Life of Being a Crown Prince in France

Chapter 871: Chapter 779: The New “Battle of Marengo

Historically, the establishment of general staff in European nations, which took full responsibility for logistics, terrain mapping, training, and operational planning, came only after the 1830s.

Even in France, where Joseph led reforms to the staff system, Napoleon was temporarily burdened by the inefficiency and bureaucratic habits of the old military.

Napoleon pulled the reins, ordering his staff officer to take out the map. Staring at it with a furrowed brow for a long time, he shook his head and sighed: “I recall that the cavalry camp of Murat’s Corps is still in Nice, correct?”

The staff officer nodded: “Yes, Commander. The cavalry suffered heavy consumption on the day of the Wans offensive, so they were arranged to pass through the pass last, allowing them a few extra days of rest.”

“Very well, let them rest a while longer; there’s no need for them to come over just yet.”

As Napoleon spoke, he gestured to his attendant to fetch paper and pen, then huddled over his saddle and awkwardly began drafting a report to the Crown Prince.

He deliberated over the wording and phrasing, occasionally blowing warm breaths into his icy right hand. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a sharp-eyed middle-aged man standing near a rock, holding a drawing board, occasionally glancing at him and then jotting down strokes.

Napoleon then waved to the man, calling out, “Mr. David, how is your work progressing?”