Service in the Napoleonic Wars Antoine-Henri Jomini

illustration the

russian biographical dictionary

overtures had been made him, 1807, enter russian service, napoleon, hearing of intention leave french army, compelled him remain in service rank of general of brigade. years thereafter, jomini held both french , russian commission, consent of both sovereigns. however, when war between france , russia broke out, in difficult position, dealt taking noncombat command on line of communication.

jomini engaged when retreat moscow , uprising of prussia transferred seat of war central germany. promptly rejoined ney , took part in battle of lützen. chief of staff of ney s group of corps, rendered distinguished services before , @ battle of bautzen, , recommended rank of general of division. berthier, however, not erased jomini s name list put him under arrest , censured him in army orders failing supply staff reports had been called for. how far jomini responsible misunderstandings prevented attainment of results hoped ney s attack @ bautzen unknown. however, pretext censure was, in jomini s own view, trivial , baseless, , during armistice jomini did had intended in 1809–1810 , went russian service.

that tantamount deserting enemy , regarded many in french army, , not few of new comrades. must observed, in jomini s defense, had years held dormant commission in russian army , had declined take part in invasion of russia in 1812. more importantly, point napoleon commented upon, fact swiss citizen, not frenchman.

his swiss patriotism indeed strong, , withdrew allied army in 1814 when found not prevent allies violation of swiss neutrality. apart love of own country, desire study, teach , practise art of war ruling motive. @ critical moment of battle of eylau, had exclaimed, if russian commander 2 hours! on joining allies, received rank of lieutenant-general , appointment of aide-de-camp tsar , rendered important assistance during german campaign: accusation had betrayed numbers, positions , intentions of french enemy later acknowledged napoleon without foundation. swiss patriot , french officer, declined take part in passage of rhine @ basel , subsequent invasion of france.

in 1815, tsar alexander in paris, , attempted in vain save life of old commander ney. defense of ney cost jomini position in russian service. succeeded, however, in overcoming resistance of enemies , took part in congress of vienna.