The Daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1845-1850, 1850-07-09
PROF. WEBsTER,s ORIGINAL PETITION

PROF. WEBSTER'S ORIGINAL PETITION
The following is a copy of the petition of Prof
Webster to the Governor and Council for pardon, on
the ground of his entire innocence, which was pre-
sented near the end of April, and withdraw at the
beginning of the last month
To his Ercellency George NJ Briggs, LII d.,
and the Honorable Council Of the State of Mas
SachusettS.
Having been convicted before the Supreme Judi
cal Court of the murder of DIR. George Parkman, |
would most respectfully and humbIy petition your
Excellency and the Honorable Council to be permit
ted to declare, in the most solemn MANNER that am
entirely innocent of this awful crime; that never
entertained any other than the kindest feelings to-
wards him; and that | never had any nducement to
inure, in any way, him whom have long number
ed among my best friends.
To Him who seeth in secret, and before whom
may ere long be called to appear, would | appeal
for the truth of what now declare, also for the
truth of the solemn declarations that had no agency
in placing the remains of human body in or under
my rooms in the Medical College In Boston, nor do
know by whom they were so placed. am the VIC
tim of circumstances, or foul conspiracy, of the
attempt Of some individual cause suspicion to fall
upon me, influenced perhaps by the prospect of OBJ
tanning large reward.
When first charged with this dreadful crime | did
cence, or any explanation of the circumstance tend
ing to bring suspicion on me, solely in consequence
of entire ignorance of the course ought to adopt and
implicit reliance on the camer judgment of Others
had, however, prepared for publication document
to that effect, but as there was strong disposition
from the first, to misinterpre and mlsrepresent my
every look, action, and expression, it was deemed
most advisable for me to preserve and maintain ST.
lence; the document was, therefore, with no little
INN
my arrest every was resorted to to bend even
the most trihing appearances in my laboratory, and
Insignificant circumstances to add to suspicion, and
to pervert them to my disadvantage.
In the state of mind in which l was, silence was
constantly urged upon me, and l complied, more
strictly perhaps than ought to have done. Every
method of poisoning the public mind, and exciting
prejudice against me was resorted to falsehoods,
imputatons and fabrications daily diffused and
soon perceived that the contradiction of one would
lead to Others and that the refutaton of them all
would be an endless task. therefore submitted in
silence and resignation, believing that the time must
shortly arrived when He who bringeth light out of
darkness would cause the truth to appear, and my
innocence be made manifest to all.
Had previously been aware of the use that was
to be made of some circumstances on my trial, to
give an unjust and erroneous impression if unex-
planned, | should have been provided with evidence
to explain them most satisfactorily
Some of the statements, references, and clrcum-
stances, however, could not be fully explained or dis
proved without the testimony of my wife, of which,
unfortunately, could not avail myself | now pray
your Honors that the evidence may be reviewed by
you, and that the testimony of my wife may be heard
and received, as also my statements and ex-
plantations.
Repeating in the most solemn and positive man.
ner and under the fullest sense of my responsibility
as a man and a Christian, that | am wholly in
nocent of this charge, the truth which the Search
er of all hearts is witness, | would humbly and
respectfully pray that the privilege have asked may
be granted. do this under the full belief that the
testimony and explanations would now offer, are
such as will disprove many things impair very gener-
ally the evidence of at least Witnesses and place
in their true light circumstances now obscure.
On this review of my case, your HOnors will, l
trust, find sufficient for reversing the dec
sion of the Court, and for the nterposton of mercy
The knowledge of my feelings and habits, and of
my various engagements and occupation oftime, both
before and after the disappearance of DIR. Parkman,
have from the first been sufficient assurance to my
afflicted family of my innocence and neither that
their trust in Him who has sustained both them and
me in our days and nights of sorrow and sadness,
have been shaken by the unlocked for result of my
trial They would pray to be permitted to unite with
him who is their sole earthly Dependence In this pc
titiOn believing that your Excelency and the Hon
orable Council will find sufficient grounds for grant
ing to me pardon, and of restoring to them the
husband and father, for which most respectfully
and humbIy pray.
(Signed) J. w. WEBSTER.
Boston, April "a 1850.
Withdrawn on application Of Dr. Webster, June
A, 1851