From childhood, Sanson abhorred executions. He had reason to—his father was an executioner. Charles-Henri wanted to become a doctor and began studying medicine. But he had to abandon his studies to support his family by taking up the profession that all his ancestors had practiced. And since his tenure coincided with the French Revolution, he became the most active executioner in French history. Sanson was a royalist. Nevertheless, he was the one who guillotined the 
Frenchmen! I am innocent! I forgive the authors of my death and I pray to God that my blood, once shed, may never fall back upon France.
Louis XVI
21 January 1793
I have never seen such a thing [the guillotine]. In my situation, one is of course very curious.
Charlotte Corday
17 July 1793
Pardon me, sir. I did not do it on purpose.
Marie Antoinette
16 October 1793
I die on a day when the people have lost their reason. You will die when they have regained it.
Marc David Lasource
31 October 1793
This is wasted time. You can also take off my boots when I am dead. Let us hurry!
Philippe Égalité
6 November 1793
O Liberty! What crimes are committed in your name!
Madame Roland
8 November 1793
Please, one more minute, one more minute, executioner!
Madame du Barry
6 December 1793
Show my head to the people! It is worth it.
Georges Danton
5 April 1794
Lucile!
Camille Desmoulins
5 April 1794
Am I lying properly like this, executioner?
Marie-Nicole Bouchard
17 June 1794
Take courage, my dear friend, be brave! Only he who has committed a crime may show weakness.
Marie Thérèse Françoise de Choiseul
27 July 1794
