Bassompierre

Bassompierre, Francois de, was born in Lorraine in 1579 of noble family. Entering the service of Henry IV. he distinguished himself by his ability, wit, courage, and gallantry. In 1622 he was made marshal, and subsequently went as ambassador to Spain, Switzerland, and England. He played a part in the siege of Rochelle. In the reign of Louis XIII. he opposed Richelieu, and consequently was imprisoned (1631) for twelve years in the Bastille, where he destroyed his thousands of love-letters and composed his highly interesting memoirs. He died in 1646.