TERNANT, Jean Baptiste, Chevalier de (tair-nong), French soldier, born in Sez, Normandy, in 1750; died in Couches in 1816. He was a lieutenant in the French army, but, resigning his commission, came to the United States with Baron Steuben, and offered his sword to congress. In April, 1778, he was commissioned major, and appointed sub-inspector in Steuben's division, serving under that general till 25 September, 1778, when he was made lieutenant-colonel and inspector of the armies fit Georgia and South Carolina. He was taken prisoner at Charleston in 1780, but was soon exchanged, and assumed command of Colonel Armand de la Rouarie's regiment when the latter went to France in search of supplies. After the return of Colonel La Rouarie, he was again sent to the south, where he served to the end of the campaign. Before returning to France after the conclusion of peace, he travelled for two years through the United States. Re-entering the French army in 1786 he rose to the rank of colonel, was in the battle of Valmy, and served in Germany under the Marquis de Custines. He was minister to the United States in 1790-'3, and showed ability in the difficult negotiations that almost culminated in a war with France in 1798. After the coup d'etat of 18 Brumaire, 1799, he settled at Conches, and refused Napoleon's offer of another commission.