Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1867-08-05
VOL. ,.XXXIV..
The Family of ssr. Webster, the
Murderer of DIR. Parlkman, aG
The Azore Hsiautls

M0rOerer OF Dr. K.Arkhn0u, at
the Azore Islands.
E Those who remember the celebrated
murder. of DIR. Parkuian BY DR.. Webster,
in Boston, in 1850, will read with interest
the following extract from letter from
the Islands, which is printed in the CleUe-
land Herald: aa- ' ~
Entering the drawing room, we were
met by Mr.. Dabney, a gentleman who does
honor to his country. Venerable and
courtly, but affable and cordial, he had a
pleasant word for each of his numerous
guests. wished you could have looked in
upon that cheerful party as we chatted
gaily, charmed with our surroundings, and
amused at the ease with which we adapted
ourselves to court life. A sea voyage is
not conducive to pride or appearance, and
none of us were in drawing room toilette,
but I assure you that did not check our
mirth nor dim the brilliancy of wit.
"A sister ofthe Consul WAS the hostess of
the occasion, and pleasantly Invited us to
a garden walk, leading the way through a
bay window that opened upon a vision of
beauty and perfume. With scissors in
hand, she loaded US with flowers, and yet
the garden seemed as rich in blossom as be-
fore. 1t is useless to attempt minute de-
scription. Try to imagine eighteen acres
under the highest state of cultivation.
Gorgeous cactus, roses, fuschias aud ge-
raniams, growing in such profusion and
luxuriance as made us laugh at the thought
of the little potted plants we have shell
tered SO carefully at home. There were
oranges, lemons, bananas and pineapples
growing here, but in the perfection in
which we expect to find them Farther on.
Figs and apricots abound here. The High
walls which surround the gardens serve as
a protection from intruders and cold winds.
They are covered with every variety OF
vines. Indeed, variety is marked char
acteristic of the grounds. Now you as
cend flight of stone stairs, and again
you descend to subterraneOus passage
that opens upon gay pdTterTe below. 'ai
Us We appeared in our Wanderings through
this flowery labyrinth to have ascended a
hill, and another open gate and court in
vited entrance. This proved to be the
home of the younger Dabney. son of the
Consul, and, as we were expected, we fol-
lowed on to pay our compliments to the
household. The two houses were similar
| in appearance, and both spoke plainly of
the mild and genial climate. The drawing
rooms were uncarpeted. and there were no
provisions for heating the apartments. The
windows'open to the floor upon verandas.
The arrangements are the same in Win
ters sdi i' adFs ..5fi 41r=7T '.rs .-
| Possibly you will remember that the
two. sons of Mr.. Dabney married the
daughters of the Inflated DR.. Webster. OF
Boston, and it was by one of these ladies
that we were received here. Pleasant and
cordial in her reception, could not but
feel tender pity for her, lest the sight of
so many Americans, some of them Boston
JAMS, should recall that period OF her life
so darkened by a fathers guilt and ignoble
death. ..-.
Whatever were her emotions, they gave
no sign, The children were brought in,
and it was easy to decide which of the par
ty had left little olive branches around
their tables at home. More than one moth
Ter pressed rapturous kisses upon the vel
vet cheeks of the little Dabneys for the
sake of their own darling. But must not
linger among these pleasant scenes. Re-
turning by the same fowery path to the
Consul's, who with his. Son had again
Joined US, we were served with cake and
wine and then made our adieus, wishing
to devote some time to tour of inspection
about town. .- .s4= .4.---t s+5..s
There are only three American and two
| English families residing here, and as the
natives are all under the control of Portu-
gal, no other church finds favor. You will
readily see that while the American and
| British Consuls may sit in luxurious ease
under their own vine and fig tree" their
| lives must nevertheless be in some degree
those of exiles. The Dabney family hav e
been for many. years residents OF this is
land. and have amassed great wealth. They
are originally from Virginia, and the ia
ther of the presentconsul held the same ap-
! pointment in his lite. Mr.. Dabney has a
vessel which sails to and from Boston, but
| the winds and waves are treacherouS mes
sengers, and their intercourse with the
outer world must be limited.