Napoleon's Legendary Spy

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Karl Ludwig Schulmeister, a true supporter of the emperor - a real Bonapartist - was a minister’s son with a longstanding career as smuggler.



He wore a uniform but was responsible for conquering cities and spearheading a battle that led to the destruction of the Roman Empire. He was acting chief policeman in Königsberg and Vienna, even while being hunted for under his various aliases - his tricks and skills in the art of disguise were legendary! But controversy circles his story – was he a national hero or a traitor? The story of "Monsieur Charles" - Napoleon’s Legendary Spy.



For a 'man of the people', previously undreamed-of opportunities opened up during the Napoleonic era following the French Revolution. Karl Ludwig Schulmeister emerged as a master spy, became a major player, and was even able to withstand Napoleon’s downfall. Schulmeister was a soldier of fortune and a dyed-in-the-wool loyal Bonapartist.



His stint as a smuggler led him down into the world of espionage. His knowledge of the German terrain, persuasiveness and ability to be sly allowed him to grow swiftly in the ranks. Despite having to flee Austria as a convicted felon, he rose to the position of Commissar General of the Police in the country where he took refuge. He was acting chief policeman in Vienna, even while being hunted for under his various aliases - his tricks and skills in the art of disguise were legendary! He might have worn a uniform for most of his life but was involved in many a criminal activity - he was responsible for the conquering of cities and had spearheaded a battle that led to the destruction of the Roman Empire.



Nowadays controversy circles his story – was he a national hero or a traitor? The story of "Monsieur Charles" - Napoleon's Legendary Spy.