General Jean-Joseph-Ange d' Hautpoul
Born: May 13, 1754
Place of Birth: Cahuzac-sur-Vère, Tarn, France
Branch: Cavalry
Legion of Honor: Grand Eagle
Died: February 14, 1807
Cause of Death: Mortally wounded
Place of Death: Eylau, Prussia
Arc de Triomphe: East
Hautpoul was almost arrested during the Revolution for his noble birth, but his soldiers adored him so much that they threatened mutiny if he was arrested, and the representatives of the government wisely backed off.
On February 6, 1807, during the skirmish at Hoff Hautpoul rode his cuirassiers to the rescue of Murat's light cavalry. Successfully driving off the Russians, he returned to the Emperor with his armor dented and covered in blood. As he dismounted, Napoleon came up to him and embraced him in thanks for his successful charge. Honored and embarrassed by Napoleon's gesture, Hautpoul told him, "Sire, for showing me so great an honor, I must die for your majesty." Sadly, he was mortally wounded two days later at Eylau.
As Hautpoul was carried away from the battle, both Doctors Larrey and Percy examined him. Larrey suggested an amputation, while Percy suggested the leg could be saved. Hoping for the best, Hautpoul agreed with Percy, but died within a few days from the wound.
Sources:
Elting, John R. Swords Around a Throne: Napoleon's Grande Armee. USA: Da Capo Press, 1997.External Links:
Haythornthwaite, Philip J. Who Was Who in the Napoleonic Wars. London: Arms & Armour, 1998.
Richardson, Robert. Larrey: Surgeon to Napoleon's Imperial Guard. London: Quiller Press, 2000.
Six, Georges. Dictionnaire Biographique des Generaux & Amiraux Francais de la Revolution et de l'Empire (1792-1814). Paris: Gaston Saffroy, 2003.