It was a perilous study for a republican youth in whom the military instincts were as ingrained as the genius for rule.
Concerning the young Buonaparte's life at Brienne there exist few authentic records and many questionable anecdotes.

Of these last, that which is the most credible and suggestive relates his proposal to his schoolfellows to construct ramparts of snow during the sharp winter of 1783-4.

According to his schoolfellow, Bourrienne, these mimic fortifications were planned by Buonaparte, who also directed the methods of attack and defence: or, as others say, he reconstructed the walls according to the needs of modern war.

In either case, the incident bespeaks for him great power of organization and control.

But there were in general few outlets for his originality and vigour.