François-Étienne KELLERMANN (1735-1820) marshal, duke of Val - Lot 236

François-Étienne KELLERMANN (1735-1820) marshal, duke of Valmy. P.S., Paris 15 nivose VI (January 4, 1798); 11-page folio, bound with blue ribbons. Fine copy prepared "Pour le citoyen BARRAS, President du Directoire Executif", of his "Mémoire du Citoyen Général Kellermann au Directoire Exécutif". Kellermann complains that "by a sort of fatality, his destiny since the beginning of the Revolution has always been to be alternately slandered and persecuted, then justified". Here again, he protests against the prejudices that led to his reform (October 1797), tracing his entire military career. He calmed the indiscipline of the troops in 1790, took Neubrisach and Landau in April and May 1791; he recounts the battle of VALMY; then he forced Lyon to surrender, and defeated the Piedmontese who had invaded Mont-Blanc; he was nevertheless imprisoned by "Robespierre and his satellites", and underwent "a rigorous captivity of 13 months"; he was put back in charge of the Alps and Italian armies, but described the catastrophic situation and destitution of the Army of Italy; despite his meagre resources, he succeeded in stopping the enemy, notably on the Petit Gibraltar or Gentil Prêtre plateau. Referring to General BONAPARTE's "two astonishing and glorious campaigns at the head of the Army of Italy", he adds: "It is up to General BONAPARTE to testify to the Directoire of the friendship and zeal with which General Kellermann supported his wishes in this respect, by passing on to him with celerity and in spite of hitherto invincible obstacles, all the help that was in his power. It is by this conduct that General Kellermann contributed to General BONAPARTE's victories, which brought about the happy Peace of which France is still rejoicing". Kellermann justifies his conduct with regard to the unrest that followed 18 fructidor, and explains the lack of correspondence he maintained with theDirectoire. He denies any complacency towards the émigrés, and hopes that the Directoire will do him justice... [Kellermann was reinstated on February 5, 1798].