Name of a French general in Spain in October 1810
On 25 October 1810, Captain Lewis Ruman, who was acting as a spymaster in French occupied Spain, received the following report from one of his spies.
Valladolid October 18, 1810
On the 18th and 19th they entered with 2 Infantry Regiments – Chasseurs of the line – and one Cavalry of 600 Horses; [The French made the following demands.] You will ensure the preparation of rations, for up to 8 to 10,000 men who will arrive in a few days; although the Commissioner told me 15,000. They are from the Corps that we told you and Colonel Baseconcelles; others assure me that they come from Vitoria and Bilbao as well as from Navarra.
They all come under the command of General Goyne, who today had a major dispute over the command with General Kellerman. This same Goyne, instantly ordered Major General Barthelemy [Jean-Barthélemy-Claude-Toussaint Darmagnac] under arrest.
My question is who was this General Goyne?
A few clues that may narrow the search down. . .
He was not assigned to Massena's Army of Portugal since it was deep into Portugal.
He was senior to both Kellermann and Darmgnac.
To make matters more difficult. . .
The report was written in Spanish and the spy may have misspelled his word.
Ruman was transcribing the report and may have had trouble reading his spy's handwriting.
Could Goyne be a civilian official mistaken for a military officer?
Below is a copy of his handwriting.
Thanks!
Bob
Terry -
D'Erlon fits all the criteria even though his name doesn't match. Thanks!
Bob