Claude-François de Méneval (8 April 1778 – 1850) was a French statesman and diplomat who served as Napoleon Bonaparte's private secretary from 1802 to 1813. He was a close confidant of Napoleon and accompanied him on many of his campaigns, including the Battle of Austerlitz and the invasion of Russia.
Early life and education
Méneval was born in Paris, France, to a merchant father. He was educated at the Collège des Quatre-Nations, where he excelled in his studies. After graduating, he worked as a clerk in the French Foreign Ministry.
Career under Napoleon
In 1802, Méneval was appointed private secretary to Napoleon, who was then First Consul of France. Méneval quickly became one of Napoleon's most trusted advisors and served him loyally for over a decade. He accompanied Napoleon on many of his campaigns, including the Battle of Austerlitz and the invasion of Russia.
Méneval's memoirs
After Napoleon's fall from power in 1815, Méneval retired from public life and devoted himself to writing. He published his memoirs, Napoléon et Marie-Louise, in 1837. The memoirs were a bestseller and provided a valuable insider's account of Napoleon's life and reign.
Death and legacy
Méneval died in Paris in 1850. He is remembered as a loyal and efficient servant of Napoleon and a valuable source of information about the Napoleonic era.
Here are some additional details about Méneval's life and career:
- Méneval was a skilled administrator and was responsible for managing Napoleon's correspondence and schedule.
- He was also a talented diplomat and played a key role in negotiating several important treaties, including the Treaty of Tilsit.
- Méneval was a man of great integrity and was highly respected by his colleagues.
- He was also a skilled writer and his memoirs are considered to be a valuable historical resource.
Overall, Claude-François de Méneval was a significant figure in French history. He was a close confidant of Napoleon Bonaparte and played an important role in his administration. His memoirs are a valuable source of information about the Napoleonic era.
