In Search of the Lost Manuscripts of Chevalier Allent 1772–1837

In 1805, Chevalier Allent published, at the request of General Marescot, a Histoire du corps impérial du génie, intended as a first part covering origins through the end of the reign of Louis XIV, and calling for a continuation.

In 1806, he appended to the état du corps impérial du génie a Précis de l'histoire des arts et instructions militaires in France, which was expanded, corrected and reissued in 1836.

Upon his death in 1837, his executors expected to find Allent's unfinished manuscripts. But they were to be disappointed, despite his assertions and promises of forthcoming publications, finding none of the promised works. In 1857, responding to a request from Maréchal Vaillant, Colonel Augoyat embarked on a new publication on the history of the engineering corps: Aperçu sur les fortifications, les ingénieurs et sur le corps du génie en France, first in the Spectateur militaire review from 1857 to 1861, then in three volumes published in 1860, 1862 and 1864.

What became of Allent's manuscripts? What is Allent's share in Augoyat's work? This bibliographical essay presents the many facets of a figure as self-effacing as he was eminent, as recognised as he was discreet, as honoured as he was humble.

The work is punctuated by an inventory of Allent's literary and public activities, along with tributes from the Nation to this great public servant. In conclusion, each person's contribution is evoked.