 On his father's death in 1802, the young Édouard had no choice but to enter the navy to provide a family income.He became a "mousse" in 1804, a "novice" in 1806, and an "aspirant" in 1807 before being captured by the British on 8 May 1811.He was a prisoner on parole at Tiverton, Devon, until November 1811 when he was sent to Stapleton Prison near Bristol.