The Ladies' Garland

Some Account of the Events attendant on the Execution of Louis XVI.

The decree of the National Convention which sentenced Louis XVI. to suffer death within 24 hours, was notified to him by Garat, Minister of Justice and President of the Executive Council, accompanied by two other Members. The King having heard the whole, including the sentence, with calmness, he took a paper from his pocket. the contents of which he informed them of. and desired the Minister of Justice to present it to the Executive Council. Garat informed him, that the Council could not decide on the subjects of his demands, but that he would immediately carry them to the Convention, who had already agreed to some of them. He went accordingly. and read to the Assembly the paper which the King had given him. It contained a request of a respite of three days. that he might prepare himself for appearing in the presence of God: And for that purpose. that he might be freely visited by a person. whose name he would mention to the Commissioners. That he might be freed from their inspection during the interval allowed him to live. That he might have free communication with his family. That the National Convention would permit his family to withdraw from France to any other country they chose. Finally. he recommended to the generosity of the nation a number of old servants. many of whom had nothing to live on but the pensions he had allowed them. When the Minister of Justice returned to the Temple, he informed the King. that the Convention acquiesced in most of his demands : he gave a favorable interpretation to the general answer which had been given to that respecting the lot of his family. but added, that the day was fixed.-- "It is well," said the King. "I am not sorry for it."

There is something infinitely harsh and revolting to humanity in the refusal of this last request; which there is every reason to believe, from the character and conduct of the King proceeded from the pious motive which he assigned--and not. as his enemies have suggested. from a weak desire of prolonging a wretched existence.

When the Minister of Justice had retired. the King gave to one of the Commissioners a letter addressed to Mr. Edgeworth. who was the person he wished to attend him in his last moments. Mr. Edgeworth informed the soldiers, that he would attend them directly to the Temple. Mr. Edgeworth was conducted first before the Council in the Temple. and then to the King. On his being introduced. he instantly shewed such marks of respect and sensibility as affected the unfortunate Prince so much, that he burst into tears. and was for some moments unable to speak: At length he said- "Excuse me. Mr. Edgeworth, I have not been accustomed of late to the company of men like you."

After passing some time with his confessor, the King thought he had acquired sufficient fortitude to bear an interview with his family. The Queen, Princess Elizabeth. with the Prince and Princess Royal, were conducted to his apartment. They continued near three hours together. No tragic poet has imagined a scene more affecting than what was realized at this interview--The actors. so lately placed in the most brilliant situation that the world can give-hurled from the summit of human splendor to the depth of human misery. a brother, sister, children. and a wife. in a prison. taking their last leave of a brother. father, and husband. rendered more dear than ever by his past sufferings. their common calamity, and the dreadful fate awaiting him the following day.

The King. though affected at different times beyond the power of expression. retained his recollection to the last. When they were to separate, the Princess Elizabeth mentioned their hopes of seeing him in the morning. He allowed her to expect it. The Queen could listen to no word of comfort. No consideration could prevent her from pouring forth her indignation in the most violent expressions against the enemies of her husband. In the bitterness of her soul she beat her breast and tore her hair: and her screams were heard at intervals. all that night of agony and horror.

After his family had withdrawn. the King remained for some time with his eyes fixed on the ground without speaking; then with a profound sigh he pronounced-"Ce moment etoit terrible."