Prince
Poniatowski, nephew of the king de Pologne Stanislas-Auguste,
is a colonel of dragons in the Austrian army. In 1789, it enrôle
in the capacity as general major in the Army of reorganized Poland.
Demolishes by the Russians (1792), it must exile itself.
After
the victory of Napoleon with Iéna and Auerstadt (October
14, 1806), prince Poniatowski receives the command of a division.
He is distinguished in particular in Dantzig and Friedland, which
is worth to him to be named Minister for the War of the provisional
government, then, in 1808, généralissime of the
Grand-Duchy of Warsaw (created on July 22, 1807).
Prince
Poniatowski gives on foot the Polish army, which worries Austria
and Prussia. On command of the Emperor, who takes in the passing
his prestigious elements to form the regiment of light horsemen
of his imperial guard, part of the Polish army leaves to fight
in Galicie.
Poniatowski resists ataque Austrian against Warsaw (April 1809)
and reconquers parts of old Poland by beating the Austrians with
Gora and Grochow. By way of reward, Napoleon grants to him the
large-eagle of the Legion of Honor, a sabre of honor and a shako
of lancer. For as much, Poland is far from being reconstituted.
Poniatowski,
remained faithful to Napoleon, continues his activity of Minister
for the War. It creates schools of engineering and artillery
and organizes the fortification of many fortified towns. In April
1810, it is in Paris for the marriage of Napoleon with Marie-Louise.
In 1812, to the head of the 5th body at the time of the campaign
of Russia, it gives all its measurement to the battle of Moskowa.
Poniatowski is the only foreigner to receive the stick of marshal
of the hands of Napoleon (October 16, 1813). But, a few days
later, by covering the retirement of Leipzig, it is embedded
in Elster.
