Litchfield enquirer., 1850-09-05
Professor Webster's Execution.

Correspondence of the ~. y. Express . BosroN, Aug. 30.
 Professor Webster after his family left him last night, as he condentially alleged in nerfect unconciouspess of his coming fate. was searched and placed in new cecil. in order to prevent any attempt at suicide. Dr. Putnam left him at 9 o'clock and from that time till l2 he passed the time in devotiona. exercises. At l2 he fell into sort of doze, but did not sleep heavily, awaking at times and converslng. He spoke of his impending fate with for titude and resignation, and seemed quite orateful that the time of his death had been kept from hls family. At the varl- ous noises of the dawning of new day he seemed to be somewhat agitated, but soon regained his composure.
 He breakfasted upon tea and Coffee with bread, inviting the officers to par take with him, and furnishing them with bread. He made the preparations for ascending the scaffold with frmness, and about 300 were admitted to the jail yard, and the house tops and windws adjoining the iail were crowded with people, inclus ding many ladies. The streets near the iail were also crowded. At 9 o'clock the last religious services were commen> eed by Dr. Putnam consisting of a fervent prayer. He invoked the presence of the sn;r;t and grace of God for him so soon to die; he prayed that the prisoners re- pentance might be accepted and that he might be prepared to meet his doom.
 He prayed for the prisoners family that the cancellations of Gods presence and grace might be theirs, that when theil time of death should have come they might meet the prisoner in Heaven where there would be no seyering of the ties of affection. Also, for the family o the murdered man.
 He prayed for the Sheriff, his assist ants generally, and for the officers of tn law generally, and for the witnesses an' for all persons. About twenty minute past nine, the prisoner was brought ou to die. After the prayer the prisoner arms were pinionod, and with firm steE he marched to the gallows by the side O Dr. Putnam. n
 His face was as Heshy, as when he wal arrested, though of deathly pallor. Hi look was that of one who had committed deadly sin, and was abont to pay for with his life.
 While the Sheriff was reading the deat warrant, Webster was convcrsing wit Dr. Putnam apparently with unusus earnestness at the conclusion, his leg were then pinioned and the rope places about his neck which caused his face t flush:
 There were evident signs of suppress ed powerful feeling. The black cap wa placed on his head, the Sheriff proclaim ed with loud voice that he was abou to do excution on the body of John w Webster, for the murder of Dr. c. Park man. This commencement of the ap proach of death caused movement ( the body of the prisoner, whose face wa hid from view. The spring was toubhe md with fali of nearly 8 feet, the mul derer of Dr. Palkman was launched int eternity. He died apparently witho' scarcely struggle.
 The body. after remaining suspende for half an hour, was taken down ar examined; life was found to be extinc and it was placed in jail coffin, f transmission to Cambridge.
 As yet no confession has been put for but something is undoubtedly to com He wrote one letter this morning, and conversation last night, remarked tn the matter was with his spiritual and leg adviser.
 The scenes outside the yard were qui disrenutable sounds of money we heard and considerable sums were pa to see the sight and blanks were plac, on the roofs of houses to accommods the crowd. r x.
 Many climbed up spouts to the r' tops at hazard of their lives. Hou which had been shut were forcibly op' ed by false keys. and about 500 won and children, witnessed the execut from house tops. He was only on scaffold, about ten minutes, before be hung.
 ANOTHER nJSp ATcH