Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1868-05-20
LAST HOURS AND EXECUTION OF
LOUIS XVI. OF FRANCE.

i aTy, lI9Z, the decree went tOrth which
declared Louis XVI of France, guilty Of
general treason againt the safety Of the
State, and condemned him to death. He
demanded Of the Convention a respite Of
three days to prepare for death, a confess
sor to assist him in his last moments, lib
erty to see his family, and permission for
them to leave France. The Convention
granted him an interview with his family,
and the assistance of priest. but refused
the other requests.
The execution was fixed for the follow
Ing morning morning at ten o'clock. A
heart-rending scene was the last inter
view Of the Royal family. At half-past
eight that evening the door of his apart
ment opened. and Maria Antonette enter
ed, leading the Dauphin by the hand
followed by the young princess and Mad
anne Elizabeth. They thronged togeth er
IN the poor Kings arms weeping, sob.
bing, and scene Of silent despair, bro
ken only by the bursting anguish Of the
afflicted family. A glass door was be-
tween this and the adjoining partment,
from which the municipal officers on
guard, and the confessor, who had now
arrived, were witnesses Of what passed.
The Queen, his daughter and sister, lean
ed upon the King, and pressed him in
their arms. He continued to speak, with
their tears md lamentations interrupting
his words. This terrible scene of an
gulsh lasted for two hours. At length
Louis rose to put an end to the painful
Interview, and gave his blessing to them.
The prlncesses still clasped their arms
around him. Il assure you" .. said be,
that | will see you at eight O clock to-
morrow morning" Why not at seven +"
they all said at once ''Well-yes at
seven,' said he. "Farewen" He pro-
nounced Farewell so impressively that
their sobs were renewed, and his daugh-
ter tainted at his feet. They raised her
from the floor; he embraced them ten
derby, one by one, and broke away from
them, again mournfuIly pronouncing,
Adieu Ad eu
Able Edgeworth, the confessor, was
now admitted to the King and remained
with him until twelve o'clock that night,
during which time it had been arrans ed
between him and the priest that mass
should be said on the following morning
if the municipality should consent to it.
At about midnight Louis retired to rest,
having made up his mind not to see his
family in the morning, and desiring his
valet to call him at five O'clock; at the
same time, Give this ring to the Queer" ;"
said he, ''and tell her with what regret |
leave her; give her also this locket, con
tanning the hair of my children; give this
seal to the Dauphin, and tell them all
what [ shall suffer without receiving
their last EN- braces, but [ wish to spare
them the pain Of so cruel separation
This faithful valet, Clery, took his
place beside the pillow of bis master,
watching his peaceful slumber into which
the latter sunk even upon the night be-
fore lie was to ascend the scaford.
Meanwhile 8 few ardent minds were in
ferment here and there, while the great
mass; either Indifferent or awe struck, re-
mained immovable. A young m.n re-
solved to avenge the fate of Louis XVI.
upon one Of his judges. Lepelletier St.
Fargeau, one of the deputies, was Of no
bic birth and his fortune was immense
Like many others of his rank. he voted
for death, in order to throw the veil OF
oblivion over his birth and fortune He
had excited the more indignation Of the
loyallsts an account Of the class to which
he belonged. On the evening Of the
10th lie Was pointed out to the guards
/ rno ba cit II
reslauranteur's in the Palias Royal. The
young man, wrapped in a cloak, stepped
up to him and SAID
''Are you Lepelletier, the william who
voted for the death Of the King? ?"
"Yes" replied the deputy, "but I am
not q william; [ voted according to my
conscience"
"There, then," rejoined the guards
man, take that for your reward" plnng-
ing a sword into his side.
Lepeletier fell and the young men es-
capped before persons present had time
to secure him.
The clock in the temple struck Eve on
the 2lst, when his valet, rising to light
the fire, aWoke the King, who, drawing
the curtains, inquired the hour. II have
slept soundly," said the King, "and |
stood IN need Of it. Yesterday was a try
ing day to me-"
-. His Majesty" says Clery's narrative,
''as soon as he was dressed, bade me go
and call his contessor, who I found al
ready risen. ! placed a chest Of drawers
IN the middle Of the chamber, aud arran-
ged1 1t IN the form Of an altar for saying