Chassé, DAVID HENDRIK, BARON

Chassé, DAVID HENDRIK, BARON, a famous Dutch soldier, was born at Thiel, in Guelders, March 18, 1765, began his military career when but ten years of age, became a lieutenant in 1781, and captain in 1787. After the failure of the revolutionary movement he took French service; was appointed lieutenant-colonel in 1793; and two years later found himself marching towards the Netherlands under the command of Pichegru. He afterwards fought with the French in Germany and Spain, gaining great distinction, and from Napolcon himself, from his fondness for bayonet charges, the name of 'Général Baionette.' He was made a baron by Louis Bonaparte in 1809. As lieutenant-general of the Dutch forces in 1815 Chassé did good service at Waterloo against his old comrades, the French. As governor of Antwerp he became famous by his heroic three-weeks' defence of the citadel with 5000 men against 60,000 Belgians and French (1832). He died May 2, 1849.