Murat, Joachim

mu-ra', Joachim (1771-1815), a French soldier. He was the son of a small farmer, some say an innkeeper, near Cahors, France. He was educated for the priesthood, but enlisted instead in the French cavalry. He led a wild, reckless life, and was soon dismissed on the score that his influence led to insubordination. He wandered about Paris like many another adventurer, and formed the acquaintance of Napoleon Bonaparte in the early years of the French Revolution. He again entered the service and made a reputation as a cavalryman. When Napoleon came into power he had use for Murat's recklessness and qualities as a leader. He made him commander of his cavalry. Murat accompanied Napoleon to Egypt and Syria and took part in the battle of the Pyramids. In the famous campaign of 1796, Murat, at the head of the French cavalry, so distinguished himself for gallant charges that he was selected to carry the captured flags home to Paris. The reception given the dashing cavalryman may well be imagined.

Murat was in the forefront of danger throughout the Napoleonic wars. He led the French cavalry at Marengo, Austerlitz, and Jena. He rode by Napoleon's side in the famous invasion of Russia in 1812, and with Napoleon shared the vicissitudes of the memorable retreat from Moscow. Among other services, Murat broke up the Council of Five Hundred at Saint-Cloud, and took possession of Spain in the interest of Napoleon. In 1800 Napoleon gave him his youngest sister Caroline in marriage, and when he became emperor he fairly covered Murat with decorations and honors. In 1808 Murat was placed on the throne of Naples. He managed the affairs of his little kingdom with ability. He suppressed brigandage and instituted other reforms. It was understood, of course, that he was a mere tool of the great Bonaparte. At the very close of Napoleon's career Murat deserted. It is a question whether he took offense at a supposed slight, or whether he thought the house of Austria in the ascendency. After the battle of Leipsic he entered into coalition with Austria against his former emperor on condition that he be guaranteed the independence of Naples. The conclusion of his career is easily told. He quarreled with Austria and was defeated in battle. He lost his kingdom. Landing later with a few adherents on the coast of Calabria, in a forlorn attempt to regain his lost crown, he was taken prisoner by a native commander whose brother he had formerly shot for brigandage. He was tried by court-martial and condemned to be shot within half an hour. Murat wrote a touching letter of farewell to his wife and met his fate like a soldier. His career of dash, daring, success, and final downfall seems more like fiction than sober fact.

See Napoleon