Contact Us
News and Information
Home
Madison Archives
Montpelier
Teacher Resources
Additional Material
search

Who Was the Prince de Neufchâtel?
Image: Prince de Neufchâtel
Louis Alexandre Berthier, Marshal of France, Prince of Neuchâtel and Wagram. National Museum of Versailles and Trianons
It seems reasonable that the boat is named for a person who is being honored by the choice. A likely candidate is Louis-Alexandre Berthier, 1753-1815. Berthier was a French General and the chief of staff of Napoleon. He translated Napoleon's strategy into the necessary detailed orders. Napoleon named him Prince de Neufchâtel on March 10, 1806. His other titles included Marshal of France, Duc de Val d'Enghien, and Prince of Wagram.

He was a good choice for a French-American privateer as he had served briefly in the United States in the Revolutionary War.

Ultimately, Berthier abandons Napoleion. After Napoleon abdicates, Berthier announces his support for the monarchy. When Napoleon returns, Berthier does not rally to his side. Bethier seems to have made the smart choices, but he does not live long. He dies under mysterious circumstances at his estate in Bavaria in 1815.

  

 
JMU Homepage

| James Madison Center | Site Index | Search | Contact Us | Privacy Statement | Last revised: 5/17/04 |
| (540) 568-2549 voice | (540) 568-7043 fax | Wilson Hall, Rm. 205, MSC 1020, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 |