Charles Merchior-Arthus Bonchamps was born on May 10, 1760 in Anjou at the Chateau of the Crucifix. Once grown, Bonchamps journeyed to India in the regiment of Bailli de Suffren. After having been retired for some time before the revolution broke out, Bonchamps feared for his King and country and so requested to be reinstated. He was in the area when the Paris mob stormed the Tuilieres and helped to hide La Rochejaquelein and Charles d'Autichamp from the revolutionaries.
In September he returned to Anjou and was denounced by the Jacobins. He was forced to stand trial at the tribunal at Maine-et-Loire but was acquited. The following year, in March of 1793, a group of peasants who were rising against the republicans requested that Bonchamps come and serve as their leader. He gladly accepted and joined the counter-revolutionary forces. Due to his courage and intellect, Bonchamps quickly began to assert himself as a great tactician in the Catholic & Royal Army.
Bonchamps was a hero in many battles and led his troops to many great victories. On October 17th at Cholet, Bonchamps was severely injured. There, on his death bed, Bonchamps stated that he was glad to have served his God, his King and his Country. The death of Bonchamps has been called the greatest victory for the republican forces. Bonchamps was arguably the best tactical leader in the Vendeean army and defeating him gave the blue army a huge morale boost. Bonchamps was and is a hero for the forces of the Christian monarchy, and was even admired by many of the revolutionaries. His success and natural class made him admired by both friends and enemies alike. |
