war. At the start of the memoir, the author describes the dire condition of the French army after a series of defeats, particularly following the events of 1813. Marmont recounts the impact of an outbreak of typhus among the troops stationed in Mayence, leading him to take direct responsibility for their care and morale. He emphasizes the vital role of a general not just as a commander in battle but as a caretaker for his soldiers, fostering their loyalty through personal involvement. The narrative establishes a foundation of tension and uncertainty, reflecting on both strategic military decisions and the emotional landscape of the time, hinting at future battles and the complexities of leadership in the face of adversity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)