Poniatowski

Poniatowski, Joseph (1763-1813), a Polish prince and general, was the nephew of Stanislas, last king of Poland (q.v.), who died in 1798 and who was deprived of his kingdom by the Russians and Prussians, in spite of their most emphatic promises to support him and Polish independence. Joseph Poniatowski entered the army, and soon became distinguished by his prowess. He was made commander-in-chief of the Polish army, and fought through many7 campaigns, assisting Napoleon most effectually against Russia. Napoleon made him a Marshal of France in 1813, but on the whole treated him shabbily. Poniatowski's valour and strategy gained many a victory in the war which closed with the subjugation of his native country. He was drowned during the flight after Leipzig, leaving behind him a brilliant reputation as a soldier.