Born in 1744, died in 1793; practised medicine for a time In London and Paris; began to publish his newspaper, L'Ami du Peuple, in 1789- elected to toe National Convention in 1792; an Ultrarevolutionist ; trieci and acauitted by the Revolutionary Tribunal in April, 1793; with Danton and Robespierre overthrew the Girondists in June, 1793; assassinated by Charlotte Corday in July, 1793.
If, therefore, I appear before my judges, it is only that I may rise triumphant and confound imposture; it is to unseal the eyes of that part of the nation which has already been led astray on my account ; it is to go out a conqueror from this imbroglio, to reassure public opinion, to do a good service in the fatherland, and to strengthen the cause of liberty.
Full of confidence in the enlightenment, equity, and civic spirit of this tribunal, I myself urge the most rigorous examination into this affair. Strong as I am in the testimonv of my own conscience, in the rectitude of my intentions, in the purity of my civic spirit, I seek no indulgence, but demand strict justice.
The decree of accusation brought against me was carried without discussion, in violation of
- ↑ From a speech in his own defense before the National Convention in April, 1798. An old translation revised for this collection.
148
