NEY, Michel (1769-1815), one of the bravest of Napoleon’s marshals, was born at Saarlouis on January 10, 1769. His father, who had been a soldier, gave him a fairly good education, and obtained for him an appointment in some neighbouring mines. But his heart was set on the army, and in 1787 he went to Metz and enlisted in a regiment of hussars. But for the Revolution he could never have become more than a sergeant, but in the new state of things he was elected lieutenant, and afterwards (1792) captain of his regiment. He was aide-decamp to General Lamarque in March 1793, and soon after became lieutenant-colonel, when Kléber perceived his eminent military ability, and made him adjutantgeneral in August 1794. He was promoted colonel in September, and his merits were so great that Jourdan and Kléber actually quarrelled which should have the advantage of his services. In February 1795 he might have become general of brigade, but modestly refused the rank, alleging his own unworthiness. He commanded the advanced guard of Kléber at the battle of Altenkirchen, and was made general of brigade on the field of Forchheim. He then commanded the right wing of Hoche’s army, and in 1798 took Mannheim. Sent next to Switzerland, he there reorganized Masséna’s cavalry, and immensely distinguished himself in Masséna’s great campaign, in which he was three times wounded, and after which he was made general of division. In 1799 he commanded on the Rhine, and by his skilful operations obtained the armistice during which the coup d’état of Brumaire took place. In 1801 he was present at Hohenlinden, and in May 1802 he married Mademoiselle Auguié, whom Josephine had chosen for him at Bonaparte’s request. He became inspectorgeneral of cavalry, and, after a short residence as ...