The National tribune., 1901-02-28

WASHlNGlUN, ID. ", THUl
his daily duties miFgling honorably with
his fellows aid npheid by a pride of
honor and self resneet; his sacrifices for his
| country in the Harls shour of her peril; the
lonely marches the weary burdens, the un-
tlinching steadfasiless of his fealty to his
Government; he long nights OF storm and
danger. the varying episodes of pleasure
and of pain, conflicts with enemies, and
happy hours with friendly companions
all these Thoughts came upon him with Il
distinctness which brought their actual
presence near. Now he was listening to
| the sweet lullaby sof his mothers voice.
now he stood il the, hall OF the Sons of
Liberty" in the midst of affrighted con-
spirators and blue-sDated soldiers; anon he
strayed by purliRg stream with a loved
one upon his arm, and again he breasted
the dashing waters and the deluging storm
on the bay, as he rescued the women and
children from the stranded boat.
So vivid were these pictures of his mind
that he lived again n hundred scenes of his
past life, partook of n hundred pleasures,
shared IN hundred sorrows. Suddenly,
in the midst of some thrilling vision of by
gone days, the fiickering of his lamp or the
tread of the sentry outside would recall
him from a delightful reverie to the dark
and dreadful present. Then gloomy and
Respondent thoughts would come to him.
He would picture minutely the scenes of
the morrow, the rude platform, the
dangling moose, the armed soldiers, the
hideOus black cap, the springing of the gal
lows trap. Then, unable to bear the agony
of his thoughts, he would start to his feet,
press his hands to his ears, as if to drown
the fearful sounds, and pace rapidly the
narrow cell. Mrs. LawtOn never left him;
ever alert TO his needs, ever ready with
sustaining words, although her own brave,
tender heart was breaking, she did her ut
most to strengthen and sustain him. Grad
ually he became calmer. The slow-moving
hours passed on, and he resolutely perform
ed the last duties that devolved upon him.
Messages were confided TO his unwayering
nurse for the dear friends at home; ex-
pressiOns of love and regard for his kin
dred, and answering breathings of deyo-
ton to his country.
Tell Maj. Allen that | met my fate
like man. Thank him for his many acts
of kindness to me. ] have done my duty,
and | can meet death with brave neart
and clear conscience"
TIE EXECUTION OF WEBSTER.
The first faint streaks of the early dawn
came III through the grated window; the
sun was rising in the heavens, brightly and
gloriously lighting up day that should
have been shrouded in gloom. Its beams
llumined the little chamber where Web
StcE lay calli tnu WakeIul, MS ndHuS
claSped by the woman who had so nobly
shared his captivity.
silence had fallen upon them. Each
was busy with thoughts which lips could
not utter, and the deathlike stiffness was
undisturbed save by the tramp of the
guards in the corridor.
Suddenly there came the sound of hur-
RED footsteps. They paused before the
door. The heavy bolts were shot back,
and in the doorway stood Capt. Alexander,
the officer in charge.
The little clock that licked upon the
wall noted quarter past o'clock.
Come, Webster, it is time to GO"
There was no sympathy in the rough
voice which uttered these words.
''To go wIteres" inquired Webster,
starting up in surprise.
reply. S'2't
Surely not ut this hour" pleaded the
condemned mdf 1.-THE earliest moment
named in my deathwarrant is o'clock,
and you certainly will not require me to
go before that"
at is the order of, Gen. Winder, and l
must obey" answered Alexander. You
must prepare yourself at once"
Without another word Webster arose
from his bed and began his preparations
Not tremOr was apparent and his hand
was as steady and firm as iron. When he
Mrs. Lawton, and, taking both her hands
in his, he murmured:
''Good-by, dear friend; we shall never
meet again on EARTH God bless you and
your kindness to me. / will be brave and
die like man. Farewell, foreverw then
turning to Capt Alexander, who stood un-
moved near the door he said:
Il am readyw
As they went out through the door
piercing shrek rent the air. and Mrs. Law
ton fell prostrate to the floor.
Arriving at the entrance to the prison,
they found company of cavalry drawn
up before them, and carriage, procured
by Mrs. Lawton, awaiting their appear
ance. Webster crossed the pavement with
unfaltering step and entered the vehicle,
the order to march was given, and the pro-
cession started for the scene of execution
At Camp Lee the scene was one of
hustle and excitement. Soldiers were NOV
ing about in companies and in small de
tachments. Eager spectators were there,
curious to watch the proceedings, and the
streets leading to the grounds were lined
with people, whose prevailing emotion
seemed to be that of idle curiosity.
On arriving at the camp Webster was
conducted into a small room, on the ground
hoor Of one of the buildings, and was left
alone with the clergyman who had been
requested to accompany him.
Thus he remained for several hours. At
10 minutes past II the carriage was drawn
up before the door, and Webster appeared
leaning upon the arm of the jailsr and at
tended by his spiritual adviser.
The doomed man wore a look of calm
composure. His face was pale aud the
feebleness of his condition was manifest in
his tOttering walk; but his eye was clear
and steady and not q muscle of his face be-
trayed his emotion.
They reached the scaffold, which was
erected on the north side of the parade
ground. Slowly and painfully he ascended
to the platform. Amid a breathless silence
he stood for moment and gazed about
him. The bright blue sky overhead, the
muskets of the soldiers gistcning in the
rays of the sun, the white, eager faces
which surrounded him. His last look on
earth. Though much exhausted by his
long illness, he stood alone and firmly
whilst his arms were tied behind him and
his feet were bound together.
The black cap was placed over his head,
and then followed q moment of solemn
stiffness. The entire assembly seemingly
ceased to breathe. The signal was given,
the trap was sprung, and, with dreadful,
sickening thud, Webster fell from the glib
bet to the ground beneath. The hang
mans knot had slipped, and the man,
bound hand and foot, lay in confused
heap, limp and motionlers, before the gath