Le nom du Général Loison a été cité dans plusieurs langues et notamment en Anglais, Allemand, Portugais et Français.
Battle at Vimiero
Major William Warre
Vimiero, 22 August 1808
Since I wrote to you a few days ago by Col. Brown we have had a most glorious and memorable day for England. The French attacked us yesterday in our position with their whole force, near 15,000 men. The attack was expected at daybreak, and would have been so, had they not been delayed by the roads. We had laid by our arms about 2 hours, after turning out before daybreak as usual, when the 40th, part of General Ferguson's Brigade, had their picquet driven in, and beat to arms.
Our noble General, of whose gallantry and conduct it is almost impossible to give an idea, was soon on the mountain, our quarters being about 1/2 mile off in a small town, Vimiero. From thence we could perceive the enemy advancing to attack the centre of the army, and a strong column marching to turn the hill on which the General's Brigade was, with Cavalry and Artillery; but as they had to make a considerable round, we had full time to prepare.
Sir A. W. (who commanded, Sir H. Burrard not having landed) ordered up several Brigades, and made the most masterly disposition. The centre of the army, from which we were divided by a deep valley, was soon attacked with great vigour, but they received such a check, that we had soon the glory of seeing the French staggered and then relax in their attack. At this time General Ferguson's Brigade, and those under General Spencer, who commanded this wing, were briskly attacked, but our noble General in about 1/2 hour after the fire commenced ordered his Brigade to charge, leading himself in a manner beyond all praise (it is enough, too, that the Commander-in-Chief considers him to have most contributed to the completest victory that could be obtained without cavalry to follow it up). The French gave way, and were followed with three cheers by the whole Brigade. A part rallied, but the 36th and 71st charged them with an irresistible impetuosity, led on by our brave General, and drove them from their guns, of which they took four, with as many tumbrils. The victory was now certain, though they again rallied once more, and were again dispersed by the 71st. Our Artillery completed the triumph of this glorious day. To speak of the conduct of any body would in me seem presumptuous. Every soldier seemed a hero. The fire for some time was tremendous, and the field strewed with our brave fellows in charging the guns. My horse, a beautiful, nice creature, I had received but a few days before from Porto, which cost me 38 Moidores, was shot in several places and fell dead. I got on another belonging to a Dragoon, but so tired he could not move; and when I had the cloak shot away from before me, I thought it high time to dismount and join the 36th, who were advancing, and with them I had the honour to remain during the rest of the action. The loss of the French is very great, upward of 1200 killed and wounded left on the field, besides prisoners. Our army lost about 500 in killed and wounded, and a good many Officers. The only one you know is little Ewart, shot through the leg, not dangerously I hope. The French army was commanded by Junot, Laborde, , Charlot, Brennier. The two latter were taken with a great many Officers, and thirteen pieces of cannon.
We could adore Ferguson for his bravery and skill and coolness in a fire like hail about him. His orderly, a very fine trooper of the 20th Drns., was shot close to me, and I fear cannot live. My poor friend Stuart of the 9th died two days ago, after the fight at Rolica, universally lamented-to me a loss I have not yet recovered. I was much attached to him. I have not time to write any more particulars. I am very much fatigued, having been yesterday till past 5 PM collecting the wounded English and French, and conducting them to a place of safety from the Portuguese cowards, who won't fight a 1/16 of a Frenchman with arms, but plunder and murder the wounded, poor wretches. Had I time I could tell you such things of these countrymen of mine, that you would not wonder at my despising them and having unpleasantly changed my opinion of their character.
I am very happy to tell you none of our Staff were killed. I have suffered a good deal all night and to-day from a bowel complaint, but am better. I wish we had advanced to-day and followed up our victory, without giving them time to rally from a check they are so little used to.
Adieu; God bless you all. Kindest love to them, from your most affectionate son...
William Warre.
Letters from the Peninsula, 1808-1812.
(London: 1909), pp. 25-28.
HELVETIK-BRIENZ am See.
Nach dem Fall Bems setzt Frankreich die Umwandlung des lockeren eidgenössischen Staatenbundes in einen zentralistischen Einheitsstaat durch, im benachbarten Nidwalden, in Schwyz und im Wallis mit Waffengewalt. Von Bem abgetrennt, wird das Oberland Kanton (Hauptstadt Thun), unterteilt in 10 Distrikte und einem von der heivetischen Regierung ernannten Statthalter. Dieser emennt fürjeden Distrikt einen Unterstatthalter. Der Distrikt Brienz umfasst die Kirchgemeinden Brienz und Ringgenberg. Unterstatthafter wird Peter Grossmann, alt Richter Brienz ist Sitz des Distriktsgerichts. Das Chorgericht wird aufgehoben.
Die Heivetik sucht erstmals Ideen der Aufklärung wie Volksherrschaft, Rechtsgleichheit, Gewaltentrennung und Volksbildung zu verwirklichen. In Brienz weicht die anfängliche Begeisterung bald der Ernüchterung: Bürger und Gemeindebehörden sind auf den plötzlichen Umsturz nicht vorbereitet,- die Drangsale des Umbruchs und der Fremdherrschaft erregen Unmut und Widersetzlichkeil
1798: Ende März nehmen die Bürger des Gerichtsbezirks Brienz in einer Urabstimmung die neue helvetische Verfassung an.
Die vorerst überwiegend helvetisch gesinnten Brienzer richten beim Bären einen Freiheitsbaum auf.
Ende April kommen 1300 Unterwaldner und Schwyzer über den Brünig, besetzen Hohfluh, Meiringen, Brienzwiler und Brienz und fordern Hasler und Brienzer auf, sich mit ihnen gegen die Helvetik zu erheben. Sie finden in Brienz kein Gehör, behändigen aber rund 800 Gewehre, welche auf Befehl General Schauenburgs im Distrikt Brienz eingesammelt und zur Ablieferung bereitgestellt worden sind. Am 1. Mai ziehen die Waldstätter ab, um Schwyz im Kampf gegen die Franzosen beizustehen.
August/Anfang September: Rund 8000 Mann französische Truppen stellen sich in Brienz und Meiringen bereit, um die aufständischen Nidwaldner von Süden her anzugreifen. Unsere Gegend leidet unter Einquartierungen, Requisitionen und Fuhren.
1799: Mit der Absicht, das Schulwesen in Helvetien zu heben, führt Minister Albert Stapfer eine Umfrage über die Schulverhältnisse in den Kantonen durch. In Brienz betreuen die Schulmeister Caspar Flück, Organist, und Ulrich Eggler 216 schulpflichtige Kinder. Die Lehrer unterrichten zusammen in der gleichen Schulstube. Ihr Unterricht umfasst Buchstabieren, Lesen und etwas weniges Schreiben, den Heidelberger Katechismus, Teile des Neuen Testaments sowie Psalmen auswendiglernen.
2. Koalitionskrieg. Gegen österreichische Truppen in Uri und an der Grimsel marschieren die französischen Brigaden Gudin und im Haslital auf, um über Grimsel und Susten vorzustossen. Die fremden Verbände beanspruchen erneut Unterkunft, Lebensmittel, Fourrage und Fuhren: Vom 1. April bis 20. November liefert Brienz 28'185 Pfund Heu ab. Mitte August klagt die Munizipalität Brienz, die Gegend leide seit 10 Wochen unter Einquartierungen und durchziehenden Truppen. 16 Pferde wurden requiriert. Die Gemeindebehörden müssen solche Beschlagnahmungen und Transporte auf höheren Befehl durchsetzen, auch neue, ungewohnte Abgaben für die helvetischen Behörden einfordern, was in der Bevölkerung Unwillen und Widersetzlichkeit schürt. "Unser Innerliche Beschaffenheit ist der Gordische Knoten... Unser Dorff und District verhielte sich (bisher) bey jeder Gärung Ruhig, aber das Übel frass unter sich" berichtet die Munizipalität Brienz der Oberbehörde in Thun.
1800: Requisition für das von den Franzosen verwüstete Wallis. Brienz hat einen Ochsen zu liefern und an einen Getreidetransport von Villeneuve nach Brig zu zahlen.
Für 180 Fuhrpferde und 90 Führer "oder auch mehr", sind Quartier, Verpflegung und Futter bereitzustellen.
1801: Die Verwaltungskammer des Kantons Oberland hat für die Ärmsten des Distrikts Brienz 48 Franken Unterstützung ausgerichtet. Statthalter Grossmann hat die Spende möglichst gerecht auf die neun Munizipalitäten zu verteilen.
1802: Abstimmung über die von Napoleon für die zerstrittene Schweiz entworfene Mediationsverfassung.
37 Brienzer stimmen für, 0 gegen das neue Grundgesetz. Die 838 Bürger, die nicht stimmen kamen, werden als Befürworter gezählt.
francês ao português.
António al de Oliveira da Silva Gaio (1830-1870) nasceu em Viseu e faleceu em Buçaco. Educado no seminário de Almeida, formou-se em Medicina pela Universidade de Coimbra, onde foi professor. Fundou na mesma cidade O Comércio de Coimbra. Publicou apenas um romance, Mário, que relata as lutas entre liberais e absolutistas, inserindo-se na corrente romântica, com influências de Alexandre Herculano e Camilo Castelo Branco. Obras de ficção: Mário (1868). Teatro: Frei Caetano Brandão (1869).
MÁRIO
CAPITULO I
Um presbitério na Beira
Conheceis a Beira Alta?
É uma fértil província, portuguesa de lei, que vê, a leste, a serra da Estrela com as suas neves; a oeste, o Caramulo com a sua tristeza; ao sul, o Buçaco de gloriosa memória e de mística tradição.
É acidentado o solo, sucedendo-se às pequenas ondulações do terreno as colinas, os cerros e os montes, separados uns dos outros por quebradas e valeiros, onde sussurram as águas, caídas das alturas.
As cumeadas ou são vestidas de urzes e de ásperos tojos, ou são toucadas com a rama verde-negra dos pinheiros. Mas tão rica de seiva é toda a terra que, nos lugares em que o machado desbastou o pinhal, vedes logo aparecer a leira verdejante, que irá escorregando pela enJunot não pôde sustentar-se, e quando chamou para Lisboa o , que estava em Almeida, agonizava o pai do vigário. Não o desampararam os seus três filhos, e a vanguarda de Loison achou uma casa habitada na sua descida para o sudoeste. Comandava-a um brilhante general de brigada, parente muito próximo da imperatriz Josefina Beauhamais. Achando ali três portugueses, que lhe pediam protecção e respeito para a agonia, que estava próxima, deu-lha generosamente, e no dia seguinte foi honrar, com soldados em funeral, a descida do velho à sepultura, que mandara abrir na igreja.
O general de brigada chamava-se Eugénio de Aurilly, e deixou no presbitério uma sagrada e imensa gratidão.
O príncipe regente, depois D. João VI, deixara em Portugal uma regência, que, logo depois da saída dos franceses, começou a perseguir, com o nome de jacobinos, um grande número de portugueses. A família dos Pintos acendeu as iras do governo contra Paulo, e este viu-se obrigado a emigrar. Encontrou em Paris o general de Aurilly, e acompanhou-o quando ele partiu para o exército de Itália.
– Não vai bater-se contra portugueses – lhe dizia ele – nem contra soldados de qualquer país. É médico, e vai exercer a sua profissão nas ambulâncias.
Paulo foi, e a amizade, começada em Portugal, radicou-se numa extrema afeição do general francês ao português.
Napoleonic Literature
Memoirs of Constant - Vol. I
Chapter I
Birth of the author - His father, his relatives - His first protectors - Emigration and abandonment - A suspicious character twelve years old - Municipal officers or imbéciles - Major Michau - M. Gobert - Carrat - Madame Bonaparte and her daughter - Bouquets and the sentimental scene - Carrat's frugality to others and his generosity to himself - Poltroonery - Frolics of Madame Bonaparte and Hortense - The phantom - The nocturnal douche - The fall - The author enters the service of M. Eugène de Beauharnais.
I SHALL say very little about myself in my Memoirs; for I do not blink the fact that nothing in them can interest the public but details concerning the great man to whose service my destiny attached me during sixteen years, and whom I hardly ever quitted throughout that period. Still, I shall ask permission to say a few words about my childhood, and the circumstances which led me to the post of valet de chambre to the Emperor.
I was born December 2, 1778, at Péruelz, a town which became French at the time of the reunion of Belgium to the Republic, and which then found itself comprised in the department of Jemmapes. Shortly after my birth, my father took a little establishment called the Petit-Château, at the baths of Saint-Amand, where persons lodged who came to take the waters. He was assisted in this enterprise by Prince de Croï, in whose house he had been steward. Our affairs prospered beyond my father's expectations, for we received a great number of illustrious invalids. When I had just reached my eleventh year, Count de Lure, head of one of the first families of Valenciennes, was one of the residents of the Petit-Château; and as this excellent man had taken a great liking to me, he asked my parents to allow him to bring me up with his sons, who were near my own age. At this time it was the intention of my family to educate me for holy orders, in order to please one of my uncles, who was dean of Lessine. He was a man of great learning and austere virtue. Thinking that Count de Lure's proposition could make no change in his future projects, my father accepted it, believing that a few years spent in so distinguished a family would give me a taste for learning and prepare me for the more serious studies I would have to make in order to embrace the ecclesiastical career. I set off therefore with Count de Lure, extremely sorry to leave my parents, but at the same time very glad, as is usual at my then age, to see a new place. Count de Lure took me to one of his estates near Tours, where I was received with the most benevolent friendship by the Countess and her children and was treated on a footing of perfect equality with them, and given daily lessons by their tutor.
Alas! I unfortunately did not profit long enough by the kindness of the Count de Lure and the lessons I received in his house. Hardly a year had elapsed since our installation at the château when we heard of the King's arrest at Varennes. The family in which I found myself experienced profound despair on account of it, and, child as I was, I remember that I keenly regretted this news, without being able to tell myself why, but doubtless because it is natural to share the sentiments of those with whom we live, when they treat us as kindly as the Count and Countess de Lure had treated me. Nevertheless I was still in the happy thoughtlessness of childhood when I was awakened one morning by a great noise. Presently I found myself surrounded by a considerable number of strangers, not one of whom was known to me, and who asked me a host of questions which it was quite impossible for me to answer. I learned then only that the Count and Countess de Lure had emigrated. I was taken to the municipality, where the questions began again in fine style, but as uselessly as ever, seeing that I could only respond by the abundant tears I shed at seeing myself abandoned in this fashion, and far away from my family. I was too young then to reflect on the Count's conduct; but I have thought since that my abandonment itself was an act of delicacy on his part, as he was unwilling to make me emigrate without my parents' consent. I have always had the conviction that before his departure, Count de Lure had recommended me to some persons who had not dared to claim me lest they should compromise themselves, which, as every one knows, was then extremely dangerous.
Here I was then, at the age of twelve, without guide, support, or shelter, without advice or money, more than a hundred leagues from my native place, and already accustomed to the amenities of life in a good family. Who
would believe it? In this condition of things I was regarded as a suspicious character, and the authorities of the place required me to present myself monthly to the municipality for the greater security of the Republic. Iremember perfectly, moreover, that whenever it pleased the Emperor to have me relate these tribulations of my childhood, he never failed to repeat several times: The imbéciles! in speaking of my worthy municipal officers.
However, the authorities of Tours, concluding at last that a twelve-year-old child was incapable of overthrowing the Republic, gave me a passport with the express injunction to leave the city within twenty-four hours; which I did very willingly, yet not without a profound uneasiness at finding myself afoot and alone on the road and with a long journey to make. By dint of many privations and much trouble, I finally arrived in the vicinity of Saint-Amand, which I found in the hands of the Austrians. The French surrounded the town, but it was impossible for me to enter it. In despair, I sat down on the side of a ditch and was weeping bitterly there when I was noticed by Major Michau, I who afterwards became colonel and aide-de-camp to Major Michau came up and questioned me with much interest. He made me tell him all my sad adventures and seemed touched by them, but showed me how impossible it was for him to have me taken to my family. Having just received a furlough, which he was going to spend with his own family at Chinon, he proposed that I should accompany him thither, and I accepted with lively gratitude. I could never express the kindness and care shown me by the family of M. Michau during the three or four months I spent among them; at the end of that time, M. Michau took me to Paris with him, where I soon found a place in the house of one M. Gobert, a rich merchant, who treated me with the greatest kindness all the time that I remained there.
I saw M. Gobert recently, and he reminded me, that, when we travelled together, he was careful to leave one of the seats in his carriage at my disposal, on which I lay down to sleep. I mention this circumstance with pleasure, since, although otherwise of small consequence, it shows M. Gobert's kindness toward me.
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