Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1850-09-09
Execution Of Prof. Webster.


Execution ofPrcf. Webster.
The Boston Transcript furnishes the following
account Of the execution of Professor Webster:
THE PRISONER.
A few facts relating to the closing days Of the
mortal life of John White Webster may not be
iIappropriately mentioned as Introductory to the
brief story of his death this day on the aallows.
Should these facts conflict with the theories and
Treposessions of those persons who think there
was no redeeming trait in the mans character,
that he was utterly bad, q sort OF moral monster
the facts will be none the less true, and as such
proper to be uttered
Those who would attribute his demeanor to
dupicity, affectation or constitutional frigidity
will, we think, be as much in error as those
who would see in every declaration Of contriion
or sentiment of religious satisfaction and hope
the sign of a thoroughly purified soul and reno
waited heart. No one seemed more aware oil
this than Professor Webster himself. He dis
trusted the depth and efficacy OF his own re-
morse he prayed fervently for more searching
penitence and wished that no parade should be
made before the public of his religious preten-
sions, or of the fact that 80 vile a sinner as he
dared to hope for mercy from, the Almighty.
The conduct Of The prisoner towards his friend
and adviser in spiritual matters, the Rev. Dr..
Putnam has been throughout Of the most consid
crate character He has ever showed forward
ness to render his visits as little painful as, u-
der the circumstances, they could be and Dr..
P. has frequently been surprised to find his al
lotted hour so quickly passed. The prisoner
has spared him all supenluous excitement, and
preserved compos,lre favorable to the pleasant
discharge of the dstes DR.. Putnam has assum-
ed.
INTERVIEW WITH HIS FAMILY.
Professor Webster was visited as usual, BY
his family Yesterday afternoon: and they re-
manned with him nearly four hours. There is
every reason to believe that they left entirely
ignorant as to the day Of the execution. The
prisoner had felt great anxiety in regard to this
closing interview lest he should betray himself.
When ii was over he felt greatly relieved, and
spoke cheertully. He had detected no sign Of a
recognition of the fact that this was their last
interview in the demeanor OF his family. Mel
Their had the Tailor. To the latter, as they left the
cell, they addressed some remarks plainly indi-
eating their expectation OF re-visling the prison.
er. An immense crowd had assembled in Leve-
rett street, and about the Jail, to see the unhap o.
py family as they Issued : but Mr.. Andrews took
Mrs Webster and her family through his own
house to door opening on Lowell street, where
a carriage was waiting, and they thus escaped
the scrutiny and remarks of the multitude.
One incident which seemed 10 affec: happily
the spirits Of the prisoner, during the interview
with his family, may be worthy of mention
For several months they have been in the bit
OF reading the bible to him i'll his cell, taking
the chapters OF the New Testament in regular
course, without skipping. The chapter which
thus came up Yesterday, and was read, was that
exultant and consoiny chapter, the 18th in St.
pan]1S EirSt EpiStl 10 ia the ca, inthiaps
The prisoner seemed much impressed by the
coincidence, which had, without calculation on
any ones part given this chapter to be read at
his last interview with his family, and on the
last day of his earthly existence. He required
to the incident after the interview, with verv
obvious pleasure, and seemed to derive much
hope and consolation from the inspired a.sr-
ance OF the Apostle as to the resurrection of the
dead, sown iii dishonor' and Fin weakness"
TIE PRISONERS LAST NIGHT
The last interview of DR.. Putnam Yesterday
with the prisoner took place between half past
I and O'Clock last evening Officers Jones aud
Leighton were present in the cell, blythe sher-
ifs orders. Dr.. Putnam wished more privacy,
aud the matter was finally compromised by dis
missing the officers and having Mr.. Gusavus
Andrews, the jailoI, alone present. Of this in
terview we cannot say much. There was no
confession contradictory of that already made
by the prisoner. Prof Webrter declared him
self willing to die on the gallows, as "a partial
example of the great wrong he had done to So
ciety"
His sincerity, he said, was established on re-
iigious conviction. He alluded to the ceremony
of his execution, and remarked that If he falter-
ed it would be through no fear of dying, through
no effect upon him OF the horrible surroundings
and Accomplishments of his doom but because
OF his misgivings as to the efficacy of his own
repentance, to the future, to which he was
going; because of the clouds that might come
over his spirit at the last, He hoped, however,
that he should bear up-arranged that he should
be tied by Mr.. Andrews in preference TO any
other officer-and said that he expected to be
tranquil duriug the night, although he might
not sleep.
After Mr.. Putnam RETIRED Prof. Webster re-
snmed his reading of the Scriptures, which he
-alternated with inward prayer, during which
the two officers preserved perfect silence. Oc-
'casonally he would close the Bible, and bury
ing his face in his hands, seem wrapt in sup.
4plication and thought.
INCIDENTS.
During great part of the day Yesterday the
prisoner occupied himself with setting aside
little memorials for those few friends, in whose
tAtelOlO tONdluo llItI13 NuCu uo WAS
gone, he might hope. He selected number of
his books, and wrote in them the names of seve-
raj persons, towards whom he wished to express
some recollection Of past obligations and fayors
He seemed to take much interest in this occu-
patton.
He ate little fresh fruit during the day. and
exhibited little or no nervousness or physical
agitation. Those who have conversed with
him OF late, have felt little apprehension as to
his committing suicide. He was evidently full
ly impressed with sense that it was the crime
and not the galows,, that made the shame
during the day, and took leave OF him.
Quite a number Of applications have been
made to see the prisoner during the last two
weeks. Clergymen from various parts of the
country have sought an interview; & 'hehas re-
ceiyed numerous letters of an admouitory or
consoling nature. The interviews he has in