Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-11-29

-~A-A--As-. .0

and. according TO q writer in the
Military Service Institution Journal.
"Sapeleon's greatest general called
by him ''fenfant cheri de In victore
Despite his great personal courage
and the many successes that we're
linked with his name he vas extreme
~ unpopular with his soldiers, for his
avarice was Unsuitable, and he plum
dcred not only the conquered inhabl-
tants, but his own troops as well. They
could not obtain a glass Of wine or "A
coat to wear without first paying a
AK TO his rapacity The army re-
oiled against this treatment, and the
ceiling wassso strong that in 1898 he
vas recalled from the command of the
roops in Rome. This rapacity of the
;reat soldier brought about an es-
arrangement with Bonaparte.
On returning to France after the
great victory of Marengo in 1900 the
FfEst Consul thought he could not bet
ter reward the brilliant Massena for
his valuable assistance than by con-
ftding To him the command of the
Amy in Italy. Put nj TIE end of a
few months the army brought against
Massena the same accusations that
had been leyeled against him when in
command at Rene. namely. that al
though taxes had been freely imposed
upon the conquered provinces the
troops were left without pay. Bona
parte at once withdrew Masesna from
the command without any explana-
ton. The pettiness and small tyranny
of the thing are said to have so dis
gusted Bonaparte as to make him I'M
willing to youchsafe any explanation
OF his reasons for relieving him.
Massena was furiously indignant at
such treatment. and showed his an
ger against Napoleon by refusing TO
vote to make him consul for life and
by ostentatiously absenting himself
from the new court.
The next two or three years Mas
sena spent peacefully in Paris or
Rueil, where, owing to the quantity of
his plumber. he vas abelto buy a fine
property Though he was exacting
and cruel toward his men, Massena
was fondly attached to his eldest son.
At the battle of Wagram this son.
Prosper, was his aide-de camp At
the height of the battle Massena de-
sired to send a message to Gen. Bou-
Diet at some distance. The mission
was perilous and it was felt the mes
senger might not return. Prosper
was the only officer At hand, but
| Massena, though the message was
| urgent, could not bring himself to risk
his son. At that moment another
| aid. Marriott, rode up. Massena en-
I trusted him with the message. Mar
| bot though almost worn out with
| fatigue, WAS glad to have this conf
| deuco reposed in him, but he was
| soon to be dislllusioned. for Massena
| said You understand. my friend, that
| | cannot send my son though it Is for
| him to go as you have already done
much, but ] fear he might be killed"
| Marriott answered thus: Il was going
| thinking it WAS part of my duty. l
regret to have been awakened from
my error. I think you might have
spread me this cruel truth" Without
| waiting for an answer he gallopcd off.
Hardly had he arrived at Boudets
division when Prosper was beside.
| him. The brave young man, indig
nant that his father should be willing
/ to expose Marriott to danger that he
refused him to allow him to share.
had escaped and followed Marriott. Il
IinSist." he said to Marriott. ION sharing
the dangers which ought to have been
mine alone had not my fathers blind
| Alteration made him unjust toward
| YOU
| Both returned in safety to Massena,
who demanded of his son in angry
/ tones uho had ordered him To make
| the perilous trip. My honor" re-
piled the youth. II am making my
first campaign and l am anxious to
show to my companions that in cour-
age am not unworthy of the name of
Massena. Army and Navy Journal.