‘Yes. I’d like that.’ Arthur smiled and then turned to leave the office. As he wandered down the corridor, past the line of offices filled with clerks feverishly struggling to cope with the new empire, Arthur gazed out across the ramparts, over the river, following its course to the horizon where it eventually flowed into the sea. There would be much to do before he could finally leave this land, but before all that there was one pressing matter he had to attend to with all his heart. He took his seat at a desk in the corner of the mess and placed a sheet of paper on the surface in front of him. Several newly arrived officers, pink-faced and flush with youthful energy, cast curious glances at him but he ignored them as he dipped his pen in the inkwell and began to write.

My dearest Kitty, I am coming home . . .

Author’s note

Author’s note

One of the most fascinating aspects of writing this series has been recreating the origins of two of history’s greatest generals: where they came from, what their background was and how their historical context helped determine their characters and defined the opportunities open to them. The Generals covers that vital part of their careers where Bonaparte and Wellesley learned their craft as commanders of armies. And what formidable armies they proved to be!

The men that Napoleon encountered when he arrived in Italy were hungry, sick, poorly equipped and unpaid, and outnumbered by a better-armed and better-trained enemy. Yet, like Robert E. Lee’s Army ofVirginia, they won tremendous victories because they marched and fought harder than their enemy, and had a terrific sense of elan besides. For this they had Napoleon to thank. Right from the outset he knew what motivated men and made every effort to win their respect. He made sure that good service and bravery were rewarded, and he tolerated a level of informality with his men that warmed their hearts and made them identify with his military goals, and ultimately his political ambitions.

By contrast, Wellesley was an utter professional who quickly grasped that relentless training and preparation would provide him with an army that would stand firm in the face of far larger enemy forces. When the British troops closed with the enemy their discipline and training completely outclassed their opponents, with the result that a handful of Europeans were left the masters of India by the time the Wellesley brothers quit the subcontinent. While Napoleon was a shrewd leader of men, Wellesley was a master of every detail of supply and manoeuvre, on the battlefield as well as off it.