CHAPTER ONE

1763–1779

EARLY YEARS OF JOSÉPHINE

PAGE

The Island of Martinique--The Tascher Family--François de Beauharnais--Madame Renaudin--Birth of Alexandre de Beauharnais--Birth of Joséphine--A Confusion of Dates--M. Beauharnais in France--Death of His Wife--Misfortunes of the Taschers--Childhood of Joséphine--Her Education--Her Appearance and Character--Alexandre de Beauharnais--His Early Years--His Education--Madame Renaudin’s Interest in Him 3