In France, if the generalissimo commands in person, a marshal is made chief of staff with the temporary title of _major-general_; but if a marshal commands the army, a lieutenant -general or _marechal-de-camp_ becomes chief of staff with the title of _aide-major-general_.

The chiefs of staff of _corps d'armee_ and of divisions, are selected in precisely the same way.
The position assigned by the commanding general for the residence of his staff, is denominated the _General Head-Quarter of the army_; that of a _corps d'armee_ staff, the _Head-Quarters of_ [1st or 2d, &c.] _corps d'armee_; that of a division, the _Head-Quarters of_ [1st or 2d, &c.] _division_, [1st or 2d, &c.] _corps d'armee_.
The petty staffs of regiments, squadrons, &c., consisting of an adjutant, sergeant-major, &c., are especially organized by the commandants of the regiments, &c., and have no connection whatever with the general staff of an army.

Of course, then, they are not embraced in the present discussion.
The subordinate officers of the staff of an army, in time of war, are charged with important and responsible duties connected with the execution of the orders of their respective chiefs.

But in time of peace, they are too apt to degenerate into fourth-rate clerks of the Adjutant-general's department, and mere military dandies, employing their time in discussing the most unimportant and really contemptible points of military etiquette, or criticising the letters and dispatches of superior officers, to see whether the wording of the report or the folding of the letter exactly corresponds to the particular regulation applicable to the case.

Such was the character given to the first staff of Wellington, and a similar class of men composed the staff of the army of Italy when it was abolished by Napoleon and a new one formed in its place.