Memoirs of Baron De Marbot: Late Lieutenant-General in the French Army (Napoleonic Library)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1892. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XX I Began the year 1812 at Paris with my wife and our respective families; but my happiness was disturbed by the thought of my approaching departure to join the first regiment of chasseurs, to which I had been appointed as major only. My regret at not having obtained promotion to colonel was somewhat lessened when I was paying my respects on New Year's Day at the Tuileries, and the Emperor sent for me to his private room. I found there the Count of Lobau, who, in this matter, as always, did me much kindness. Napoleon appeared^ and was very affable, saying that he had intended to give me a regiment, that personal considerations had induced him to. make Barain a colonel, which with Pelet and < 'asabianca made three colonels from Massena's staff, and he did not think he ought to appoint a fourth. He added that, though he could not give me the nominal command of a regiment, he was going to give it me practically--that, namely, of the 23rd Mounted Chasseurs. The colonel, M. de la Nougarede, suffered so much from gout that he could scarcely ride. 'But,' continued the Emperor, ' he is an excellent officer, and served his first campaigns valiantly with me; I have much liking and esteem for him, and as he has begged me to allow him to try another campaign, I do not wish to take his regiment from him. However, I understand that that fine regiment is in a somewhat ticklish state, so I am sending you as his coadjutor. You will be working in your own interest--for if the colonel's health improves I shall make him a general. Otherwise I shall put him in the gendarmerie, and in either case you will be colonel. So 1 repeat that you will be working in your own interest.' This promise restored my hopes, and I was making ready to start for my new destination when my leave was prolonged til...