France._
[Born at Sedan, in France, 1611. Died at Baden, 1675. Aged 64.]
The most skilful commander in Europe, at a time when the art of war was
studied with greater assiduity than at any previous period. The public
and private acts of Turenne proclaim the inherent grandeur of his mind.
He was born a Protestant, and becoming a Roman Catholic in after life,
he exhibited moderation and comprehensive liberality, not always
characteristic of the convert. He was sagacious, truthful, and virtuous.
In war energetic, brave, and full of resources; in private life pure,
kind, and disinterested. He entered upon military duty in Holland in his
13th year. After the death of Louis XIII., Mazarin and the Queen Mother
enlisted the successful soldier in their service, and conferred upon him
the Marshal’s baton. They had no cause to repent the act. He performed
great deeds in Germany, took part in the wars of the Fronde, and covered
himself with glory in every campaign. He fell whilst leading his men
into action, and his marshalled troops, paralysed by the blow, retired
without hazarding a battle. Montecucculi, the opposed commander, on
seeing the movement, exclaimed, “Turenne is dead.” Turenne was
unprepossessing in appearance: he had a fierce expression, was of the
middle height, with very broad shoulders and thick eyebrows. He was
mourned, by order of the King, as a prince of the blood royal, and
buried with kings in the Church of St. Denis. Napoleon said, at St.
Helena, that he had studied the life of Turenne, deeming his renown
exaggerated, but that he had risen from the study confirmed in his
opinion of the commander’s greatness. “The boldness of Turenne,” he
added, “increased with his experience; for he was more daring at the
close than at the outset of his career. It was the reverse with Condé,
who made so great display at starting.”