Amédée Emmanuel François Laharpe

Amédée Emmanuel François La Harpe (* October 17, 1754 at VD role; † May 8, 1796 in Codogno ) was a French general of Swiss origin.

Life

Laharpe was a son of Louis -Philippe de la Harpe; one of his cousins ​​was the politician Frédéric - César de La Harpe. He was born at Château Hutins, where he spent his childhood. He received his education through private tutors and studied in Haldenstein.

His studies he interrupted several times by to hire themselves out as mercenaries in the Austrian Netherlands. After his final return to his homeland, he was entrusted with a military command in Vaud. Inspired by the ideals of the revolution, he denied his origin and joined the revolutionaries to.

His political ( revolutionary ) intrigues forced Laharpe to leave his home; he went to France and joined the army. In 1792, as he led a battalion. The following year, he fought alongside Jean -François Carteaux at the siege of Toulon.

As a great admirer of Napoleon Laharpe 1796 took part in the Italian campaign and served alongside Charles Pierre François Augereau, André Masséna and Jean Sérurier in his staff. He fought bravely at Montenotte (April 12, 1796), Dego ( 14-15. April 1796 ), Mondovi ( 20./22. April 1796 ) and at Fombio ( 7 / May 9, 1796 ).

On May 8 Laharpe undertook a reconnaissance mission between Fombio and Codogno. On his return he was accidentally shot by his own command (→ friendly fire ). He died at the age of almost 42 years and have found his final resting place on the edge of the battlefield.

Honors

• The sculptor Félix Lecomte (1737-1817) created a bust of him to see in the battle Gallery ( Prince Wing) of Palace of Versailles.
• His name is found on the southern pillar ( column 24 ) of the Arc de Triomphe on Place Charles -de- Gaulle ( Paris).