How did Stendhal become involved with Napoleon's army administration?

Stendhal, born Henri Beyle, became involved in the administration of Napoleon’s army through the influence of his relative, Count Pierre Daru.1

In 1806, Count Daru, who had been appointed intendant-general of the army, secured an appointment for his young protégé as an adjunct military commissary. This position, based initially in the German city of Brunswick, launched an administrative career that allowed Stendhal to travel extensively across Germany and Austria. This role provided him with direct experience of the Napoleonic regime and the realities of Europe at war, including witnessing the burning of Moscow and participating in the French forces' retreat from Russia.1