The Trial of Louis XVI. Late King of France, Who Was Beheaded on Monday, January 21, 1793/Part 3

Last Will and Testament
o fL o u i s,
as found in the Temple,
And delivered by the Commissioners to the
Commune of Paris.

In the name of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, &c.

This 25th of December, 1792, 1, Louis, sixteenth of the name, King of France, imprisoned in the Temple for more than four months, by those who were my subjects, involved in a trial of which the issue cannot be known, from the passions of men, in the presence of God, declare my sentiments.

I leave my soul to God, my creator, praying him not to judge it according to my merits, but those of Jesus Christ.

I acknowledge what is contained in the symbol of the sacraments, and the doctrine of the church; I refer to the church for an explanation of its dogmas; and do not pretend to judge those who are in error.

I pray God to forgive me, for having put my name to acts, which may be contrary to the dogmas of the Catholic church, although I did it on compulsion.

I pray those, whom I may have offended by disregard, to pardon the ill I have done them.

I pardon those who have become my enemies, and I pray God to pardon them in the same manner.

I commend to God, my wife, my children, and my. sister; I recommend my children to my wife, and intreat her to watch over their education; I pray my sister to continue her tenderness to my children; I intreat my wife to pardon me for what he has suffered on my account; and I recommend to my children to obey their mother, and always to have God before their eyes.

I recommend to my son, if ever he becomes king, to think only of the happiness of his fellow citizens, and to be mindful that he never can be happy, but by ruling according to the laws.

I recommend to my son the persons who have been attached to me.

I recommend to me son, M. M. Chamiley and Hue. I beg M. M. of the Commune to deliver to Clery (his valet) my cloaths, my watch, and the trifles that were taken to the Commune.

I beg M. M. Malesherbes, Tronchet and Deseze, to receive my tender acknowledgement.

I protest, that I am not guilty of any of the crimes, with which I am reproached.

This will was sent by the Commune to the Executive Power.

F i n i s.