These lively memoirs date from the time of Barrès’ entry into the Chasseurs Velites (skirmishers; or light infantry) of Napoleon’s Imperial Guard in 1804. Always modest in recounting his own exploits; Barrès was not only at the cannon’s mouth; but also a participant at such spectacular events as the Coronation of the Emperor Napoleon in Paris and Rome; the torch light procession on the eve of Austerlitz; the meeting of the two Emperors at Tilsit; and the magnificent military display in the Champ de Mars. His duties involved mounting guard at Malmaison and the palace of Saint-Cloud and also allowed him many fascinating glimpses of the Emperor at reviews; presenting awards and receiving trophies.This is a superb record of a serving soldier; making light of danger; sharing with the reader the fatigues and privations that attended so much campaigning in appalling weather and hostile country; and rejoicing as much in the outcome of a successful foraging expedition as his promotions and appointment as Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur.
#3785657 in Books Ragged Edge Pr 1991-11Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.50 x 6.50 x 1.00l; #File Name: 0942597281198 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy edwell pleased5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. States Rights Gist: A South Carolina General of the Civil WarBy Barbara And Byron SkinnerMy only problem with this book is that at 153 pages of text I feel cheated; I would like to have had more; a lot more. Perhaps Professor Cisco will write a more complete biography of General Gist soon.States Rights; yes that was his birth name; Gist was an officer in the Confederacy during the Civil War he was a General in the South Carolina Militia and moved over to the regular Confederate Army during the Civil War; he was one of the second or third echelon generals of the war; a group not that much is know about other then a pigion dropings covered memorial in some small town where they born or lived. Gist was a Havard trained lawyer by trade and became an officer in the militia before the war. Through politics; his father was governor for awhile; and good organizational skills he rose very quickly to the rank of general.When the war started he was reduced in rank to Colonel and commanded a Regiment that was somewhat less then distinguished in the field; but through losses to other officers he was promoted to general and at the time of his death at the battle of Franklin in 1864 he held the rank of Major general.Professor Walter Cisco who worte this book does a good job of describing the battles of the Tennessee theatre of operations and how Grant defeated the Confederates at Chattanooga and how the Rebels lost the advantage through poor generalship and in itself is reason to read this book.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. State Rights GistBy John M. ColvinA well researched book that is not politically correct! Facts and details are very good and informative reading. Would reccomend.Mc
