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then, with a king as leader, the cortége of the victims of the Revolution. I was reminded of my conversations with my father concerning the Infernal Machine devised under the first Empire, the conspiracy of Georges Cadoudal, the Companions of Jehu, the Chauffeurs, &c.; and I also bore in mind the dramas in which it was my lot to take a part, the condemnation of the four Sergeants of La Rochelle, that of Louvel and of all the disciples of Jacques Clément, and Ravaillac, who vainly attempted to murder Louis Philippe. There was also the execution of Lesurques, the victim of a judicial mistake, and a more recent gang of the worst class of criminals, Papavoine, Castaing, Lacenaire, Soufflard, Poulmann. It struck me that in all this there was matter for a work whereof the interest and utility might in some degree conceal the individuality of the author.

I have therefore written the present book, appending to it a sketch of punishments in France, and an account of the office of Executioner. This book I now publish. If it had for purpose to furnish food for the unhealthy curiosity of people who would seek emotions in a kind of written photograph of the scenes that take place on the scaffold, it should be received with loathsomeness; but I would rather burn my writings than follow a course so contrary to my object. Far from this, I have been actuated in the course of my work by an abhorrence for the punishment denounced by so

VOL. I.

many eloquent voices, the punishment of which I have had the misfortune to be the living impersonation. And now if it is asked how, with such sentiments, I could discharge so long my functions of headsman, I will merely refer the reader to the singular circumstances attendant on my birth. When I was yet a boy it was my bane to help my father; I was, as it were, brought up in the profession of my ancestors, and taught that I must abide by it as a matter of course, The sword of the law was transmitted from generation to generation in my family, as the sceptre in royal races. Could I select another calling without insulting my family and the old age of my father? I retained my office so long as was consistent with my wish to spare the feelings of my dearest kinsmen; and as soon as I could do so I gladly gave them up. All that I care for now is that in a short lapse of time those who read these pages may say, in putting down the book, that it is the will of capital punishment written by the last Executioner,

HENRY SANSON.

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