Honore de Balzac. The Duchess de langeais (№ 158184)

First of all, the number of officers there was more limited than in other units; then, the liberal, almost Republican mood among gunners, fears that have been instilled in the Emperor bringing people educated and accustomed to think - all this prevented most of them have a military career. Therefore, contrary to the usual order, the officers often received the rank of General not because he was the most outstanding in the army, but because of their limitations made them safe.