Herman Willem Daendels
Marshal of Holland

Dutch Generals of the Napoleonic Wars

The Batavian Republic 1795-1798

by Geert van Uythoven, The Netherlands

The Batavian Republic 1795 - 1798

With the Batavian Republic formed, on 11 June 1795 Daendels and Dumonceau both became Lieutenant Generals of the Batavian army, and commanders of the two Divisions it consisted of. Daendels was busy organising the defence of the Batavian Republic; the was army reformed with the unreliable elements removed and a National Guard raised. Because of their unreliability the Swiss troops were also disbanded.

Daendels was also busy preparing an expedition to Ireland, which would be undertaken in September 1797: Being an ally of France, meant taking your share of the fighting. Daendels would command the invasion troops, while Admiral de Winter would command the fleet. The troops did embark, and the Batavians waited for the French fleet to put into sea. This never happened, so after a while the troops were disembarked, and the expedition was cancelled. The next year (February 1798) Daendels again tried to persuade the Batavian government to let him lead an expedition to Ireland or England to aid the French. His idea was rejected.

The Batavian government in the meantime was wavering. The patriots became divided, and different parties tried to gain power. On 22 January 1798 a coup found place. Daendels participated in it, under the condition that the results of the coup would be temporary. His task was, in co-operation with the French General Joubert, to seal off The Hague with troops. The coup succeeded. One of the results was that Joubert became Commander in Chief of the Batavian troops. It was for Daendels no problem to obey Joubert, because of the high opinion he had of him.

In Trouble

Things didn't go well, and soon Daendels was in trouble. The government had plans to arrest Daendels, but he, with the help of Joubert, managed to leave in time for Paris. Daendels was cashiered by the Batavian government.

In Paris Daendels immediately contacted his powerful political friends in the Directoire, from these he received full support, and some discontented Batavians offered their support too. On 10 June 1798, Daendels arrived in The Hague again. Immediately, all the French and many Batavian officers, and many Batavian patricians welcomed him and offered their support. Everywhere he went, the people loudly acclaimed him, and on the 11th a feast was held in the Doelen to celebrate Daendels' return. This feast quickly changed into a political gathering, at which plans for a change of government were made.

On 12 June 1798 another coup took place; with the help of the Batavian army and supported by Joubert and the French troops, Daendels arrested the Batavian government and a new government formed.

Hero

Daendels was the hero of the Batavian Republic. He was now on the height of his power and influence. Also, it was clear that the Batavian Republic was merely a satellite of France. After the coup, Daendels returned to the army; above all, he was a soldier, with only minor interests in politics. Because of his role in both coups, he now had many enemies, who would do all that was in their power to bring down Daendels.

In November another expedition to Ireland was planned. At first, General Bonhomme was to be commander of the expedition, but the government wanted to consult Daendels first; surprisingly, this time he was against the expedition. Taking in account his objections, the government chose a new commander of the expedition: Daendels!

Although still against it, because he thought it would not be in the benefit of the Batavian Republic, he was soldier enough to accept the appointment, however, again the expedition was cancelled. Another plan was made. This time, Daendels would sail with 5,000 men to the West Indies. On his arrival, he was to defend the Batavian colonies, and attack the British possessions to inflict as much damage as possible. Again, nothing came of it; this time the plan was vetoed by the French Directoire, however, at last the time had come for Daendels to fight for his country.

More Daendels

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