Bemis Report of the Webster Trial, 1850 [1897], Image No: 168   Enlarge and print image (62K)           << PREVIOUS  NEXT >>
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Bemis Report of the Webster Trial, 1850 [1897], Image No: 168   Enlarge and print image (62K)           << PREVIOUS  NEXT >>
16~ TRIAL OF JOHN W. WEBSTER. \ If I should discover an agreement between a number of blocks of teeth, found as these are said to have been, and plaster-casts of a set of teeth showing a peculiar conformation of the lower jaw, and a peculiar connection of the two jaws, I should certainly say, that it was a remark- able coincidence. If I had worked a long time upon a set of teeth belonging to a peculiar-shaped jaw, and had taken impressions of the jaw, I could probably identify my work, if the interval had not been too great since the work was done. Direct, again.-When I spoke of not knowing anything peculiar, about the shape of Dr. George Parkman's jaw, I meant to speak with reference to its prominence. I mean to say, also, in regard to fitting one set of teeth made for one person's mouth to another person's mouth, that though the whole set might not fit, there is no difficulty in finding particular blocks to fit. To the Chief Justice.-The impression taken of a jaw in wax, and afterwards preserved in plaster, for the purpose of making a set of mineral teeth, is a perfect fac simile of the outline of the jaw, with its absorptions and cavities; and this is necessary for the dentist's pur- pose. To Mr. Sohier, again.-It is a model of the gums, with the flesh on, and not of the bone itself. I should think, therefore, that there might be a considerable difference between such a model, and the naked bone. Daniel Treadwell, recalled,-examined by Mr. Sohier. [It was stated that a part of this witness's testimony had been accidentally omitted.] I remember the day of Dr. Parkman's disappearance. I live in the neighborhood of Dr. Webster, at Cambridge, and saw him, on that day, Friday, Nov. 23d, at my house, at about half-past eight o'clock. He called with his wife. Dr. Morrill Wyman and wife, and Mrs. Treadwell and' myself, were present when they entered. Judge Fay afterwards came in. A general conversation ensued, on a variety of topics, and Dr. and Mrs. Webster left, at about ten o'clock. Since his arrest, I have endeavored to recall the particulars of the interview, but can recollect nothing unusual. He conversed upon any subject that was introduced, and appeared cheerful, and perfectly self- possessed; there was nothing like distraction or absent-mindedness in his manner, I am familiar with his usual demeanor. I saw Dr. Webster, twice, in the course of the ensuing week. The first time, was Tuesday evening, between his house and the Unitarian church in Cambridge, near the burying-ground; this was as late as six o'clock, or after. I had taken tea, and was walking down town. It was a spot where I very frequently met him, on his return, evenings, from the city. 'We stopped and had a moment's conversation together: I anet him again, on some other occasion, but cannot say, when. At both interviews, I noticed nothing unusual in his demeanor. We talked of Dr. Parkman's disappearance, among other things, and he spoke of it in his usual manner; perhaps, with some animation, but not differ- ently from what he would of any other passing subject which excited interest. Cross-examined, by Mr. Bemis.-I am quite confident, that, on the first occasion, Tuesday, he was going towards his own house. It was fully as late as six o'clock. He did not speak of having been at the book-store. On this occasion, or the other, after we had spoken of Dr. Parkinan, he pointed up to a star, that was particularly bright, and asked some question in regard to it. It being now two o'clock, P. M., the Court adjourned to half-past three. Afternoon Session.-Thusday, March 28th. The Court resumed its session, at the usual hour.