Henri-César de Castellane-Majastre

Early life

Henri-César de Castellane-Majastre was born on March 28, 1733 in Riez, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France. A French aristocrat, he was a member of the House of Castellane. His father was César-Henri de Castellane (1693-1761) and his mother, Agathe de Martin.

Career

He served as a career officer in the French Navy. He became Gardes de la Marine in 1749, Lieutenant in 1762 and Captain in 1775.

During the American Revolutionary War of 1775–1783, he served on a French fleet that came to the rescue of the Americans in March 1781. Leaving from Brest on March 22, 1781, under the command of Lieutenant General François Joseph Paul de Grasse (1722–1788), they were bound for Martinique. He served in the Invasion of Tobago on May 30, 1781. Their campaign led to the capture of Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis (1738-1805), and they took part in the Battle of the Chesapeake on September 5, 1781 and the Siege of Yorktown on October 19, 1781.

Additionally, he fought in the Battle of Saint Kitts aboard the French ship Vengeur du Peuple in April 1782. A month later, in May 1782, he served on the fleet of Louis-Philippe de Vaudreuil (1724–1802).

In October 1782, he was inducted in the Society of the Cincinnati and received 800 pounds from them for his service. On October 1, 1784, he became Chef d'escadre.

Personal life

He married Marie Claire de Montolieu (unknown-1800). They had two sons:

• Charles de Castellane (1783-1857).
• César Elzéar de Castellane, Comte de Castellane-Majastres (1784-1835).

He died on May 5, 1789 in Riez, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France.

Legacy

The Place Castellane in Marseille is named in his honor.