Following the death of his father, he received no education. It was not until the age of 17 that an uncle, who was his officer, taught him to read, write and count.He distinguished himself in several of Napoleon's campaigns.In 1793, he was named Brigadier General, and in 1804 Marshal of the Empire.Napoleon called him the "cherished child of victory".Grand Cross of the Legion of HonorLetter Signed ÒMassŽnaÓ to Bernadotte; Lentzbourg, 23 Prairial Year VII (June 11, 1799), 3/4 p. in folio, small revolutionary vignette and printed to his name. Apostille: ÒRapport la dessusÓ signed ÒBÓ, in the hand of Bernadotte, in the upper part of the letter. Beautiful rare piece. Massena informs his correspondent that he has provisionally appointed squadron leader Captain Contant, of the Dragoons, commanding the army guides. This officer served with remarkable zeal and dedication; he give with courage in all affairs; finally in that of the 16th he was noticed by General Soult. Òje l'ai vu donner avec courage dans toutes les affaires; enfin dans celles du 16, il s'est fait remarquer du gŽnŽral Soult qui m'en a rendu un tŽmoignage infiniment favorable.ÉÓ.