Bemis Report of the Webster Trial, 1850 [1897], Image No: 174   Enlarge and print image (62K)           << PREVIOUS  NEXT >>
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Bemis Report of the Webster Trial, 1850 [1897], Image No: 174   Enlarge and print image (62K)           << PREVIOUS  NEXT >>
174 TRIAL OF JOHN W. WEBSTER. Cross-examined, by Mr. Bemis.-I first communicated the fact of my meeting Dr. Parkman, to my partner, on Monday morning, when he read the notice of his disappearance, from the newspaper. I do not know, whether the information was in any way communicated to Dr. Parkman's family, or the City Marshal. My reason for not mention- ing it, was, that I met Mr. Knapp, the Clerk of the Police Court, and told him of it, and he said, that it was unnecessary to speak about it, as Dr. Parkman had been seen at a later hour at the South End. I saw the advertisement, offering a reward, in Monday's papers, I think; but took no pains to spread the information, in consequence of it. I should have been happy to have made it known to his family, if I had thought it important. I cannot fix the exact place in Washington street, where I saw Dr. Parkman. I should think that it was half-way between Franklin and Milk streets. The street was not much crowded at the time. He might have been four or five rods off, when I first noticed him. I was on the inner side of the side-walk, and he, on the outer. I do not know that he varied his direction as he approached me. There were persons between us, at first. He was walking at his usual pace. I am not aware of having made any statement about the occurrence, to Mr. Lee, the superintendent of the Providence railroad; I may have conversed with him about it. I was not aware of any advertisement, requesting notice to be given to the police, of any information about Dr. Parkman, [The witness produced the notes referred to in his testimony, and the counsel for the defence offered them to the counsel for the Govern- ment, for their inspection; and, if they consented, to go into the case, as testimony. But their relevancy not being admitted, no further action was taken upon them.] Lucius R. Paige, sworn,-examined by Mr. Sohier. I am City Clerk of the city of Cambridge; and, as such, keep the records of the mort- gages of personal property in that city. I saw Dr. Webster, at my house, on the Sunday succeeding the 23d of November last, at about a quarter before five o'clock in the afternoon. I was not at home when he called, but found him there, on m3> return from church. He stated, that he had called to see if Dr. Parkman had been there since Friday noon, to discharge a mortgage. I replied at once, that I knew Dr. Parkman, and that I was very sure that he had not been there. I keep my office at my house. I think, before he left, that I went and ascertained that the mortgage had not been discharged. No cross-examination. Abby B. Rhoades, sworn,-examined by Mr. Sohier. I reside in Minot street, in this city. I knew Dr. George Parkman enough, to bow to him; had known him twenty-five years. I last saw him, on Friday, the 23d of November, in Green street, near the corner of Lyman Place, and in front of Emery Souther's apothecary shop. I think that it must have been about a quarter before five o'clock in the afternoon, just before dark. There was another man with him. I was on the inside of the side-walk, and my daughter, who was walking with me, was between me and the Doc- tor, as he passed us, as near as he could. We were going towards Chambers street, and Dr. Parkman towards Bowdoin Square. We bowed, -that is, Dr. Parkman p,nd myself,-as we passed. I don't know which bowed first. I fix the day, because there was no other day, that week, when my daughter and myself went home together through Green street. We had been out shopping, and made some purchases; among others, at Mr. Hovey's store, in Winter street. After leaving Mr. Hovey's store, we