Maréchal-Général des Camps et Armées du Roi (Fr.). A post of high dignity and trust, which during the French monarchy was annexed to the rank of maréchal de France. Military writers differ with respect to the privileges, etc., which belonged to this appointment; it is, however, generally acknowledged that the general officer who held it was intrusted with the whole management of a siege, being subordinate only to the constable, or to any other maréchal de France, who was his senior in appointment.
Maréchal-Général des Logis de l’Armée (Fr.). This appointment, which existed during the old French government, and has since been replaced by the chef de l’état-major, corresponds with that of quartermaster-general in the British service.
Maréchaussées de France (Fr.). A species of military police which formerly existed in France. During the French monarchy there were 31 companies of maréchaussées à cheval, or mounted policemen. These companies first formed for the purpose of preserving public tranquillity, and were distributed in the different provinces of the kingdom. This useful body of men was first formed under Philip I. in 1060; they were afterwards suppressed, and again re-established in 1720, as constituting a part of the gendarmerie of France. There were other companies of maréchaussées, who were particularly distinguished from the 31 above mentioned; such, for instance, as that of the constables, called the gendarmerie.
Marengo. A village of Italy, in Piedmont, near the Bormida, 2 miles southeast from Alessandria. Here the French army, commanded by Bonaparte, attacked the Austrians, June 14, 1800; his army was retreating, when the arrival of Gen. Dessaix turned the fortunes of the day. The slaughter on both sides was dreadful. By this victory Bonaparte gained 12 strong fortresses, and became master of Italy.
Margarita. An island in the Caribbean Sea lies off the coast of Venezuela, of which republic it forms a province. This island was first visited by Columbus in 1498, and has in more recent times (1816) been the scene of a bloody warfare between the revolutionists and the Spanish troops under Gen. Murillo, in which the latter were defeated.
Margrave. A German nobleman corresponding in rank to the English marquis. Margravine is the wife of a margrave.
Margum, or Margus. A fortified place in Mœsia Superior, west of Viminacium, situated on the river Margus (now Morava), at its confluence with the Danube. Here Diocletian gained a decisive victory over Carinus.
Maricopa Indians. A tribe of aborigines, numbering about 400, who are located with the Pimas on a reservation on the Gila River, Arizona, about 180 miles above its mouth. They are peaceable, and follow agricultural pursuits.
Marienbourg. A fortified town of Belgium, situated in the province of Namur. This place was occupied by the French from 1659 till 1815.
Marignano (now Malegnano). A village of Northern Italy, near Milan. Three battles have been fought near here: (1) Francis I. of France defeated the Duke of Milan and the Swiss, September 13-14, 1515; above 20,000 men were slain; this conflict has been called the “battle of the giants.” (2) Near here was fought the battle of Pavia. (See [Pavia].) (3) After the battle of Magenta, June 4, 1859, the Austrians intrenched themselves at Malegnano. Marshal Baraguay d’Hilliers with 16,000 men was sent to dislodge them, which he did, on June 8, with a loss of about 850 killed and wounded. The Austrians suffered severely.