Bemis Report of the Webster Trial, 1850 [1897], Image No: 159   Enlarge and print image (66K)           << PREVIOUS  NEXT >>
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Bemis Report of the Webster Trial, 1850 [1897], Image No: 159   Enlarge and print image (66K)           << PREVIOUS  NEXT >>
TRIAL OF JOHN W. WEBSTER. 159 To the Attorney General.-Since his arrest, I have heard remarks, which I could not trace to any reliable source, affecting his character in the particulars named; but previously to that, I can say with con- fidence, that I never heard anything, but as of a kind and amiable man. Charles O. Eaton, sworn,-examined by Mr. Sohier. I reside in this c'ty; , ' am acquainted with Professor Webster, and have been so, for three `ears past. His estimation, is that of a quiet and peaceable man. I have always found and heard him spoken of, as such. I should think him a kind man. I am a sign and ornamental painter. I have been employed by Pro- fessor Webster to do painting for him, during the last two or three years. In that employment, I have been to the Medical College, fre- quently, to see him; more, during the medical lectures, than at any other time. I always found him in his private room, or in the lecture-room. He always told me to come to his private room, by the door leading from the dissecting-room entry. I have frequently been to the College to see him, when I could not get admission to his rooms, any way; the doors being all locked on the inside. I have been there, when the jani- tor, himself, could not gain admission; and have gone away, a, great many times, in consequence of finding the doors fastened up. I have oftener found the doors bolted, than otherwise, when I called; unless it would be at lecture hours. I would find less difficulty, then, in getting in. I presume, that Professor Webster was in his rooms, at these times; as Mr. Littlefield would tell me so, when I saw, him. I was at the College, last, by appointment, on Monday, the 12th of November. I received a note from the Professor, on the 9th, relative to preparing some diagrams for him, and requesting me to call at the College, and see him about them. I went there, and rang the outside bell. Mr. Littlefield came to the door, and said, that I could not see him; that he was busily engaged. I showed him Dr. Websters' note, appointing me to call, and he then went with me to gain admission to the Doctor. He tried the lecture-room door, and found it bolted on the inside. We also found the lower laboratory-door bolted; but, finally, got in, by some other door. Cross-examined, by Mr. Bemis.-I did not go to the Medical College, any other time, this fall. titan that named; the 12th of November. I was there last, before that, some time during the summer pervious; the summer of 1849. I went there, about the diagrams which the Doctor was to use in his lectures. It was while his course was going on; in summer time. I had no occasion to go there, at any other time. Dur- ing the course, I was there, every week. I don't know when Professor Webster's course ends; but I was there in warm weather. I have pre- pared the diagrams for three courses of his lectures. I was an apprentice to Thomas C. Savory, when I first went to the College, to do work for Professor Webster. I went into business, for myself, in October, 1848. I used to call at the College, oftenest, during my apprenticeship. I was there, almost every lecture day. I believe, that the lectures were given, every day, but Thursdays, and Saturdays; but am not certain about the days, now, though I used to know them, at the time. I cannot tell the latest period that I have been at the Col- lege, before the lectures ended. I should not like to say, that it was as late as May, or April. I only know, that it was warm weather: so warm, that the doors and windows were open. It might have been during the January thaw: I can't say. Dr. Webster wanted me to wait for my pay, for my paintings, till the course of lectures began, in the fall. This was as early as January, or February, 1849. Direct, again.-Not being a medical student, I only know of the time when the lectures began and ended, by what I gathered from going