Page:History of the Guillotine.djvu/103

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88
ESSAY ON THE GUILLOTINE.

of little debate which occurred at the foot of the scaffold turned altogether on his not thinking it necessary that his coat should be taken off, and his hands tied; he would also have wished to cut off his own hair [he had wished to have it done early in the morning by Cléry, but the Municipality would not allow him a pair of scissors].

"And, as an homage to truth, I must add that he bore all this with a sang froid and firmness which astonished us all. I am convinced that he had derived this strength of mind from the principles of religion, of which no one could appear more persuaded and penetrated.

"You may be assured, citizen, that there is the truth in its fullest light.

" I have the honour to be
"Your fellow citizen,

"Sanson."

LONDON : PRINTED BY W. CL0WES AND S0NS, STAMFORD STREET, AND CHARING CROSS.