Biographies : 2
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BiographyVIDOCQ, François-Eugène
François-Eugène was born in Arras on 24 July, 1775, son of a master baker.His early years were characterised by petty theft, poverty and garrison life, and he was to frequent gamers, crooks and prisons… Tired of this existence but having learned a great deal, he was in 1809 to offer his services to the police, vaunting […]
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BiographyVILLENEUVE, Pierre-Charles
Born in Valensole (Alpes de Haute-Provences) on the last day of the year, into a noble Provençal family, Villeneuve entered the French Navy as an 'aspirant-garde' in July 1778. After seeing action the West Indies, he ended his participation in the American war in Destin and the frigate Blonde. He was then to serve in […]