Chapter 63: General Joseph of the Red Army
While there were plans to exert some pressure on Napoleon, Joseph also knew that Napoleon wasn't cut out to be a staff officer. In this regard, he fell several notches short of Carnot, let alone Joseph. He could handle the meticulous planning of various military details if needed, but it wasn't where Napoleon's true talents lay. Joseph had a different plan in mind for him.
On the second day of Napoleon's arrival in Paris, Joseph called Carnot to his office on the second floor of the city hall, presenting a new idea.
"Lazare," Joseph handed him a folder, "I've been thinking about a new approach to military training. I came up with a rough concept last night, and I'd like to hear your thoughts." After a period of collaboration, they had become close friends, addressing each other by their first names and using "tu" instead of "vous."
"Ah, Joseph, you always have the most innovative ideas," Carnot remarked as he took the folder and began examining the contents. "I can't help but wonder, considering the size of our heads, mine is practically a whole circumference larger than yours, but..."
As Carnot reviewed the document, Joseph skillfully poured himself a cup of tea and sat at his desk to work. After some time, when Joseph was refilling his cup with water, Carnot finally finished reading.
"Joseph," Carnot began, "this idea, overall, is excellent. There are, of course, many details to be ironed out, but investing in this is definitely worthwhile."
He then rang a bell on his desk, and a duty officer entered the room.
"Major, what can I do for you?" the duty officer asked. Carnot had been promoted to the rank of major due to his outstanding performance a few days ago.
"Ah, Yubel, could you find out when Mr. Lafayette is available?" Carnot requested.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m
"Yes, Major," Yubel replied with a salute and left the room.
"Joseph, this idea is brilliant," Carnot continued. "Creating a small, elite force to simulate the enemy in military exercises is an excellent approach. Each unit can engage in exercises against them, and then the adjudication department, let's call it the 'directorate,' can evaluate their performance. These evaluations can also be a basis for rewards and punishments for the units. Moreover, this kind of training will allow our soldiers to gain valuable experience facing a formidable opponent during peacetime. It's a fantastic idea!"
"We can't send all our soldiers to Africa to gain experience by fighting barbarians," Joseph replied. "This way, even though it may not be as valuable as real combat experience in Africa, it's better than having none."
Joseph understood the significance of having a noble background. To most Frenchmen, Corsican nobility was hardly distinguishable from the common people, if not inferior to respectable citizens. Therefore, the parliament didn't consider them true nobility. In the military, though, nobility had influence that couldn't be ignored. While a complete commoner like Carnot might be acceptable to the parliament, the military might have reservations. On the other hand, a Corsican noble like Napoleon, despite his lack of prominence, could be more readily accepted.
Joseph and Carnot then proceeded to Count Lafayette's office. Upon entering, after exchanging greetings, Carnot handed him the folder.
"General, we have a new proposal, and we hope to have your support," Carnot explained.
"Another brilliant idea, Lazare?" Lafayette inquired, a smile on his face, as he put on his glasses. "Let me take a look."
Lafayette examined the proposal for a while before looking up and saying, "A very valuable suggestion! Extremely valuable! Furthermore, it is highly feasible. Lazare, we left together yesterday evening, and you didn't drop a hint about this. Today, you spring it on me all of a sudden. You are quite the character."
"General, Joseph submitted this proposal to me this morning. I've only just seen it myself," Carnot clarified.
"Is that so?" Lafayette seemed a bit surprised. "Joseph, you've always claimed to be a novice in military matters. But this plan shows a remarkable understanding. Not just the idea, but the intricate details are something that only someone with in-depth military knowledge would think of. I believe that, now, you could command a French army battalion or even a brigade with ease. If you were in North America, you might even command a division. You're too modest."
"General, it's not modesty," Joseph replied. "I've been trying to learn as much as I can during this time, and I've made some progress. However, the details of this plan were not entirely my work. It was developed with the assistance of my younger brother, Napoleon. He's a lieutenant in our artillery."
"From what I see in the proposal, Lieutenant Napoleon seems to be quite talented and has a promising future," Carnot added.
"I believe that," Lafayette said. "If your brother is anything like you, then he must have quite a bright mind. About the commander for this unit, do you have anyone in mind?"
"This unit doesn't need to be very large at the beginning, perhaps only two hundred soldiers. Since this idea is originally Joseph's, and the refinement was achieved with Napoleon's help," Carnot explained, "let's have Joseph lead this experimental unit and have his brother assist him. How does that sound?"
Lafayette looked up and glanced at Carnot, then Joseph. He said, "Very well. We will promote Mr. Joseph Bonaparte to the rank of captain, and he can oversee the formation of this unit. Now, what should we name this unit?"
"This unit will specialize in simulating the enemy during exercises, and our most dangerous adversaries are the British in their red coats," Carnot remarked. "So, let's call this unit the 'Red Army.'"
