Moreau Born

‘…On the day following, an order of the day, signed by Murat, then governor of Paris, announced the fact to the citizens, that Moreau was engaged in a conspiracy with Pichegru, Georges, and others, who were closely pursued by the police.

The news of Moreau’s imprisonment produced the deepest sensation in Paris; and the reports which were circulated on the subject were by no means favorable to Bonaparte. …’

Jean Victor Marie Moreau was ultimately freed from prison, to be banished to America.  He later returned to Europe and joined the forces opposing Napoleon.  The future general was born on February 14, 1763.  The text above comes from Walter Scott’s “Life of Napoleon”.

Battle of Hohenlinden

‘…In the action of Haag, the Archduke John, whose credit in the army almost rivalled that of his brother Charles, obtained considerable advantages; and, encouraged by them, he ventured on the 3d of December 1800, two days afterwards, a great and decisive encounter with Moreau. This was the occasion on which that general gained over the Austrians the bloody and most important victory of Hohenlinden, an achievement which did much to keep his reputation for military talents abreast with that of the First Consul himself. Moreau pursued his victory, and obtained possession of Salzburg….’

From “The Life of Napoleon Buonaparte” comes Walter Scott’s treatment of Jean Moreau’s military success against Archduke John of Austria.  After Hohenlinden, it was less than two months until the Treaty of Luneville was signed between France and Austria.  The Battle of Hohenlinden took place on December 3^rd, 1800.

Be calm, gentlemen; this is my fate

‘…Moreau, dissatisfied with the indifference with which he had been treated by Bonaparte, and acquainted with his intentions and projects, was already thinking of forsaking his cause, which he regarded as unjust, and traitorous to his nation. ..’

The text above comes from Walter Scott’s ‘The Life of Napoleon Buonaparte”.  Jean Victor Marie Moreau who had battled bravely for Napoleon did ultimately turn against him, being interested in installing a republican form of government.  The general who gained fame for capturing 5,000 prisoners during his retreat from Tourcoing was mortally wounded at the Battle of Dresden (August 27, 1813), dying the following September 2^nd.  His last words are in the title line.