The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 184?-1851, 1850-09-04
THE LAST MOMENTS AND EXECU'
TION OF PROFESSOR WEBSTER.
BosToN, Aug. 81

Boston, Aug. 81.
Professor Webster, after his family left
him last night who, as he alleged, was.in per
feet unconsciousness Of his coming fate
was searched and placed in q new cell, IN or,
der to prevent any attempt al suicide. D..
Putnam left him ai nine O'clock last night,
and from that time till twelve he passed in
devotional conversation with his Watchers
Al twelve he fell into short dose, but did
not sleep heavily waking a, times and con.
versing. He spoke of his impending fate
with forlitude and resignation, and seemed
quite greatful that the time Of his death had
been kept from his family. A, the various
noises of the drawing OF new day he seemed
to he somewhat agitated, but soon recovered
his composure. By advice ho breakfasted
upon tea, with bread-invting the officers
10 partake with him, and furnishing them
with bread.
He made preparations for ascending the
scafold with iirmness. About three hundred
persons were admitted 10 the Jail yard, and
the house tops aud windows adjoining the
jail were crowded with persons, among whom
many ladies'. The streets near the jail were
also crowded, but not densey. b.
Az nine o'clock this morning The last re-
/ ligiOus ceremonies were commenced by Dr.
PUTNAM, consisting of leryant prayer. He
invoked the prcscient spirit and grace Of God
for him so sooE to die, lie prayed that the
prisoners repentance migbtbe accepted ant
that he might be prepared 10 meet death.
Mr., Jones was the officer who attended tht
Professor throughout ths prolracied scene
and ho as wellas Mr.. Lighion, we're very
kind and attentive TO the unfortunate man.
Last night DR.. Putman remained more thar
two hours with DR.. Webster. engaged in de,
votional exercises. When Dr.. Puinam lefi
DR.. Webster continued his devolons at in
tervals. and conversed with considerable
freedom with the officers, and, being full
conscious Of his doom. repeatedly said he ha,
had great dread and horror at the thought o
being hung, but now he waslndfferent TO il
lie said he had no faar. -was perfectly pre-
pared 10 meet his fate. His appearance,
Though The night confirmed his statement q
being reconcilsd and resigned. His heal,I
and spirit remained good. lie had sppareh,
: ly not LOST flesh during his imprisonment, Su
probably gained. f#sf Sit u tslHfp
\ The erection the gallows was c0mmenc
ed after daylight and completed ,beforel'
J o'clock, \. ,.rt ~, 4 e,sdt ID h'oew 2
J, Upon the requisition Of High SheriI
n Eyelelh, e force one bundled aud twenty
Eve men, consisting Of one huOdled Polio
} and Walchman and twenty-five Constable
4 were detailed for guard, OF whom The twent
Eve Conslables were stationed within III
yard, aud seventy, five without u }k3
The scaHod was in The centre of.the yar
, and more open 10 the outside lhan 1t woul
have been At ANY olbes spot. ,nfga ssR
~ Tho scafiold ives changed from the noH
vest corner 10 The center efthe gard, but
y did not diminish the view from tho rear I
. the buildings on Lowell street, snd sdde
+ much to ihe view from Leysreit street.. Th
Q officers present al the execution wtro EIlR
. Sheriff J !. Evsleib, Deputy sherifs Wasso
. Freeman, Daniel j. Cobnsn. Jabez Psat
Q Ersslns Rugg; Benjamin F. Bailey and /.
CobuEf. 49, ees.s ss'mfa 4dsas
II The witnesses invited BY the High SbeH
. andby the Stale authority numbered l2l
q and were admitted al 10 minutes bei0Fe nine
10 The High Sheriff thea called lhs nnshss q
2 the lisl Of Witnesses 10 the exse1tlon. II
y stated they had assembled, b bis invitation
y 81 lawful witnesses Of The execution of jcll
~ ", WsbgsFsRnd 10 requested ihemaO kss
: order.