Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1850-09-05
Iass 1lo-sas. ana sz,sa,ssa Of P-sss..sr
Webaser.
BcsroN, Aug. 80.

him last night, as he confidently al
legged, in perfect inconsistencies OF
his coming fate, was searched and
placed in a new cell, in order to pre-
vent any attempted suicide. DIR.
Putnam left him at 9 o'clock last
night, and IRON that time till 10 he
passed the time in devotional con-
versation with his watches. At II
O'Clock he fell into a short dose, but
did not sleep heavily-awaking at
times and conversing. He spoke oi
his impending fate with fortitude
and resignation, and seemed quite
grateful that the time Of his death
had been kept from his family.
At the various noises Of the dawn
ing of the new day he seemed to be
somewhat agitated, but soon recov-
cred his composure. By advice he
breakfasted upon tea, with bread,
inviting the officers to partake with
him, and furnished them with bread.
He made preparations for ascending
the scaffold with 6rmness.
About 300 persons were admitted
to the jail-yard, and the house-tops
adjoining the Jail were crowded
with persons, among whom were
many ladies. The streets near the
jail also crowded, but not densely.
Ats o'clock this morning the last
religious ceremonies were commenc-
ed by DR.. Putnam, consisting OF a
fervent prayer. He invoked the
prescient spirit and grace Of God for
him so soon to die. He prayed that
the prisoners repentance might be
accepted, and that he might be pre-
pared TO meet death. Mr.. Jones
was the officer that attended the
Professor throughout the protracted
scene, and he as we'll as Lighton,
were very kind and attentive to the
unfortunate Professor.
Last night DR.. Putuan remained
more than two hours with DR.. Web
ster, engaged in devotional exerci.
ses. When DR.. Putnam left, Pro-
lessor Webster continued his devo-
tions at intervals, and conversed
with considerable freedom with the
officers, being fully conscious Of his
doom. He repeatedly said he had
great dread and horror at the thought
of being hung. but was indifferent
TO it. He said he had no lear-was
perfectly prepared TO meet his fate.
His appearance through the night
confirmed his statement Of being re-
conciled and resigned. His health
remained good, and his spirits also.--
He had apparently not lost any flesh
during his Imprisonment, hut proba-
bly, gained.
The erection Of the gallows was
commenced after daylight, and COM
pleted before 8 O'Clock. Upon the
requisiiion of high sheriff Eveleth, a
force of l25 men, consisting of 100
police and watchmen, 25 constables,
were detailed for guard, of whom 25
constables were stationed within the
yard, and IS without. The scafiold
was in the centre Of the yard, and
more open to the outside than it
would have been at any other spot.
The scaffold was changed from the
northwest corner TO the centre oi
the yard, and did not diminish the
view from the rear Of the building
on Lowell-st., and added much to
the view from Leverett-st. The Of
fcers present at the execution were
high sheriff J. Eveleth, deputy sher-
ifs Watson Freeman, Daniel ]. Co.
burn, Jabez Pratt, Erastus Rugg,
Benz. F. Baily and Joseph Coburn.
The witnesses invited by the high
sheriff and by state authority, num-
bered l25, and were admitted at 10
minutes before 9. The high sheriff
called the names on the list of wit
nesses 10 the execution; and he sta
ted that they had assembled by his
invitation, as lawful witnesses of the
execution OF John w. Webster, and
he requested them to keep order du-
ring the solemn ceremonies.
A company then formed in col
umn Of two and two, and visited the
prisoners cell, where the Rev. DIR.
Putnam offered up a prayer. The
hall leading to the cell was full. and
stiffness and solemnity prevailed
The witnesses returned to the yard.
Al 20 minutes before ten, high sher-
if' Eveleth, attended by deputies Co.
burn, Freeman, Rugg, and others,
conducted Webster to the scaffold.--
The last duty OF the sheriff was then
performed. Professor Webster died
firmly, and penitentially, ard with
hardly struggle.