EMERIAN, Mauriee Jnlien, Comte d', French naval officer, born in Carhaix, Finisterre, 20 October 1762 ; died in Paris, 2 February 1845. On his father's side he belonged to a creole family of Santo Domingo, and was an extensive landowner there and in the Island of Martinique. At the age of sixteen he entered the royal navy as a volunteer, and took part in the war of American independence, distinguishing himself under Comte d'Estaing in the combats of the Island of Grenada and of Savannah. He took part in twelve sieges, received three wounds, and in 1769 was rewarded with the rank of lieutenant.

In 1797 he was given command of a corvette on the naval station of Santo Domingo, and while cruising in the waters of that island, as well as on the coast of the United States, he rendered important services during the revolt of the Negroes. He was then promoted to captain, appointed chief of squadron, and commanded the first division, which formed the vanguard of the Egyptian expedition. For his brilliant services in the battle of Aboukir he was appointed rear admiral, and was for some time maritime prefect of Toulon. In 1800 he was sent to Santo Domingo to reestablish communication with the south of the island, and successfully accomplished his mission, forcing Dessalines to raise the siege of Port an Prince.

In 1803'11 he had charge of the defense of the coast of the Mediterranean against the English, and rendered important services to his country. In 1811 he was appointed commander of a fleet of twenty-one vessels of the line and ten frigates, constructed and equipped under his personal inspection while he was prefect of Toulon. He had frequent engagements with the English fleets, and for three years never lost a ship. He was made vice-admiral in 1818, and in 1814 defended Toulon against the attack of a formidable fleet. Emerian was made a peer of France by Napoleon in 1815, and by Louis Philippe in 1830. He was engaged in writing his memoirs when he died.