Dr. James W. Stone. Report of the Trial of
Professor John W. Webster ...
, 1850
,
Image No: 118
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Dr. James W. Stone. Report of the Trial of
Professor John W. Webster ...
, 1850
,
Image No: 118
   Enlarge and print image (55K)           << PREVIOUS  NEXT >>
109 stairs, and brought Dr. Webster up, two men holding him up, and placed him in an arm-chair. Dr. Webster recognized Dr. Gay and myself. Water was handed him, but he could not drink, he shook so. Dr. Gay assisted him, as he was not able to hold the tumbler in his hand. He was greatly distressed, and spoke of his wife and children. I begged him to be calm, as we had not come to harm him; that some discoveries had been made, which required explana- tion. I understood that one or two of his private rooms had not been opened, and requested him to go to the College. He said he wished to have Mr. Franklin Dexter and Mr. William H. Prescott sent for. I said to him that Mr. Dexter had moved out of town. He replied that his family were at the Revere House. He spoke about the dis- tress of his wife and children, and said, " O, my wife and children! " I told him there was another family who, for the week past, had been in great distress. I was incredulous when I left my house. I told him I hoped to God he would be able to explain all satisfactorily. I told the officers that .Dr. Webster was not to be interrogated. The officers assisted him in getting into the coach. I do not think he could support himself. We went to the College. I got there before he did. I did not speak to him while there, as I remember. We passed into the back room, and some one asked for the key of the privy. Not being found, that door ryas forced. I remember his asking for water. There was some search for key to privy; but none being found, it was forced. Mr. Andrews called my attention to the fact that bones had been found in the furnace. Messrs. Pratt, Clapp, and Littlefield, went down the scuttle, and the remains were placed on a board. I asked Dr. Gay if they were the parts of a hu- man being, and of the same person. He arranged them, and said they were. Dr. Webster was then four feet behind me, and that would make it about nine or ten feet off. No body spoke to Dr. Webster. I gave orders to have him remanded, and strict guard to be placed over the remains. He was carried out, being still supported. When the privy seat was opened, Mr. Andrews noticed some quick- ening of the pulse, I believe. Cross-examination. I went very early next morning to the Revere House. By the Government. I was at the Police Court when Dr. Webster was brought tip for examination. He waived an examination. JOHN N. CUMMINGS, sworn. - I am turnkey and watchman of the jail. I was there when Dr. Webster was brought, after his arrest. Mr. Clapp went away, and afterwards came back and told me to commit him. I then went into the back room, with a key. He was on the settee. I spoke to him two or three times, but he made no answer. He did not appear to have the use of his limbs. We carried him down to the lock-up, and hoisted him up into a berth, and left him. He spoke about, his family, and wished water. We then left him. Mr. Parker came to the jail, and wanted to see Dr. Webster. I took the key, and went down and told him I wanted him to come up stairs, for Mr. Parker wished to see him. He did n't appear to take any notice of what I said. I took hold of him, when he said, ° I expected this." I then went and told Mr. Parker that he couldn't come up. Mr. Parker, and Dr. Gay, and two officers, Mr. Leighton and Mr. Jones, then went down.. Dr. Gay asked him, after we