La Bataille d' Eggmuhl 1809

The Russians reportedly treated Vandamme badly during the year-long imprisonment. When Vandamme finally came back to France in 1814, his relationship with the Bourbon regime was not any better. When Napoleon returned from Elba, Vandamme returned to French service where he impressed at Ligny and Wavre, but could not save Napoleon. The Bourbons first banned Vandamme from Paris; but in 1816 threw him out of the country. Vandamme joined the French imperial émigré community in Philadelphia for several years before the Bourbons allowed Vandamme to return to live out his remaining years in Cassel. Despite his reputation of multiple lootings and other financial irregularities, Vandamme did not accumulate a lot of wealth. Contrast this with Marshal Massena, who was able to pass down many artifacts to both his family and posterity. The Massena collection can still be viewed today in the magnificent estate in Nice. Massena and his descendants were always able to convey a princely aura.

Château Vandamme à Cassel

Cassel does not appear to be richer from its association with Vandamme. Perhaps it was the Vandamme disposition, which was notorious for its alienation of most Vandamme’s associates, that ruined Vandamme’s future.

Marshal Enterprises

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