Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-07-15
Pref. Webster's Case.


Prof. Webster's Case.
FgRTHER ACTION OF The COUNCIL
Mas. Webster AND HER DAUGHTERS, &c.
The Boston Daily Bee, of Friday, con-
tains the following intelligence, relative
,o.the action by the Governors Council
On Professor w Webster's petition for CON-
mutation Of fsen,ence:
L will be remembered that the Rev. Dr.
Puinam, In his argument before the Coy.
amor and Council on the occasion Of pre-
san,ine the confession of Prof. w ebster TO
that honorable body on Tuesday morning
last. requested, if the decision of the Com
mitiee Of the Council should be unfavora.
bic to the request Of Prof. Webster, that
they would allow him further hearing.
Sinee the presentation Of the confession,
the Committee, in order to understand its
full bearing, submitted it TO board Of sur
geons, one Of whom was Dr.. Warren. A
mesiing Of the Councilwas notified yester-
day afternoon, and DR.. Putnam was re.
questsd 10 be present.
About an hour before the meeting of
tho Council, Mrs. w ebster and her three
daughters arrived at the Council Chamber
and. obtained an interview with Gov.
Briggs and His Honor Lieutenant Gov.
: Rssd.
Mrs w ebster was dressed in deep mourn.
Ing. Her three daughters seemed sorrow.
stricken snd almost henrt.broken. Mrs.
Wsbstsr 10 evidently woman of great
hsps-ffm and persevering to the last.
The eldest daughter exhibits in a great
degree the same valuable traits-doubly
valuable during this most terrible struggle
through which they have been called to
pass. The other. two do not look like the
same beautiful girls who testified in behalf
ofiheir father at the trial. Their charm
ingly healthful appearance has been ex-
changed for one more sickiv and sad.
MFs. Webster, in conversation with His
Honor, Lieut.. Gov. Reed, said that she and
hsr daughters earnestly prayed for, COM
muia:ion of her husbands sentence. His
previous letters to the Council, she said,
asking for a pardon, were written at her
earnest solicitation. She strongly beliey-
I'd in his innocence, or she would never
have consented to their presentation, ssWe
feel assured Of that; no one doubts your
sincerity, Mrs. Webster" said Governor
Briggs, whosnnlil now had sat silent lis.
tsnsr.s II feel that he must have commit
ted the deed in moment of great provoca-
siop. / cannot persuade myself that it
vas oiherwise,o continued Mrs. Webster;
shs doaied upon his children-he was
good, kind husband-and oh, sir, we earn
sysly hope and pray that you may find it
consistent with your duties TO the public,
and consistent with the cause of justice and
humanity, tosaye him and cur family from
the ruin and deep disgrace which threatens
The Lieut.. Governor. replied to some
thing which she said. Mrs. Webster, mis-
ioking bis words looked earnestly into his
foce, her eyes streaming with Tears, said
With force we shall never forget, "Did
you say, sir, il was impossible TO commute
hissen:sncs?" 90, can't tell you that,
n,adam-the subject is before the commit
tee. ALI can say, is, wewil! try, most
conscientiously 10 servo you, and save
your husband. It's most painful duty.''
Mrs. Webster said that she wished to as
sHts.his Excellency.that she was instru.
mental in his presenting his confession to.
their consideration, and desired that they
would construe it as favorable as duty
would permit. Mrs. Webster and her
daughiers then retired.
The Council Immediately assembled.
DR.. Putnam was present. Lieut.. Gov.
Reed, presiding said lothe Dr.. that he was
invited 20 come there in order that the
Council might communicate TO him some
sffhpoftani information which their com
mittee had obtained from board Of sur
geons respecting certain statements made
By Professor Webster in his confession.
Il he Lieut. Governor informed the Dr.
: that the Council chose to communicate to
him, because ne seemed to be the only
person who appeared in the Professors
-behalf.
Or, Putnam said he had appeared before
the Council as ciiizen-having that in
formation {ihe confession which circum-
iaances had placed in his possession-and
aot delegated; therefore he did not deem it
his duty TO act in any other capacity than
@ his friend and listener. He would hear
anyshing they had 10 present, and then he
would consult Prof. w and his counsel.
Dr.BeA was about reading the state.
mSnf 70 Dr.. Putnam, when it was suggest.
cd that the document should not go forth
70 the public until the final report of the
committee is made. All eyes were imme.
diatsly turned upon that ubiquitous few
who were present-ihe reporters-as
much as to say, "If you don't leave, we
eAaH.n The reporters took the hin, and
thsir hats and fsw notes, and departed.
We understand the result of the sur
seons' investigation leaves doubt in the
minds of the Council upon three points.
First, the weapon with which DR.. Web.
i. sier said he struck Dr.. Parkman. Sec
ondly. the time which he stated DR.. Park
~man lived after the blow was inflicted; and
. Thirdly, the clashing of his petition with
big confession. Inthe opinion of the sur
gsen, they are all inconsistent. The
Council meet again next Monday, the 18th
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