Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1853-03-04

The Death Of Louis XVII.
The story Of Rev. EIeazer Williams, the assumed son
OF Louis XVI. has excited interest in all that
relates 10 the dark page of history which refers his
boyhood. work just published in Paris by NJ de
Beauchesne, says positively that The Dauphin died in
French prison at half past two o'clock the 9Th of
June, 1875. M de b. describes the scene as follows
as reported TO him by Comm. of the gardens du
temple:
DEATH OF THE DAupH1N Comm observing the
child calm. motonless, and silent said him, ! hope
you are not suffering at present? sOh, yes | am
suffering, but much less the music is so SWEET
"There was music either in the tower or in the
neighborhood noise from without at this moment
reached the chamber where the young martyr was dy
ing. Comm, surprised, asked him, Where do you
hearthe music !? From on high = How long since p
Since you have been your knees. Don't YOU hear
it? Listen Listen And the child raised his falling
arm, and opened his large eyes lighted up with costa
cy. His poor guardian, not wishing to destroy this
sweet and heavenly Illusion set himself to listen al
so, with the pIous desire OF hearing what could not be
| heard.
" After some moments of attention, the child started
again, his eyes gistened and he exclaimed in an in
eXpressIbe transport In the midst of all the voices
heard my mothers!"
" Lasne came up from below to relieve Comm: the
latter went OUT his heart oppressed, but not
ous than on the evening before, for he did not expect
an Immediate termination. Lasne took his near
the bed the Prince regarded him for long time with
a fixed and dreamy look. When he made a slight
|
wanted anything? The child said Do you think
that my sister has heard the music? how happy it
would have made her?' Lasne unable TO answer
The eager and penetrating look, full of anguish OF
the dying child, dared towards the window. An ex-
clamaton Of happiness escaped his lips then looking
towards his guardian, he said . have one thing to
tell you--Lasne approached and took his hand the
little head of the prisoner fell upon his guardians
brea t. who listened to him, but in vain. His last
word had been spoken, God had spared the young
martyr the agony of the dying rattle God had kept
for himself the last thought of the child Lasne pu
his hand upon the heart of the child; the heart Of
Louis XVII. had ceased to beat 1t was half past twc
O'Clock in the afternoon
M. de Beachesne knew Comm and Lasne. the two
last guardians of the dauphn ana receiving from then
each certificate confirming his account of the Prince,
death Fac-s SMILES of these original papers given
in his book.
Testimony Of Comm.
/ MONSIEUR DE BEAUCHEsNE Nothing car be more
true than what you have written in regard 10 the las
moments OF the danphin, his conversations, and his
death You have also done Justice to my sentiments
and thank You forit aruh oil my heart.
! Receive, &C., COMM.
Testimony Of Lasnc.
| MONSIEUR DE BEAUCHEsNE AS [ have always
said and always will say, declare here upon my
honor, and before God. that the son of Louis XVI
died in my arms in the Tower of the Temple. They
are nothing but imposors who pretend the contrary
| had often seen The unfortunate dauphIn at the TUT
eries, and perfectly recognised him in his prison.
You have perfectly recalled all the details gave you
the account of which that you have drawn up ant
have read TO me, is most scrupulous Y exact have
told the truth all my lifetime; it is therefore not wher
I am approaching the end of my days, that | wonl'
falsfy it. LAsNE.
October 2Ist 1887