Page:Trial of Louis XVI (1793).pdf/11

 President. "Do you not recollect your writing and your signature?"

Louis. "No."

President. "The seal is that of the arms of France."

Louis. "Great number of persons had that."

After the delivery of all the pieces, the President said, "I invite you to retire into the Hall of Conferences. The Assembly is about to enter upon a deliberation." Louis said, "I have demanded a counsellor," and then retired.

M. Treilhard proposed the following decree" "Louis Capet may chufe one or more counsellors." There were several murmurs in the Assembly, and several members, amongst whom was Marat, demanded the adjournment of the question, but this was rejected by a great majority. Much agitation ensued, during which the President covered himself, and silence was at length obtained. M. Petion then represented that counsel could not be denied without a breach of all the principles of humanity, and of all the laws of civilized nations; and it was decreed almost unanimously, that he should have counsel.

The Assembly then rose.

On the next day four Commissioners were then sent to Louis to enquire what counsel he had chosen. He replied either Target or Tronchet; or rather, as he should suppose the law would permit, both. Notice of this was immediately sent to the citizens Target and Tronchet.

Target has refused to be the counsel of Louis. He gave his reason for his refusal, in a letter read in the Assembly. He is 60 years of age, and left off pleading in 1785, his health not permitting him to continue.

Cambacares announced that Tronchet, the other person mentioned by Louis for that office, had also declined it. La-