Bernier Etienne Alexandre

Bernier Etienne Alexandre a French prelate, was born at Daon, a district of Mayence, Oct. 31, 1762. He was rector of St. Laud at the period of the Revolution. He refused the oath required by the constituent assembly, and became one of the directing members of the insurrectional government. The abbot Folleville, known under the name of the bishop of Agra, was president of the council, but the abbot Bernier was the veritable head. His predictions, which exalted Brittany, gained for him the title of apostle of Vendee, but it soon appeared that he was working for his personal advantage. He finally sought, in the midst of peril, to return to the army of Charette. He became the friend and ally of Stoffiet, and the first days of their union were noted by the assassination of Bernard of Marigny, whose ability and talent overshadowed that of Bernier, and the latter was chosen by Stofflet to negotiate peace with the republican government. At length Bonaparte expressed his desire for peace with Vendee, which was accordingly arranged, and Bernier was shortly after made bishop of Orleans. He died Oct. 1, 1806. He is supposed to be the author of the words and music of Reveil des Vendeens. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.