The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-04-14


years of age, commission in regiment OF
cavalry.
Here. by his knowledge and good be
havior, he was soon promoted TO the rank
of Adiutant-G General. On the Rhine, un-
der Pichegru and MOreau, and in SwltZer-
land under Masscna, he fought bravely in
his place, and was finally promoted to
General OF division.
At the rupture of the peace of Amiens,
he was ordered to march into Hanover
with Is 600 men. With scarcely any OPP
position. he occupied the country and
acted as humanely and uprightiy as his
orders allowed him; and on the assump-
ton OF the imperial crown by Napoleon,
was made Marshal of the Empire.
He was in the campaigns OF AusterltZ,
Jena Eylau and FTiedland-now operat-
ing with the main army, and now lett by
himself TO act against detached portions oil
the enemy; and yet in all circumstances,
whether victorious or defeated, exhibiting
the same heroism and holiness OF char
6cter.
In 1903 he was placed over part OF the
army in Spain. and reduced Badoios, after
a siege of So days; but his career in the
Peninsula was marked by no brilliant
actions. He was ever found humane,
generous and upright, while he bore
part in that unhappy war.
In the expedition to Russia, he com
AhcN
called to fight in any great battle till the
retreat commenced. At Dresden, LutZen,
and around Paris in that last death
struggle Of Napoleon, he bore himself
worthy of his renown and won laurels
even in defeat.
After the abdication Of Napoleon, Louis
made him Peer OF France and Knight Of
St. Louis. and bestowed on him the com
mand Of the Sixteenth Military Division
On the return Of the Emperor from Elba,
Mortier was appointed by Louis over the
Army Of the North with the Duke OF Or
leans But the Prince, finding he could
not secure the fidelity Of the troops, which
the mere mention Of Napoleon'S name was
enough to shake, fed, leaving the com
mand TO Mortier, bidding him do what in
his excellent judgment and patriotism
he might think best.
MADE 4 PEER.
Mortier thought it best 10 Join his former
Emperor at Pairs. He was Immediately
made Peer. and appointed Inspector Of the
Frontiers on the East and North. Napo-
leon designed to have had him command
the Young Guard at Waterloo, but he was
taken sick and compelled TO remain in
active till the second overthrow. Louis
XVIII, on his restoration, denied him A
seat in the Chamber Of Peers; but in 1915
he was elected member Of the Chamber o.
Deputies, and Governor Of the Fifteenth
Military Division, and three years after
restored to the Peerage.
After the revolution Of 1890, he gave in
his adhesion TO Louis Philippe, and re.
tanned his rank.
Mortier was a noble hearted man. O
great Yalor, tempered with prudence, and
Of incOrrupublo integrity. Napoleon loved
some 81 his Generals foT their chiyaIrit
devotion 10 him, while he had no qreat
admiration for their characters, others he
tolerated because they were useful: Will,
some few received both his respect ane
affection. Moriier was one Of these. Ma,
polc0n loved the frank, unostentatiou,
and heroic chieftain, whom he had provet
in 50 many trying circumstances.
Mortler was not an impulSiye man
though capable Of being strongly aroused
His excitement steadied him, and in tn,
moment Of extreme peril ne was as cain
as if in perfect safety. He would manuye
his men under the murderouS fire of :
hundred cannon as compOsedly as in {
peaceful review. Having determined wha
lac ought 10 do, he seemed 10 give himsel
no concern about the results 10 himself.
Tall and welcomed. his splendid anC
commanding figure moved amid the chao,
Of a battlefield like some ancient hero
while his calm and powerful voice woult
restore confidence in the very moment O
despair. He never murmurcd like Berna
dotte and st. CyT, at the trying circum
stances in which the Emperor placed him
Ii sacrifice was 10 be made and he wa,
selected Is the victim, he made no com
plant; and where his duty as a com
mander placed him, there he stood anc
fought-apparently caring little whethe
he fell or was saved in the struggle.
He was less ambitious and vain thar
many OF the other Marshais. and Wa: