Friedrich Staps

As a strictly religious young man, he saw Napoleon's occupation as the sole reason for the misery of the German people, and thus became his opponent.

One of Napoleon's aides, General Rapp, became suspicious of the young man, whose right hand was thrust into a pocket under his coat.

Napoleon wanted to speak to Staps directly, so the prisoner was brought to the Emperor's office with his hands tied behind his back.

Using Rapp as an interpreter, Napoleon asked Staps a series of questions.‘Where were you born?’ – ‘In Naumburg.’‘What is your father?’ – ‘A Protestant minister.’‘How old are you?’ – ‘I am eighteen years of age.’‘What did you intend to do with the knife?’ – ‘To kill you.’‘You are mad, young man; you are an illuminato.’ – ‘I am not mad; and I know not what is meant by an illuminato.’‘You are sick, then.’ – ‘I am not sick; on the contrary, I am in good health.’‘Why did you wish to assassinate me?’ – ‘Because you have caused the misfortunes of my country.’‘Have I done you any harm?’ – ‘You have done harm to me as well as to all Germans.’‘By whom were you sent?

I determined to take your life from the conviction that I should thereby render the highest service to my country and to Europe.’ …‘I tell you, you are either mad or sick.’ – ‘Neither the one nor the other.’[1][clarification needed]After a doctor examined Staps and pronounced him in good health, Napoleon offered the young man a chance for clemency.‘You are a wild enthusiast,’ said he; ‘you will ruin your family.