The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1850-09-07
Execution of DIR, Webster,
We take the following accoun, ofthe execution
of DR.. Webster from the telegraphic reports OF
the ST. Louis RereiHe:

We take the following account fthe execution
of DR.. Webster from the telegraphic reports of
the ST. Louis RsreiHe:
Boston, Aug. so.
Professor Webster, after bis family left him las.
night as he alledged in perfect unconSciousne>s Of
his coming fate, was searched and placed in new
cell IN order 10 prevent the possibility of suicide.
From 9 o'clock last night, I'LL / ., he passed IN
devotional conver.atlnu with his watchers AT >
he fell into a short doze, but did not sleep heavi
ly; be spoke of his impending fate with fcrttudc
and resignation, and seemed Crdtiiei that the
time of his death had been kept from his family
At the various noises of the opening Of u new day
he seemed somewhat agitated, but soon recover
ed his compusure; by advice he brcaktlstrd upon
tea and bread and invited the watchers to IaJ
take with him. He made Preparations for Il
ctulng the scaiIold with frmueSs. About 80
persons were admitted to the jail yard, the house
tops and windows adjoining the Jail, were crowd
ed with persons, among whom were many ladies
the stands near the jail. were also crowded,
but not dpnscly At O'Clock the last regular
ccrcmouies commenced with a formal prayer
Jones was the officer who attended durug the
scene; he and laughter treated the prisoner with
the utmost kindness Last night DIR. Putnam ru-
manned more than two hours with pr. Webster,
engaged IN devotional exercises. Webster con
yerSed with the officers; said he had had great
dread of the thought Of being hung, but was now
indifferent to il, he WAS perfectly prepared 10
meet his fate; his appearance confirmed ms state
mcnt; his health remained good. and he had not
lost flesh during his confinement but probably
gained
The construction of the gallows was common
Get after daylight, and completed before O'Clock.
Upon the requistion of High Sheriff Eyeleth,
force OF l2j men, consisting Of policemen and
watchmen were detailed In keep guard; OF whom
twenty five were stationed within the ward The
,caitod WAS in the centre Of the yard, and the
witnesses invited were admitted 10 minutes be
fore o'clock; their names were called AMI their
business stated Ly the sheriff They then form
ed in a column two and two and visited the pris
cners cell. where DR. Putnam offered PRAYER
The hall leading to the cell was full Stiffness
and Solrmuty prevailed. The witnesses then
returned To- the ward.
At 20 minutes before 10 o'clock High sheriff
Eyele,h attended by deputies lcdburn, Human
Rullett and others, conducted Prof Webster To
the Scaliold The last duty WAS then performed
Webster died almost without struggle.
The Chicago papers Of Tuesday contain some
further particulars which We suhoin;
About 600 were admitted to the iail ward, and
the house tops and windows adjoining the jail
were crowded with people, including many Ia.
dies.
The seats near the Jail were also crowded but
not denSclv At o'clock the last religious ser
vices were commenced by Dr. Putnam, consistin;
of teryent prayer.
About ~ minutes past 9, the prisoner was
brought out to die, After prayer the prisoners
arms were pinioncd, and with a firm step he
marched to the gallows, accompanied by Rev.
Dr. Putnam. His face WAS Us tltshy as when he
was arrested, though of n deathly pallor. His
look was that Of one who had committeda dead.
" sin and was about tn pay for it with his life.
While the Sheriff was reading the death warrant,
the criminal was coaversing with DR., Putnam, ap-
paren.lv with great carnestness; at the couclU
SION he shook hands and parted with DR.. p His
legs were then plnioned, and the rope placed T.
tout his neck which caused bis face to flush and
there were evident signs of suppressed powerful
ieelm-,-;he black cap was then placed over his
lead. and the Sheriff proclaimed with loud
voice that he was about to do execution on the
body Of John W. Webster for the murder of
Dr. George Parkman. This announcement of the
approach If death caused no movement Of the
body Of the prisoner whose face was lid from
view The spring was touched, and with fall
Of nearly 5 feet, the murderer Of Dr. Parkman
was launched into eternity, lie died apparent
" with scarcely struggle. and his body, after
remaining for nearly half an hour, was taken
and examined life was found to be extinct and
it was placed in jul coffin for transmission to
Cambridge.
A. yet no confession has been pat forth
but something is undoubtedly yet to come. He
wrote one letter this morning, and in conyerSa-
ton last night remarked that the matter was
with lis spiritual and legal advisers. Sounds Of
money were heard, and considerable sums Of mon
ey were paid to see the sight, and planks were
placed Oh the roofs Of houses to accommodate the
crowd. Many climbed up spouts up to the roof
tops at the hazard OF their lives. Houses, which
bad been shnt up were .orcibly entered 10y false
keys About 800 women and children witnessed
the execution from house tops, many ofquite ten
der age He was only on the scaiTold, after be
ing hung about ten minutes.