Bemis Report of the Webster Trial, 1850 [1897], Image No: 162   Enlarge and print image (64K)           << PREVIOUS  NEXT >>
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Bemis Report of the Webster Trial, 1850 [1897], Image No: 162   Enlarge and print image (64K)           << PREVIOUS  NEXT >>
162 TRIAL OF JOHN W. 'WEBSTER. that night, but a neighbor takes the Transcript, and it was Father's practice to step in and borrow it. He stayed at home, that evening, reading aloud and playing whist with us. This was not one of the even- ings, when Judge Fay was at our house; but Miss Hodges took tea with us. I remember seeing Father came from his study to the tea-table. I am certain, that he was at home during the evening. We went to bed about ten o'clock; and I saw him at home, and up, then. Sunday morning, I don't remember seeing Father, until I saw him at church; at the College chapel. After church, he went to take a walk with my mother and sister, and returned to dinner, at half-past twelve. We generally dine at one, on Sundays; but dined earlier, that day, in order that he might go to Boston, and inform Dr. Francis Parkman, of his having seen his brother, the Friday before. After dinner, he went into town. I knew of his intention to go, in the morning. Something was said, then, about it, but I did not know the object of his going, till after dinner. I cannot call to mind, seeing him, again, that evening, after he returned from town. Father dined at home, on Monday. He came home, just at dinner- time, which is two o'clock, P. M., on week days. He was not at home, after dinner. I saw him, at tea, but think, that he was away during the afternoon. He was at home in the evening; spent the whole evening with us. We had a friend visiting us, in the early pant of the evening, and Judge Fay called in and played whist. I went to bed, about ten. o'clock. Father was then in, and the rest of the family up. On Tuesday, Father was at home, at dinner, and a little while after dinner. I don't recollect, as to the afternoon, beyond that. He was at home, at tea, and during the evening. I saw him at home, between ten and eleven o'clock. I left him up, at that time, when I went to bed. That evening we played whist among ourselves; and there was a fire, in the direction of Porter's hotel. I remember his being at home when there was the alarm of fire. Father generally breakfasted with the family. On Wednesday, I saw him, at about eleven o'clock, in the forenoon. He came into the house, at that hour. I was in the dining-room, reading a book, and he came in and made some remark about the book. He went out into the garden, to trim the grape-vines, and worked there till dinner-time. He dined at home; and remained at home, till twenty minutes after six, when he came into Boston with us, to a family party, at Mr. Cunning- ham's. We left Mr. Cunningham's, at half-past ten o'clock, and took the eleven o'clock hourly to Cambridge. I left him up, when I went to bed that night, sitting in his dressing-gown and reading a newspaper. Thursday, Thanksgiving-day, Father was at home; he did not come to Boston. So far as I know, he spent the most part of the morning in the garden. We spent the evening at home. I retired about ten, and he was at home, then. I recollect first seeing him, on Friday, at dinner. He was at home about half an hour after dinner; and then, again, at sunset; also, a part of the evening, till his arrest. I have a married sister, abroad, at Fayal. There is a pretty constant intercourse kept up between our family, and the family there. We keep a journal of all the passing occurrences, from which we write to our sister there. It is from this journal, that I have refreshed my memory, in regard to the facts, which I have testified to. My Father frequently sends things to Fayal: frequently sends plants put up in air-tight boxes. I' know that he intended to send some, this winter; but cannot say, whether he had made any preparations towards it. My Father has also had corals sent him from Fayal. Cross-examination waived. Harriet P. Webster, sworn, examined by Mr. Sohier. I am a daugh- ter of Dr. Webster.