Cantillon had joined the army as the substitute for a conscript and served in the campaign in the campaigns of 1808 and 1809 in 1e Hussars and then the Chasseurs à Cheval of the Guard. In 1813 he quitted service with a small pension but rejoined in 1815.
He died prior to 1854 when part of the legacy – about 1200 francs – was paid to his widow. Stirling says that it was paid in full during the Second Empire, but the evidence is confused. (Information from Steven Smith citing Sir William Stirling Maxwell Napoleon’s Bequest to Cantillon (London Parker 1858)).
Wellington cited the bequest to Cantillon as evidence that Napoleon was not a gentleman and ‘another proof of littleness of mind’ – because Napoleon knew there was no money to honour the promise. (Croker Papers vol 1 p 339, 1826).
Cantillon:
Cantillon had joined the army as the substitute for a conscript and served in the campaign in the campaigns of 1808 and 1809 in 1e Hussars and then the Chasseurs à Cheval of the Guard. In 1813 he quitted service with a small pension but rejoined in 1815.
He died prior to 1854 when part of the legacy – about 1200 francs – was paid to his widow. Stirling says that it was paid in full during the Second Empire, but the evidence is confused. (Information from Steven Smith citing Sir William Stirling Maxwell Napoleon’s Bequest to Cantillon (London Parker 1858)).
Wellington cited the bequest to Cantillon as evidence that Napoleon was not a gentleman and ‘another proof of littleness of mind’ – because Napoleon knew there was no money to honour the promise. (Croker Papers vol 1 p 339, 1826).
Wellington: The Path to Victory 1769-1814; Waterloo and the Fortunes of Peace 1814–1852 » Chapter 6:The Occupation of France (lifeofwellington.co.uk)