Famous Last Words
Andreas Hofer
Mantua, Italy
February 20, 1810
“Ah, how badly you shoot.”
Hofer, a leader of a rebellion against Napoleon, was captured and court marshaled. An order was issued stating to “give him a fair trial and then shoot him,” which was carried out. Hofer reportedly gave money to the corporal in charge, instructing him to shoot straight. He also refused a blindfold or to kneel, and gave his own order to fire. When the firing squad missed their target on the first shot, he criticized their aim with his last words.
