Charles Tristan, marquis de Montholon facts for kids
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Charles Tristan, Marquis de Montholon (born July 21, 1783 – died August 21, 1853) was a French general. He served during the Napoleonic Wars. After Napoleon gave up his power for the second time, Montholon chose to go with him into exile on Saint Helena island.
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Early Life and Military Start
Montholon was born in Paris, France. He began training for a military career when he was very young. At age ten, he joined a naval trip to the coast of Sardinia. He officially joined the army in 1797. He quickly moved up in rank. When he was a cavalry leader in Paris in November 1799, he showed strong loyalty to Napoleon Bonaparte.
Serving in Wars
Montholon fought in several important campaigns. He was at the Battle of Jena in 1806. He also showed bravery at the Battle of Aspern-Essling in May 1809, where he was wounded. After this campaign, Napoleon gave him the title of count. Montholon stayed close to Napoleon and was given important tasks. One task was a diplomatic mission to talk with the Austrian commander Archduke Ferdinand Karl Joseph of Austria-Este.
When Napoleon first gave up his power in April 1814, Montholon was one of the few generals who wanted to keep fighting. He believed they should try one more time to gather French troops against the Allied forces.
Life in Exile with Napoleon
After Napoleon gave up his power a second time in June 1815, Montholon and his wife, Albine de Montholon, went with the former emperor to Rochefort. There, Napoleon decided to surrender to the British ship HMS Bellerophon. Montholon later said that the ship's captain, Captain Maitland, acted honorably.
Montholon and his wife traveled with Napoleon to Saint Helena. Napoleon often told Montholon stories about his life and career. Montholon stayed on the island until Napoleon's death in May 1821, even after his wife left.
Years later, Montholon lived in what is now Belgium. In 1840, he helped Louis Napoleon with an attempt to gain power in France. Montholon was sent to prison at Ham. He was released in 1847. He then moved to England and published a book about Napoleon's time on Saint Helena. In 1849, he became a representative in the French government. He lived to see the start of the Second French Empire in 1852.
Questions About His Military Service
Montholon's military background was key to him joining Napoleon in exile. However, some parts of his military service have been questioned.
Montholon claimed he earned a special sword during the 1800 Battle of Hohenlinden campaign. But he was not actually part of that campaign. At that time, he was facing problems that could have led to him being removed from the army. He was able to rejoin thanks to powerful friends and family.
He also claimed to be wounded at the Battle of Jena in 1809. However, his commanding officer later stated that this did not happen.
During Napoleon's first exile in 1814, Montholon lost his military position after only seven days. This happened because he was accused of misusing money meant for his troops.
Family Life
Montholon married Albine Vassal on July 2, 1812. They had a son named Charles-François-Frédéric in 1814. They also had a daughter, Hélène, who was born on Saint Helena in 1816.
Later, Montholon had another son, Charles Jean Tristan (1843–1899), with his mistress, Catherine O'Hara. They married after Albine died in 1848.
Charles Jean Tristan lived in the Palais Simoni Fè in Bienno, Italy. His children later donated the palace to the city of Bienno in 1988. Today, it is the city library and a cultural center.
