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| | Memoirs of General Baron de Marbot - Chapter 2 (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-07) |
 | | André Masséna was born on the 6th of May 1758 at La Turbie, a village in the little state of Monaco. |
 | | When Jules died, leaving very little money and five children, three of them, amongst whom was the young André, were taken in charge by their uncle Augustin, who having taught them no more than to read and write, employed them in soap-making. |
 | | Hardened by the rough trade of smuggling, and compelled always to keep one jump ahead of the customs officers, Masséna acquired, without being aware of it, an understanding of the principles of warfare, as well as the vigilance and activity without which one cannot become a good officer. |
| www.worldwideschool.org /library/books/hst/biography/MemoirsofGeneralBarondeMarbot/chap39.html (3458 words) |
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