MERCY

From Agepedia

MERCY, Florimond Claude de, a grandson of the preceding, born in Lorraine, 1666, entered the service of the emperor Leopold, 1682, and distinguished himself as a volunteer in the defence of Vienna against the Turks. His gallantry, particularly in the battle of Zenta, 1697 (see Eugene), was rewarded with the rank of major. He afterwards served with equal distinction in Italy and on the Rhine. In 1705, he stormed the lines of PfafFenhofen, and compelled the French to retreat under the cannon of Strasburg. In 1706, he covered Landau by his skilful manoeuvres, and supplied it with provisions and troops. In 1707, he defeated general Vivans, at Offenburg; but, in 1709, having penetrated too far into Alsace, was entirely defeated at Rumersheim. In 1716, he commanded against the Turks, as fieldmarshal, and took part in the victories of Peterwardein and Belgrade. In 1719, he commanded, with equal success, in Sicily, against the Spaniards, and, during the peace, exerted himself in improving the condition of the Bannat. In 1734, he received the command in Italy, and occupied the duchy of Parma; but fell, while leading the attack, in person, on the village of Croisetta. His remains were interred at Reggio.