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Baron C.-F. De Méneval
Claude François de Méneval (April 2, 1778 - June 18, 1850) was the private secretary of Napoleon I and his closest collaborator from 1802-1813.
Born in Paris in 1778 into a middle-class family, he...view moreClaude François de Méneval (April 2, 1778 - June 18, 1850) was the private secretary of Napoleon I and his closest collaborator from 1802-1813.
Born in Paris in 1778 into a middle-class family, he was brought up by a British nanny and learned to speak English, which later enabled him to act as interpreter to Joseph Bonaparte during the discussion at the Peace of Amiens, and to translate into English the letters which Josephine sent to British botanists asking for rare species for her garden at Malmaison.
Méneval was a student at the Collège Mazarin before he was drafted into service for six months under the orders of Louis Bonaparte, Colonel of the 5th Régiment de dragons, at Verneuil.
Returning to civilian life, Méneval was recommended by Palissot for a post in the Directory Library before being recruited by Roederer, then director of the Journal de Paris, as a journalist. Subsequently, Joseph Bonaparte, on his return from his ambassadorship in Rome, engaged Méneval as secretary. In this capacity, Méneval was present at the negotiations leading to the signing of the Treaty of Mortefontaine between France and the United States (3 October, 1800), the Treaty of Lunéville between France and Austria (3 February, 1801), the Concordat (15 July, 1801) and the Treaty of Amiens between France and Britain (27 March, 1802).
Following Bourrienne’s dismissal in 1802 for financial irregularities, Joseph suggested to Napoleon that he take on Méneval, just 24 at the time, as his private secretary.
Méneval published his memoirs in 1827.
He died in Paris in 1850, aged 72.view less
Books by Baron C.-F. De Méneval
Memoirs of Napoleon: The Court of the First Empire, Vol. I Memoirs of Napoleon: The Court of the First Empire, Vol. II Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMemoirs of Napoleon: The Court of the First Empire, Vol. III Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings