Colonel

general of the French infantry. An appointment of great trust and authority, which was suppre ed during the old government of France. A colonel-general was formerly entitled to the nomination of every commi ion and place of trust in the infantry. He could order courts-martial, and enforce the sentences awarded by them without ulterior reference; and he had a company in every regiment which was called the colonel-general’s company. This appointment was created during the reign of Francis I. in 1544, and became an immediate gift of the king, under Henry III. in 1584. There was likewise a colonel-general of the cavalry; which appointment was entrusted to two officers under the reign of Louis XIII. One commanded the French and the other the German cavalry. The appointment of colonel-general of dragoons was created by Louis XIV. in 1688.