The New York herald., 1862-05-07
Trial. Sentence and Execution OF TtmO
thy Webster as Spy.

We append brief synopsis OF the proceedings Of the
court martial that condemned the above person. in order
understanding Of the matter alleged against
him. and for which he yesterday at twenty two minutes
past eleven O'clock suffered the extreme penalty OF the
law at the military camp at the new fair grounds.
On the I'd OF April the court martial convenod for the
trial OF Timothy Webster, an alien enemy, Col Nat
Taylor being President Of the same.
ChargeLurking about the armies and forthcatons OF
the Confederate States OF America. First specification
That the 1st OF April, being an alien enemy and
in the service Of the United Statcs he urcd about the
armies and fortncations Of the Confederate States
and Richmond. Second specication-That
about the lst Of July, 1851, prisoner being alien
enemy aud in tho service Of the United States did lurk
around ana about the armies and fortcations Of tho
Confederate States at Memphis in the State Of TeOnes
The prisoner was defended by Names and Williams
who introduced a number Of witnesses in his behalf
Tho Court having naturciy considered the evidence
adduced and two thirds concurrag therein. they found
the prisoner guilty OF the charge.
First specilcatrn--<suKv.
Second spsciication-Not guilty,
whsrcnpon twothirds OF the Court concurring IL was
adjutged that the accused suffer death by hanging
On the 25h Of April the proceedings findings aud SEN
tencs Of the Court were approved by the Commanding
General of the Departments Of Henrico who ordered that
the should BE- executed under the direction
the Provost Marshal, on the 9th day Of April botween
the hours Of six and twelve O'Clock II.
On the announcement Of his approaching fate the
prisoner hear, grow defiant, thinking no doubt
that he would not be hung lie also said he could mako
several parties in the War Department shake in their
jackets by his revelations, but he made none up to
his last hour Learning Monday night that there
show for him, he became completely unnsrved. He
carried TO the fair grounds as early O'Clock
yesterday morning. by Captain Alexander but prior to
that time received visit from Rev. Mr. Woodbridge.
He asked tho clergyman to read the Psalm OF David n-
voing vengeance on his encmies He refused and Web
s.er grew indignant causing tho clergyman take
carly departure When brought to the gallows the
prisoner visibly affected by the sight OF the
preparations observable, and shuddsred when he
looked at his oofIin
After the rope adjusted around his neck prayer
ofored UP BY Rev. ID. u. Hogc. Al the conclusion, Q
black cap drawn his eyos he having previously
bid farewell to several persons standing by The signal
bcin; given. the trigger that sustained the drop
drawn, and IL struck against the uprights with loud
sound. Owing TO detective cotton rope, the moose
slipped. and Webster fell his back TO the ground.
The half hung and partially stunned man speedily
swinging in accordance with his sentence This
occurred at twenty-five minutes past eleven O'Clock Fiji
teen minutes later left the ground but the body
still suspended. He died In about one minute.
Webster, who had plenty OF gold and Confederate
States Treasury notes gave II all TO his wife the night
before his execution He In the employment OF
OF the departments here letter carrier between this
city and Maryland. 1t IL said-how true know not
that he used to take the letters received here to WASH
ngton, whore they were copied, and the answers re-
ceived served in the way thus being used
evidence against the parties Of them have found
their by subsequent and incarceration
prisoner by style Of his evidence against Lewis and
Sculy and they let the Of the bag him after
their conviction. Mrs Webster who arrested along
with her husband as spy, still ~ Castle Goodwin but
will doubt be sent out OF the confederacy. Webster
is the first man executed here as spy. Perhaps IL
would bsen betcr had the business been
at an earlier day.