Joseph de Cambis

Joseph, viscomte de Cambis (; 20 September 1748 in Entrevaux – 25 October 1825 ) was a French Navy officer and Rear-Admiral.

Career Cambis was born to a noble family in Provence; his father was the governor of the small town of Entrevaux. He joined the Navy as a garde marine in Toulon, and rose steadily in rank. He took part in the War of American Independence in the squadron of Count d'Estaing. he relieved Vice-Admiral de Girardin as chief of the Leeward Antilles station.

He faced another mutiny in New York, where he was wounded.

He returned to France in September 1793 on the frigate Surveillante, commanded by Captain Tréhouart-Beaulieu. Upon arrival, he was arrested for his political opinions and kept prisoner until the Thermidorian Reaction. He was kept unemployed during the French Directory, but returned as an inspector after the 18 Brumaire. His attempts at organising the Navy were thwarted by the policies of the consulate.

Honours Knight of the Order of Saint Louis Knight of the Order of Saint Lazarus Society of the Cincinnati

Notes and references