Claude DECAEN (Utrecht 1811 - Metz 1870) General, Son of Gén - Lot 537

Claude DECAEN (Utrecht 1811 - Metz 1870) General, Son of Général d'Empire DECAEN. He took part in the Algerian Campaign and distinguished himself in the Crimean War. In 1870, he took command of the 3rd Corps, replacing BAZAINE. Seriously wounded at BORNY, he died a few days later - Letter A. S. General DECAEN Commanding the 13th Military Division (printed on letterhead) - BAYONNE (64) May 10, 1860 - 4 pages in-4° - "My Dear Colonel. Your letter of April 30 arrived with your observations and information on the action taken on the requests made for the SARDES Decorations and Medals to be awarded to the Military of the 2nd FOREIGN Division. When a figure was first requested for the medals, it had not been decided that Messrs. Officers would receive this distinction... The Minister ordered that Messrs. Officers be included in the distribution of Medals, without however increasing the number allocated to each Corps." NCOs and Soldiers proposed, therefore, could not obtain Medals...".