Mainz. Paris and La Houssaye.



Introduction.
General, later the Baron, Marbot, came from a family which might be
described as landed gentry. His father served in the bodyguard of
Louis XV and later in the Republican army. Marbot himself was a
soldier from the age of 17 and fought in the wars of the Republic and
the campaigns of Napoleon. His memoirs were written for his family
and his intimate circle, without thought of publication, and it was
not until after his death in 1854 that his family were persuaded to
offer the manuscript to publishers.

This is not a meticulously researched historical document, but the
reminiscences of an old soldier, writing of events which took place
many years earlier and I suspect that like most of us when we try to
recall things that happened forty years ago his memory was a trifle
indistinct.

By far the greater part of his narrative has the ring of truth,
but in my opinion there are places where his imagination has
embroidered the facts. This is particularly so when it comes to some
of his personal adventures. He also,in my view, describes as real,
events in which he did not take part and which may be no more than
popular rumour.

It has to be remembered that there were no inquisitive war
correspondents attached to the "Grande Armée" and news was what was
written in Napoleon's bulletins.