CHARLES, Archduke of Austria, third son of the emperor Leopold II., was b. at Florence, 5th Sept., 1771. Whilst yet a youth, lie pursued military studies with much ardor; and after having greatly distinguished himself as a gen. in inferior commands, he was intrusted, in 1796, with the chief command of the Austrian army OD the Rhine. Ile fought with great success against Moreau at Rastadt, defeated Jourdan in several battles, drove the. French over the Rhine, and concluded his victories by taking Kehl in the winter. In 1799, he was again at the head of the army on the Rhine, was several times victorious over Jourdan, protected Suabia, and successfully opposed Itlassena. In 1800, bad health compelled him to retire from active service; but twing appointed gov. gen. of Bohemia, lie formed a new army there. After the battle of Hohenlinden. he was again called to the chief command, and succeeded in staying the rapid progress of Moreau, but almost hninediately entered into an armistice with him, which was followed by the peace of Luneville. In 1805, he commanded the army opposed to Massena in
Italy, and fought the hard battle of Caldiero; but upon bad tidings from Germany, retreated from the left bank of the Adige to Croatia. This retreat was one of his great est military achievements. In 1809, lie won the great battle of Aspern, which first showed to Europe that Napoleon was not invincible; but lie did not promptly enough follow up his victory, and Napoleon, who hastened to reinforce his army, retrieved his fortunes at Wagram, and the archduke was now compelled to give way before the enemy, till he reached Znaim, where an armistice was concluded on 12th July. In the campaigns of 1813 and 1814 he had no part; and lived in retirement till his death, 30th April, 1847.