Collected Works:
Greenhill Napoleonic Books

On The Road With Wellington

By Paul Chamberlain

Many books are published each year that relate a soldier's personal tale of life in one of the armies of the period, and not unnaturally Wellington's Army gets extensive coverage in this way. Most of the memoirs published were written by officers and men of the infantry and cavalry, and so it makes a refreshing change to read the story of someone from a much under-rated branch of the army, namely the Commissary. On The Road With Wellington: The Dairy of a War Commissary by A.L.F.Schaumann tells the tale of just such a man (June 1999, £20.00 hardback, ISBN 1-85367-353-6).

Schaumann, a Hanoverian, was deputy assistant commissary-general in the King's German Legion after a stint in the 32nd Foot as commissary. His appointment was a civilian one although he had the rank of lieutenant and messed with the officers. His memoir is based upon the diaries he compiled on campaign and collated in later life for the benefit of his family. When the memoirs were translated into English in the 1920s the first section telling the story of his childhood and youth was left out, and so the story deals exclusively with Schaumann in the Peninsular War.

His story relates the immense problems the commissary faced in obtaining sufficient supplies for the army, despite the fact that Wellington always insisted that these items always be paid for. Finding the supplies was one thing, it was quite another problem to find the people to grind the corn to make flour and then bake the bread. Finding mills for this job was another problem, and then transporting the food to the troops and establishing store depots; all these matters had to be dealt with effectively if the army was to survive. Schaumann relates his part in this activity, and he does lament the fact that he received no official recognition (in the form of a medal or other honours) for what was often an arduous and dangerous job.

On The Road With Wellington is a useful addition to any library on the Peninsular War, complimenting as it does other works on the administration of the army and how supply problems were overcome in Portugal and Spain. Schaumann relates in a lively style the landing of troops and horses in Portugal; the local bullock carts that were the only means of transport available; and the problems he faced in conveying convoys along the narrow mountainous roads.

Aside from the military challenges he faced, he found time for the lighter side of life on campaign and this he relates in an amusing and colourful style. He was billeted with a British doctor in a Portuguese house in which there was a beautiful 16 year old girl. Both Schaumann and the doctor vied with each other for her affections, though both were unsuccessful.

This account is one that relates views on a wide range of people, places and events in one of the major campaigns of the period. His views on the Convention of Cintra, transport, and the problems faced in obtaining a decent mule for himself are all described, alongside his adventures with the fair sex, as he certainly had an eye for the ladies! Schaumann experienced most of the Peninsular conflict and his is a unique account of the supply problems faced throughout the campaign, from the retreat to Corunna to the eventual entry into France. For an understanding of the problems in supplying an army on campaign then this book is a recommended read. It is certainly a valuable addition to any library on the Peninsular War, examining as it does the campaign from a different (and often underrated) perspective.

In Napoleon's Shadow

Greenhill not only produce their own books, but distribute for other publishers. In 1998 they became the international distributor for In Napoleon's Shadow: The Memoirs of Louis-Joseph Marchand, Valet and Friend of the Emperor, 1811-1821, Edited by the late Proctor Jones (£37.50, hardback, ISBN 1-885446-01-2) and published by Proctor Jones Publishing. This book I have not seen reviewed or publicised in this country as yet, which is an omission as it is worth a look if you have an interest in Napoleon's life and his latter years on Saint Helena.

Louis-Joseph Marchand began work in the entourage of the Emperor in 1811, and eventually became first valet to Napoleon. While in this employment he kept detailed notes of his time in the presence of the Emperor, not for any political or financial benefit, but simply to record what he regarded as a unique position in a unique time for a unique man. He was intelligent, discreet and devoted to Napoleon, whose trust he soon gained. He was very loyal to the Emperor and very highly respected in later life by those who would always remain loyal themselves to Napoleon and the Napoleonic legend.

Marchand relates details of life at Napoleon's court; the Malet conspiracy against the Emperor; the Russian campaign; Napoleon's relationship with the Pope; the abdication in 1814; all of which are accompanied by extensive footnotes to put the events in their historical context. He comments on those who remained loyal to the Emperor in 1814 and those who did not, such as his then first valet Constant and his mameluke Roustam.

Marchand accompanied Napoleon to Elba, and a large section of the book is devoted to this time on the island, until it was felt the time was right to return to France. The actual military events are dealt with briefly as Marchand's concerns were with his master and his personal affairs. From him we get a detailed look at Napoleon the Emperor and man; with his habits, relationships and views of events taking place around him.

During the Waterloo campaign Marchand was behind the lines at Imperial Headquarters. His account relates how he was fearful for the large sums of money and gold he had responsibility for in the Emperor's and his own carriages.

In Napoleon's Shadow relates the dramatic and routine events that took place in the Imperial Palaces of the Tuileries and Fontainebleau. It is especially interesting for the account of Napoleon on Saint Helena, and his relationship with the authorities on the island. The last years of Napoleon's life were interspersed with bouts of illness that have been attributed to the slow poisoning of the man with arsenic. Ben Weider has written an appendix to this book that states 'this extraordinary book was the time bomb that exposed the almost perfect crime'.

Whatever your views on this poisoning theory, In Napoleon's Shadow does record the various illnesses that Napoleon suffered and the treatment given to relieve the symptoms. Whether these symptoms, as described by a honourable and honest man, are conclusive that Napoleon was poisoned is open to debate.

As an example of how respected Marchand was, when he returned to France in 1821 he was visited by many of Napoleon's loyal family, friends and colleagues who wished to know more of the Emperor's last days. Napoleon wished for Marchand to marry a widow, sister or daughter of an officer or soldier of the Imperial Guard; this he did, marrying the daughter of General Brayer. Much of the latter section of the book relates the details of Napoleon's will and how these bequests were fulfilled.

This book is a fascinating and highly detailed contribution to our understanding of Napoleon written by one of his most loyal servants. There has been much debate in recent years as to whether or not Napoleon was poisoned. Marchand's memoirs formed the basis for that theory so here is the chance to read an accurate account of the Emperor's last years and decide for your self whether the poisoning theory fits well. Aside from this controversial debate, these remarkable memoirs are a fitting memorial to Napoleon the Emperor, General and man.

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