Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-09-09
THE EXECUTION OF PROFESSOR JOHN W.
WEBSTER

LETTER FROM HIM TO DR.. FRANCIS PARKMAN.
The countenance of Prof Webster in death was
serene and even pleasant in its expression exhibiting
no dlscoloration sign of distortion. The genial
beaming smile, with which he to encounter
friend, seemed to have Just passed over and left its
trace.
Soon after the body was cut down, Dr. Putnam re-
paired to Cambridge to communicate intelligence of the
execution 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 lett the cell and the
Jail on Thursday not surprising that the execution
would take place the next day.. As they entered their
carriage, however, they noticed hustle about the JAIL
and the assembling OF crowd, from which they drew
dreadful augures OF the lmminence OF the ata event;
and when the visit of Dr. Putnam was announced yes
terday morning, they at once knew that al was
We drop the curtain over the scene of domestic an
gulsh that ensued. 1t was not unreleved by hopes,
that the father and husband had deeply and sincerely
repented of his crime, and that the bitterness of death
aleviated by sincere religious preparation and
prayer to the Most High.
DR. Putnam having inquired Of the prisoner yester-
day mornng before the rel gious exercises in the CELL
whether there were any points he sh oud like have
touched upon in the prayer Prof ebster replied that
there two, which it would be agreeable his feel
ing to have introduced was, that the hearts of his
fellow men might be soened towards him, after he
gone; the other that every consolation from Heaven
for the suffering he had inflicted might be vouchsafed
to the family and relatives otthe late pr Parkman.
In the interview before the prayer, Prof Webster al
luded TO his hope OF meeting in the world to which he
about pass in spirit tenderly beloved child
who died some years since. He conversed with per-
nature.
During the walk to the gaows, the conversation was
maintained mostly by Dr. Putnam, whose object it was
to keep prisoners thoughts occupied with sacred
things that the appalling spectacle around him should
him quail. But the prisoner firm to the
last. Not a nerve shivered To DR.. Putnam remark
-"Do not regard any thing about you-do not Look
as they entered the area, and approached the gal
lows he replied 81 do not. My thoughts are else
| where"
All the while the death-warrant was being read, Dr.
Putnam kept up a cheering conversation with him. and
the prisoner responded calmly and appropriately 1t
would have been difficult to prescribe demeanor
more becoming under the circumstances, than that
which he exhibited, or to have invented words more
suitable than those which he uttered. Dr. Putnam piled
him with remarks to keep his thoughts in the right di
rectlon, and to prevent any pause during which he
might quail. The prisoner gratefully seconded these
humane efforts but without any furry OF spirits or ner-
vous agitation. Dr. Putnam continued near CONVEX
sing with him. while the officers tied the prisoners arms
and legs-whiIe the moose adjusted round his neck
and while the black cap put did he retire
from his immediate vicinity till lust as the fatal drop
was about to descend.
The flushed appearance of the prisoners face and the
etuslon OF tears produced apparently by the pre-
mature and momentary tightening of the rope and not
| as some supposed, by agitation.
The last audible words of Professor Webster as the
cap drawn over his face, GATHER, INTO THY
HANDS COMMIT MY SPIRIT"
One OF contemporaries states, that the spot select
ed for the galows was that where it would be most
spicuous to the multitude. Directly the contrary of this
is the truth. 1t the object of Mr. Andrews place
it where it would be as little conspicuous possible.
With regard to the statement that the prisoner had
a right to claim till ii o'clock Yesterday, we have
learned that there special right the prisoners
part after O'clock, the first hour mentioned in the
death-warant.
The wish ofthe prisoner, as expressed the evening
before, both to Sheriff Eveeth and Dr. Putnam, was
that the execution might be as prompt as possible He
said that he would be ready at any moment after
o'clock This request the Sheriff Observed far as
the convenience and decerum OF the occasion would al
| low
For some days before his death Professor Webster's
taxote reading, next to the Bible was in Channng's
Works. HE also found much to soothe him and crafty
his religious and literary taste in Bowring's Mathis
ard Vespers" and in LongteoW's Collection of
hymns. lie made presents ofthe last named works,
with appropriate passages marked in them, to various
friends
The body taken to the house of Mrs. Webster,
in CaRbrldge last night. The funeral will take place
early tomorrow morning, the services being perform
ed at the house by the Rev. DR.. Walker-BOSton
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