A FRENCH VOLUNTEER
OF THE
WAR OF INDEPENDENCE.
CHAPTER I.
Birth—Early days—Education—Out in the world—Sent to the prison of Pierre-en-Cize by order of the King.
My father—César de Moré Chaliers, Comte de Pontgibaud—has often informed me that I came into the world on 21st April, 1758.[1] My mother, whose maiden name was Marie Charlotte de Salaberry, was, I believe, at that time a young and pretty woman, but I can recollect very little about her, as she died whilst I was still very young, from a shock caused by being suddenly told some bad news.
- ↑ See note A, p. 271, as to the actual words employed in the original.