200 M. Rozet on the Life and Writings of 
required to see our colleague only for a short time, in order 
to appreciate his high talent, his courage, and the noble 
frankness of which he gave him many proofs during this 
campaign. Captain Boblaye had reported at head-quarters 
that the corps d’armée was keenly engaged with the Ka- 
byles, when the Duke of Orleans, who heard the firing, asked 
of those around him, ‘‘ What has taken place with the ad- 
vanced guard ?”—* Nothing of importance,” his attendants 
replied, as they wished to prevent him exposing himself; 
“‘ Nothing of importance!” replied Boblaye, “ the enemy is 
in force, and there is hot work, your Highness!” The 
Duke started instantly at the gallop, and fought like the rest. 
Our colleague was appreciated by this prince, not only as a 
soldier, but still more as a savant. He often spoke to him 
of geology and archeology. The beautiful escarpments of the 
Atlas mountains, the masses of marine shells accumulated 
at a great many different places, the remains of Roman roads, 
the ruins of cities, the forts and triumphal arches erected by 
the ancient masters of Africa, elevated his youthful and bril- 
liant imagination. He often asked Boblaye for information, 
and requested him to give his opinion respecting so many 
wonders ; and the profound knowledge which our fellow-mem- 
ber evinced in his replies, obtained for him the esteem and 
friendship of his Highness, who, on his return from this 
glorious campaign, presented him with a snuff-box orna- 
mented with his cipher. On the 28th February 1840, he was 
appointed chef d’escadron d’etat-major, after being twenty- 
four years in the rank of officer. 
Commandant Boblaye returned to France at the close of 
1839, and, fatigued with the wandering life he had hitherto 
led, thought of enjoying repose. He married on the 10th 
February 1840, but was soon obliged to tear himself from 
his new affections, as the topographical section of the African 
army had need of a skilful and courageous chief. On the 
6th March he again left Paris, and recrossed the Mediter- 
ranean. 
In the two preceding campaigns, the health of the command- 
ant, already impaired by the fevers of Greece, had suffered se- 
yere shocks. The fatigues of that upon which he now entered 
