The Archduke Charles reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Archduke Charles

The epileptic younger brother of Holy Roman Emperor Francis II, Archduke Charles of Austria (Erzherzog Karl) (September 5,1771 - April 30, 1847) achieved respect both as a commander and as a reformer of Austria's army.

Born in Florence, Italy, he began his career fighting the revolutionary armies of France and saw victory at Jemappes 1792 and Neerwinden 1793, before tasting defeat at Wattignies 1793 and Fleurus 1794.

Serving with distinction against Napoleon Bonaparte in 1796, Charles then beat lesser opponents such as General Jourdan and General Massena.

After instigating reforms for Austria's armies he went into the 1809 campaign with confidence and inflicted Bonaparte's first major setback in May of that year at Aspern-Essling (today part of the 22nd district of Vienna), before suffering a massive defeat two months later at Wagram.

Charles was one of Bonaparte's most talented opponents. He died in Vienna.

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