VILLENEUVE, Pierre Charles Jean-Baptiste Silvestre de, French admiral, born in Valensoles, Basses Alpes, 31 December, 1763; died in Rennes, 22 April, 1806. He entered the navy in 1778 and served in the American Revolution with De Guichen off Dominica, with De Grasse at Yorktown, with Bouille at Tobago, and afterward in Guiana. He rose rapidly in the service, and, after several scientific cruises in the Gulf of Mexico and along the coast of North America, was promoted rear-admiral in 1797. On 30 May, 1804, he was made vice-admiral, and through the protection of his old-time friend, Decres, the secretary of the navy, was intrusted with the execution of Napoleon's plan for an invasion of England. The choice was unfortunate, as Villeneuve, although a reputed tactician, was more efficient when he acted as lieutenant. He was to sail with Gravina's Spanish division to the West Indies, rally Missiessy's and Magon's divisions and the forces at Cayenne, and, returning to Europe, unite with the Spanish fleet at Perrol and Gautheaume's division at Brest, and come to Boulogne to escort Napoleon's army of invasion, with 75 ships of the line and upward of 80 frigates. This well-concerted plan failed through Villeneuve's slow movements, and the most powerful naval armament that was ever collected was not utilized. After rallying Gravina's division at Cadiz, Villeneuve sailed, in April, 1805, to the West Indies, joined the Antilles squadron, under Admiral Magon, stormed Fort Diamant in Martinique, which was before considered impregnable, and obtained re-enforcements in Martinique and Guadeloupe. But he had lost precious time, and Missiessy had already left for France, for which reason he resolved to return to Europe, and on 23-24 July engaged successfully Sir Robert Calder's division off Cape Finisterre. But, instead of proceeding to Ferrol and Brest with his superior force, he entered Cadiz harbor on 20 August, and remained there till 20 October Napoleon despatched Rosilly to supersede Villeneuve ; but the latter, on hearing the report, resolved to give battle. On 21 October he encountered Lord Nelson's British fleet off Trafalgar, and was defeated after ten hours' engagement and taken prisoner. On his release he went to Rennes, but, justly fearing Napoleon's resentment, committed suicide.