|
TRIAL OF JOHN lv. WEBSTER. ~ 155
Under the second and third heads, we shall freely admit, that the
interview took place, as alleged, between one and two o'clock, on the
23d of November; but shall distinctly prove, that Dr. Parkman left the
College precisely as Professor Webster has stated; that he was seen
almost immediately after he left it, and subsequently, during the after-
noon of that day, in various parts of the city, by highly respectable
individuals, to whom his person was as well known, as it was to any
of the Government's witnesses. And this is all that is known by us,
or by any one else, concerning him.
Professor Webster, himself, left the College at an early hour that
afternoon; sufficiently early, to be at his house, in Cambridge, at his
usual tea-hour, which was six o'clock. He took tea with his family,
and then he and his wife accompanied their daughters to the house of
of a neighbor, where the daughters were engaged to meet a party of
young people. Here the Professor and his wife left the young ladies,
and went themselves to the house of another friend, at which they spent
the evening. .From thence, they returned home, and remained up, until
their daughters came in, which was about one o'clock, when all the
family retired at the same time.
We shall also show you how Professor Webster passed the rest of
that week, up to the moment of his arrest:-that every morning he
breakfasted at home, at an early hour; that his forenoons were spent
in his laboratory, as was his wont; that he dined at Cambridge with
his family every day; and spent his afternoons and evenings in their
company.
These are the circumstances which we intend to prove; and, in addi-
tion, we shall offer proof on various points, directly contrary to the
testimony which the Government have put in.
This, Gentlemen of the Jury, is all the opening statement which I
deem it necessary to make; and I shall now proceed to introduce the
evidence to support it.
Mr. Sohier, having closed his opening address, at five minutes to
six o'clock, proceeded to call the witnesses for the defence.
Joseph T. Buckingham, sworn,-examined by Mr. Sohier. I reside
in Cambridge; am acquainted with Professor Webster, and have been
so, for thirty years, I think. For the last seventeen years, I have
resided in his neighborhood, at Cambridge. I have never heard of his
being charged, with any act of violence, inhumanity, or bad temper.
We have been on familiar terms, and have met frequently; though,
perhaps, I am not so well acquainted with him, as some of his other
friends.
Cross-examination waived.
John G. Palfrey, sworn,-examined by Mr. Sohier. I am acquainted
with the defendant; have been his neighbor, at. Cambridge, for some
fifteen years. In regard to his character for violence, or inhumanity, I
have never heard it discussed. I have an opinion of my own as to it.
[The Chief Justice stated, that evidence of character could only
relate to the general estimation in which a person was held by his
acquaintances, or the community to which he belonged; and that, indi-
vidual and personal opinion was not competent testimony.]
Dr. Palfrey, resumes.-I have never heard any acts of violence, or
inhumanity, .imputed to him. I have understood his reputation to be,
somewhat, that of a petulant, excitable man, but whose irritation
would exhaust itself in a harmless way; -in words only.
John H. Blake, sworn,-examined by :12r. Sohier. I reside in Bos-
ton; am acquainted with Professor Webster. and have been so, for
|
