Ney

Ney, Michael, Marshal of France, Duke of Elchingen, Prince of Moskwa (1769-1815), born at Sarre Louis, of humble origin, entered the army as a private hussar, was rapidly promoted by General Kleber, and in 1796, at Rednitz, was made general of brigade. He distinguished himself at Neuwied (1797). As general of division he commanded on the Rhine in 1799, and helped Massena to defeat the Russians at Zurich. Ney then distinguished himself under Moreau. In 1805 Napoleon made him Marshal of the Empire and also Duke of Elchingen after his defeat of the Austrians at that place which led to the capitulation of Ulm. He commanded the third division of the Grand Army which invaded Russia, and at thebattleof the Moskwa Napoleon hailed him "as the bravest of the brave," and gave him the title of the Prince of Moskwa. His conduct during the retreat from Moscow afforded the most striking instances of his genius and bravery. In 1813 Ney marched to Berlin, but was defeated by Biilow. He fought with distinction at Leipzig and Hanau and while contesting the advance of the allies into France. On the capture of Paris (March 31, 1814) Ney advised Napoleon to abdicate, and, upon the Bourbon restoration, took the oath of nl'cgiance to Louis XVIII. and received m, high com...and in the army. On Napoleon's return Ney marched against him with a considerable force; but, finding that his troops were in favour of Napoleon, Ney joined him at Lyons, and commanded the French left at Quatre-Bras and led the attack on the English centre at Waterloo. He fled to Paris, announced that all was lost, and went into hiding, but was discovered, tried, and shot.