In his earlier years Kleber studied architecture both in his native city and at Paris; but the profession did not please him, and he returned home uncertain in what career he should commence active life. A singular adventure decided him. As he was one day sitting in a tavern, his notice was attracted to some Bavarians, who, though quietly partaking of some refreshment, were insulted by a number of young townsmen. He took the part of the strangers, and severely reproached his countrymen for their inhospitable behaviour. These, far from listening to his reproof, became more violent than before, and did not spare himself. His blood rose: he challenged three or four of them, and beat them completely. The grateful Bavarians lamented that one who promised to be a hero, should not belong to the profession in which his merits would be most readily acknowledged and rewarded; drew an animated picture of the military life, and concluded with offering to procure his admission into the school at Munich. Re accepted the proposal, and became one of the most distinguished pupils in the institution. In 1772, he obtained his first commission, but his promotion was too tardy for his hopes. In 1783 he was only lieutenant. In some disgust he applied for leave of absence, and returned to Strasburg, where his friends persuaded him to relinquish the service, and revert to his former profession. The six following years, he was inspector of the public buildings in Upper Alsace -- but then the revolution called the aspiring to arms, and he listened to its voice.

In the campaigns which followed, it was impossible that talents like Kleber's could remain unnoticed. Under General Custine he speedily attained the rank of adjutant-general; and in the war of La Vendee, he commanded a division.

The fame which he subsequently acquired in the campaigns of Germany, rendered Buonaparte desirous of his assistance in the Egyption expedition, and the distinguished share which he had in the success of the French arms in Egypt, Palestine, and Syria, is known to all who are conversant with the annals of Napoleon. When the latter returned to France, he was left with the command of the army, -- a trust anything but desirable. He had but fifteen thousand troops, and the Turks were recruiting their forces in every direction: yet he had no other alternative than to hold out until reinforcements reached him from France. He defeated the Turks at Damietta: in March 1800, he obtained a more signal advantage over them near the ruins of Heliopolis; and returned to reduce Cairo, which in his absence had revolted. He is said, -- we believe with truth -- to have acted mercilessly towards the unfortunate inhabitants; but his own days were already numbered.

On the 14th day of June, 1801, Kleber, who had just returned from a journey to Gizeh, was invited to breakfast with General Damas. About two o'clock p.m. after desiring the other guests to await his return, he walked out on a long terrace which separated the residence of Damas from his own quarters. He was accompanied by the architect Protain. As both walked slowly along, earnestly engaged in conversation, a man, who had concealed himself in a cistern at the extremity of the terrace, left his hiding-place, cautiously followed them, and, unperceived by either, plunged a poignard into the left groin of Kleber. The victim staggered to the parapet; exclaiming, Alas I am wounded! and fell weltering in his blood. Then it was that Protain first perceived the assassin, who, with the bloody blade naked in his hand, advanced towards him. With his cane he defended himself as well as he could; but he soon fell at Kleber's feet, having received six wounds. The assassin then gave the general three other stabs, but he might have saved himself the trouble, the first had done its work. In the mean time a soldier had heard the last words of Kleber, and the alarm was given. The terrace was soon covered with the French, and the assassin was apprehended.

Soleyman, a native of Aleppo, was a youth remarkable for his religious fanaticism. He had made several pilgrimages to the Sacred City; his dearest wish was to he admitted as public reader of the Koran into one of the Mosques; and he could not behold without mortification the presence of the infidels in Syria and Egypt. The fanatic was also a patriot. He burned with indignation at the atrocities committed on his countrymen by the invaders. He loudly declaimed against the apathy of the Mahommedans in suffering the inheritance of the true believers to be thus ravaged; and asserted that if unable to oppose the enemy in the field, every one who cared either for his home or his religion, should single out some particular victim for the honour of God and the Prophet His zeal attracted the notice of Ahmed-Aga, who instantly resolved to make him the instrument of Kleber's destruction. This Ahmed had been the favourite of the Grand Vizier, but had been lately disgraced. There was, however, one means by which he could be restored to his master's confidence, -- by the death of the renowned general whom the armies of the Sublime Porte had assailed in vain. By acting on the highly-wrought enthusiasm of Soleyman, Ahmed persuaded him that the assassination of so formidable a foe to their country and religion would be the most acceptable of services to the Prophet of God. The poor wretch listened and believed, and undertook the dreadful mission. He reached Cairo at the beginning of May, and took up his temporary abode in the great Mosque. Having waited a whole mouth for Kleber's return from Gizeh, he became impatient at the delay, and set out for that town. But he was again disappointed: the very day of his arrival the general had departed for Cairo. Faithful to his purpose, which obstacles served only to strengthen, he hastily retraced his steps, and committed the deed in the manner above related. That he need expect no mercy from the French -- not less ferocious than the most vindictive of his own countrymen, he well knew; but neither he nor the world expected that he would suffer a death at which humanity shudders. He was impaled alive -- and his agonies were ingeniously prolonged during three whole days and nights! The corpse of Soleyman was embalmed, and brought to Paris, to be deposited in the Museum of Natural History.

As an officer, Kleber was worthy of all praise: he combined the romantic bravery of a Lannes, with the cool judgment of a Bernadotte.