The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-04

7 IL e r L P u BLIC
From the Boston Transcript Of dug. 81.
Professor webster-Fu facts at The
Erxcntinn

Execution.
The countenancc of Professor Webster in death
was serene and even pleasant in its expression !;
exhibiting no discoloraton or sign Of distortion
The genial, bcaming smile, with which he was
wont to encounter a friend, seemed TO have lust
passed over il and left its trace. Soon after the
body was cut down, DIR. Putnam repaired TO Cam
bridge to communicate intelligence Of the execu-
ton TO the bereaved family. For some days
through the vague communication of friend, they
had been anticipating that each interview with the
prisoner might be the last although they left the
cell and the Jail on Thursday, not supposing that
the execution would take place the next day. As
they entered their carriage, however, they noticed
"A hustle about the Jail, and the assembling of a
crowd from which they drew dreadful aug guries of
the imminence of the fatal event and when the
visit of DR.. Putnam announced Yesterday
morning, they at once knew that all was oyer We
drop the curtain ever the scene of domestic an.
guish that ensued 1t was not unrelicved by hopcs
that the father and husband had deeply and sim
cerey repented of his crime; and that the bitter
ness of death was allevated by sincere religious
preparation and prayer to the Most Hi gh
DR.. Putnam having inquired of the prisoner yes
terday morning. before the religious exercises in
the cell, whether there any points he would
like TO have touched upon in the prayer, Professor
Webster replied that there were two which it would
be agreeable to his feelings to have introduced;
was, that the hearts of his fellow might be
soltened towards him after he gone; the other
that every consolation from heaven for the suffer
ing he had inflicted might be vouchsafed to the
family and relatives of the late DR.. Parkman. In
the interview before the prayer Professor Webster
alluded to his hope Of meeting in the world to
which he was about to paqs in spirit tenderly be-
loved child, who died some years since. He CON
versed with perfect composure various subjects,
mostly OF religious nature.
During the walk to the gallows the conversation
was maintained mostly by DIR. Putnam, whose OBJ
jec II was 10 keep the prsoner's thoughts so occg
pied with sacred thing9, that the appalling specta
Gle around should not cause him to quail. But the
prisoner was firm to the last. Not nerve shv-
cred. To DR.. Putnam's remark, "Do not regard
any thing about you-do not look,' they en-
tered the area and approached the gallows, he re-
piled, 81 do not; my thoughts are elsewhcrc'
All the while the death warrant was being read,
| Dr. Putnam kept up cheering conversation with
him, and the prisoner responded calmly and ap-
propriately. Ii would have been difficult to pre-
scribe dcmeanor more becoming, under the cir
cumstances, than that which he exhibited or to
| have invented words more suitable than those he
uttered. Dir, Putnam piled him with remarks to
| keep his thoughts in the right direction, and to
prevent any pause during which he might quail.
The prisoner gratefully seconded these humane ef-
forts but without any furry of spirits or nervous
agitation. DR.. Putnam continued near convers.
ing with him, while the officers tied the prisoners
arms and legs, while the moose nd ustcd round
| his neck, and while the black cap was put on nor
did he retire from his immediate vicinity till Just
"a the fatal drop about to descend. The
! flushed appearance of the prisoners face and the
etfuson of tears were produced apparently by the
premature and momentary tightening of the rope,
| audible words of Professor Webster, as the cap
WAS drawn his face, were "FATHER, INTO
/ THY HANDS coMmEND MY sPfRITp'
One of our contemporaries states that the spot
lected for the gallows that where il would he
most conspicuous TO the multitude. Directly the
contrary OF this is the truth. 1t was the object o
Mr.. Andrews TO place it where it would be as little
conspicuous possible. With regard 10 the state
ment that the prisoner had right to claim til
O'Clock yesterday, have learned, that there was
nospecial right on the prisoners par. aiie. O'Clock
the frat hour mentioned IN the death warrant The
wish Of the prisoner, expressed the evening be-
! fore, both TO Sheriff Eveleth and DR.. Putnam was
that the execution might be prompt as possible.
lie said that he would be ready at any moment
after O'Clock. This request the Sheriff observed
far as the convenience and decorum Of tie occa.
! sion would alloy.
For some days before his DEATH Professor Web
ster's favorite reading next TO the Bible, was in
/ kChanning's Works. lie also found much to soothc
him and crafty his religious and literary taste in
/ Bowrng's Mathis and Vespcrs," and in Long
fellows Collection Of Hymns. He made presents oi
the ast-naIned works, with appropriate passages
marked in them, 10 various friends. The body was
taken 10 the house Of Mrs. Webster, in Cambridge
last night. The funeral will take place early to-
morrow morning, the services being performed al
the house by the Rev. DR.. Walker.