On his mother's side (Mlle.

de Villars), he reckoned Montaigne, the celebrated essayist, among his ancestors.

His parents having imbibed the philanthropic ideas of the time, educated him according to their principles.
He had four brothers, who were all destined to turn republicans and do good service to the new cause, though their interest certainly lay in the opposite direction.
...
He was made sub-lieutenant in the regiment of Bassigny (33rd division of foot) on the 2nd of March 1773, and lieutenant of grenadiers on the 1st of October of the same year.
In 1791 he was first lieutenant in the same regiment.

Having sided with the Revolution, he was appointed commander of a battalion of national volunteers in the department of Dordogne.

I have not found the exact date of this appointment, but it must have taken place immediately after his stay at Orleans with Wordsworth.
I have found no further mention of his name till September 1792, when he is known to have served in the "Armee du Rhin," under General Custine, and contributed to the taking of Spire.
He took an important part in the taking of Worms, 4th October; of Mayence (Maenz) 21st October.