Bemis Report of the Webster Trial, 1850 [1897], Image No: 161   Enlarge and print image (61K)           << PREVIOUS  NEXT >>
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Bemis Report of the Webster Trial, 1850 [1897], Image No: 161   Enlarge and print image (61K)           << PREVIOUS  NEXT >>
TRIAL OF JOHN iv. WEBSTER. isi I recollect the day of Dr. Parkman's disappearance. I heard of it the next day, Saturday, in the evening. I saw Dr. Webster, that Friday, in the evening. I had called in, accidentally, at a mutual friend's house, his wife, and Dr. Morrill Wyman and his wife. I stayed there, about an hour, I think. I have no particular recollection of Dr. Webster's appearance that evening. There was nothing in it, to attract attention. He seemed as usual, and participated in the conversation. There was a good deal of conversation between him, and Dr. Wyman, and Mr. Treadwell, upon various sub- jects;-the common topics of the day. We occupied ourselves with conversation, simply. I think one subject broached with Dr. Wyman, was, in regard to the recent improvements or discoveries in ventilation. I saw Professor Webster, several times, during the following week. I was at his house, Sunday, or Monday evening; I am not certain, which; and, again, Tuesday evening. I think I called in, on Sunday evening, to make inquiry in regard to Dr. Parkman; supposing that Dr. Web- ster would be likely to know the news in regard to it. Another evening, Monday, or Tuesday, I spent two or three hours at his house, playing whist, having been invited to play with himself and family. I sat down and played three or four games; Dr. Webster and his daughter, playing against Mrs. Webster and myself. I am confident of having been at his house, two evenings, out of three,-Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. I inquired of Dr. Webster, himself, directly, in regard to Dr. Park- man. I was only there a short time, on that occasion. Cross-examination waived. Joseph Kidder, sworn,-examined by Mr. Sohier. I am a druggist, and have a shop in Court street, in this city. I know Professor Webster. I remember the day of Dr. Parkman's disappearance. I saw the Professor in my shop, that afternoon, Friday, the 23d, just before lighting up; about five o'clock. It was about fifteen minutes after sundown, say, a quarter before five. He was there but a very few minutes. I am positive as to the day, for I have a bill of the articles which he bought, by which I fix it. Cross-examined by Mr. Bemis.-He called to buy a box of Cologne, and purchased a whole one. A box contains six bottles. He did not pay for it. Direct, again.-He took it away with him. Marianne Webster, sworn,-examined by Mr. Sohier. I am the daughter of Dr. Webster. Since his arrest, I have endeavored to recollect the places in which my father was, and the particulars of his conduct, during the week succeeding Dr. Parkman's disappearance. On Friday, the 23d, Father was at home, at tea, a little before six o'clock. He drank tea. at home. He remained at home, till eight o'clock, and then went to a neighbor's house with us. We saw him again at half past twelve o'clock. He accom- panied Mother, my two sisters, and myself, to a friend's house, to a small party, and left us at the gate; Mother keeping on with him. When we returned home, at half-past twelve, he opened the door for us. We remained up, a half an hour, talking with him; and he retired to his room, at one o'clock. We all went up-stairs, at the same time. I don't know, of my own knowledge, where he had spent the evening. It was his custom, to breakfast at home; but not being up early, Saturday morning, I did not breakfast with him. I saw him, again, Saturday afternoon, a little after one o'clock. He dined at home with us. After dinner, I did not see him, again, till towards evening. I don't know about the afternoon, as I was not at home, myself. I did not see him till dark; at tea-time. I did not see the Evening Journal, 10