The New York herald., 1875-07-15
OBITUARY.
GENERAL WILLIAM H. DUFoUR, OF THE SWISS
ARArY-THE MILITARY INSTRUCTOR OF NAPo-

GENERAL WILLIAM II. DUFoUR, OF THE SWISS
ARNH-THE MILITARY INSTRUCTOR OF NAPo-
LEON III.
cable telegram from London, under date OF
the 14th inst, announces the occurrence OF the
death OF the distinguished veteran ofIlcer and
able tactician, General william Henry Dufour, OF
the SWISS army, the military instructor OF
Napoleon III. ana the respected companion OF he
most celebrated commanders OF tho French and
Russian armies. He was eighty-eight years OF
age, and has long been known as soldier OF
high order. At one time Louis Napoleon was
enrolled as a Swiss soldier. When Louis Philippe
demanded the surrender OF the Emperor OF the
French General Dufour commanded the troops
that we're to protect his pupil ia case Of nostili-
ties. When the Jesuits created so much trouble
in switzerland General Dufour was appointed TO
the chief place IN the army, and prosecuted meas
ures so vigorously that mat unhappy dlnl-
speedily brought to an end. Waat was the pre-
else amount OF instruction given 10 the late Em-
peror OF the Frencn is not wlthln our information.
teachings we nave no doubt; but even those who
called Louis Napoleon, before ls45, crack Drained
fool alN avs admitted that MS knowledge OF some
branches OF military science was OF no mean
standard. General Dufour was, Ike Baron Jomni,
a celebrated writer on tactics. But, unlike
Jominl, who joined the Russian service. ne wanted
10 benefit switzerland alone with mis- scientific
knowledge, and also with his practical talents as
an olicer on the Held He was much esteemed all
through Europe, especially IN France. The gen.
eral was born IN Constance, september To- l7s7
and learned his mil tary trade with Napoleon l.,
Ia whose armies he distinguished himself. He was
dlrec or OF tae artillery scno0 OF Thun, and he
suppressed the ctvl war of Sonderbund IN his
capacity OF cOnlmander-In. chlel OF the federal
army.
A few years ago General Dufour addressed
the following letter to the Federal Council OF
switzerland, dating at :-"Gentemen-I
come respectfully to ask you for my release from
the service. have been long time at the head
OF the federal stan ana have renamed there so
long as felt myself capable OF beng useful. But
having arrived at a very advanced agc leel that
my strength would iall me II were required IVY
circumstances TO exercise it. The time has there
fore come for me 10 withdraw 70 make room Tor
others. II is needless for me to remind you or my
hity years service TO obtain what request. The
Federal Council will not refuse II TO an old soldier
now In mis- elghtieth year II, however, can still
be OF any service, the little strength ] nave LETT
VIII always be at the disposal OF the country my
love lor II Will only cease with my lieu
ROBERT 7. LYONS, SECOND LIEUTENANr UNITED
STATES APNIY.
telegram from Washington, under date OF
yesterday, l4th inst, reports as folows:-Tno War
Department has received Information OF the
death OF Second Lieutenant Robert I. Lyons,
Seventeenth Infantry, which occurred at ST.
Paul, MINI, on the l0tn inst. lie was born in
ireland ana entered the service OF the United
states frOm tho state OF Delaware. Tliis TOOK
place on the l7tn OF December, Ia tha year 1879
Lieutenant Lyons earned his promotion by Lhe
n"at strict. attanttan to his dutV,