Melun. An ancient town of France, capital of the department of Seine-et-Marne, 28 miles southeast from Paris. It was the Melodunum of the Romans; was taken by Clovis in 494; was stormed five times during the 9th century by the Northmen, and fell into the hands of the English after a siege of six months in 1419, and was held by them for ten years.
Members. Officers are so called who are detailed by orders to sit on general or garrison courts-martial.
Members, Supernumerary. In case supernumerary members are detailed for a court-martial, they are sworn, and it is right that they should sit and be present at all deliberations even when the court is cleared, in order to be prepared to take the place of any absent member. Until then they have no voice.
Memel. A town and seaport of East Prussia, on the small river Dange, adjacent to the Cürische Haff, 74 miles northeast from Königsberg. It is strongly fortified. It was taken by Teutonic knights about 1328.
Memmingen. A town of Bavaria, circle of Swabia, situated on a tributary of the Iller. It is noted as the scene of a victory gained by the French under Moreau over the Austrians, May 10, 1800.
Memoir. Is the title given by military officers to those plans which they offer to their government or commanders on subjects relating to war or military economy.
Memoirs. In military literature, a species of history, written by persons who had some share in the transactions they relate, answering in some measure to what the Romans call commentarii, “commentaries.” Hence Cæsar’s Commentaries, or the memoirs of his campaigns.
Memorial. An address to the government on any matter of public service.
Memphis. A celebrated Egyptian city, situated in the Delta, or Lower Egypt. During the attempts of the native rulers to throw off the Persian rule, Memphis was an important strategic point. Ochus inflicted severe injury on this town, having plundered the temples and thrown down the walls after he had driven out Nectanebus. Ptolemy VIII. destroyed the city. It fell with the rest of Egypt under the Roman rule, and afterwards was conquered by Amru Ben Abas (639-40).
Memphis. A flourishing city and port of entry of Shelby Co., Tenn. During the civil war, it fell into the hands of the Union forces, after a short naval fight, June 6, 1862, and in 1864, Gen. Forrest made a raid upon it, capturing a great number of prisoners.