The Palace and Park by Phillips, Forbes, Latham, Owen, Scharf, and Shenton

271. FRANÇOIS CHRISTOPHE KELLERMANN. _Marshal of France._

[Born at Strasbourg, in France, 1735. Died in Paris, 1820. Aged 85.] One of Napoleon’s generals. Commanded at the battle of Valmy, 1792, against the Duke of Brunswick, and his victory probably determined the fate of Europe until 1815. Years afterwards it was his good fortune to decide the issue of one of Napoleon’s greatest battles by the brilliancy of his charge. Napoleon said “the charge was opportune.” “Opportune!” replied Kellermann, “it has put the crown upon your head.” The Emperor never forgave the remark. Kellermann excelled in statesman-like tact and finesse.