon on 10 January 1752, in the great Mediterranean naval port, the son of a naval officer ennobled for his conduct under fire, he never did anything but the navy.
Minister of the navy from 1795 to 1797, under the Directory, he then became France's ambassador to Spain. In 1804, aboard the Vengeur, he was the only officer of the naval army to refuse to sign the sailors' address in favour of the Empire, and he wrote as much to Bonaparte himself. An admiral and a peer of France, he died at Toulon on 26 December 1839.
His inscription in Division 40 is one of the fullest in the cemetery: seven titles in a row, from councillor of state to the peerage, and his dates to the day. His name is cut on the Arc de Triomphe as well, on the third column.
The grave
A sculpture by Vasseur, and one of the most complete inscriptions in the cemetery: “L. J. F. comte TRUGUET, né à Toulon le 10 janvier 1752, conseiller d'état, ministre de la marine, ambassadeur, grand-croix de Saint-Louis et de la Légion d'honneur, amiral et pair de France, mort à Paris le 26 décembre 1839.” — Count Truguet, born in Toulon on 10 January 1752, councillor of state, Minister of the Navy, ambassador, Grand Cross of Saint Louis and of the Legion of Honour, admiral and peer of France, died in Paris on 26 December 1839. Seven titles, two towns, two dates to the day. Yet it does not say what sets him apart: five fleet commands.
On site, do not miss
A sculpture by Vasseur. The epitaph lists seven titles — councillor of state, Minister of the Navy, ambassador, two Grand Crosses, admiral, peer of France — without mentioning the five fleet commands.
Visitors' questions
Where is Admiral Truguet's grave?
In Division 40, Avenue Transversale No. 1, first row, under a sculpture by Vasseur. The inscription is one of the fullest in the cemetery: seven titles listed, two cities, two dates. He died in Paris on 26 December 1839.
Count DejeanHow many times did he command the fleets?
Five times — few officers of his century could say as much. He was born at Toulon, the great Mediterranean naval port, and spent his whole career at sea.
Admiral BruatWas he Minister of the Navy?
He was, from 1795 to 1797, under the Directory. He then went out as French ambassador to Spain: the navy led to diplomacy in those years, the two trades sharing the same routes and the same languages. He was the son of a squadron commander.
Vice-Admiral de MaigretWhat does his epitaph say?
It sets the whole thing out: “L. J. F. comte TRUGUET, né à Toulon le 10 janvier 1752, conseiller d'état, ministre de la marine, ambassadeur, grand-croix de Saint-Louis et de la Légion d'honneur, amiral et pair de France, mort à Paris le 26 décembre 1839.” — born at Toulon on 10 January 1752, councillor of state, minister of the navy, ambassador, grand cross of Saint-Louis and of the Legion of Honour, admiral and peer of France, died in Paris on 26 December 1839.
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