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Gen. Baron Gaspard Gourgaud
General Baron Gaspard Gourgaud (September 14, 1783 - July 25, 1852) was a French soldier prominent in the Napoleonic wars.
His early military career was as an artillery officer, but in 1811 he was...view moreGeneral Baron Gaspard Gourgaud (September 14, 1783 - July 25, 1852) was a French soldier prominent in the Napoleonic wars.
His early military career was as an artillery officer, but in 1811 he was appointed to Napoleon’s personal staff and was in constant attendance upon him during the bitter campaign of 1812. He remained devotedly by the Emperor’s side during the campaigns of the following two years, and at Dresden it was Gourgaud’s report that decided Napoleon to rush to the defence of that city, resulting in the major battle. At Brienne, he killed a cossack who tried to run the Emperor through with his lance. In 1815, he again rallied to the cause, and served as Napoleon’s principal orderly officer.
After Waterloo, Gourgaud followed Napoleon to St. Helena, serving as his secretary. But he was unsuitable for the position: jealousy caused him to quarrel with Baron Montholon and he returned to France in 1818. Louis-Philippe promoted him to the rank of general, and in 1849 he entered politics.
He died in 1852 at the age of 68.view less
Books by Gen. Baron Gaspard Gourgaud
The Campaign of MDCCCXV: or, A Narrative of the Military Operations Which Took Place in France and Belgium During the Hundred Days