Report of the trial of Prof. John W. Webster, indicted for the murder of Dr. George Parkman : before the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, holden at Boston, on Tuesday, March 19, 1850 / phonographic report by James W. Stone.

  • Webster, John White, 1793-1850.
Date:
1850
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report of the trial of Prof. John W. Webster, indicted for the murder of Dr. George Parkman : before the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, holden at Boston, on Tuesday, March 19, 1850 / phonographic report by James W. Stone. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.

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    called in casually at Professor Treadwell's; and there I found Dr. Webster and his wife, and Dr. Wyinan and his wife. I was there about an hour; I came in about nine o'clock. I have no particular recollection of him. He appeared as usual. He entered into conver- sation with those there. There was no meeting there by appoint- ment. There was nothing but conversation on general, subjects — the topics of the day and discoveries in ventilation. I saw him four or five times during the week. I called there either Sunday or Mon- day, or it might have been Tuesda)'', of the ensuing week; I called there two evenings, and spoke about the disappearance of Dr. Park- man, as Dr. Webster was in town every day, and had perhaps heard the news, as I thought. , I was there Monday, I think, or Tuesday, and was invited to play a game of whist. I sat down, and played three or four games; the Doctor and his daughter against Mrs. Webster and myself. I was there two evenings out of Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. I made the inquiries in regard to Dr. Park- man of Dr. Webster. Joseph Kidder, sworn. — I am a druggist, in Boston. I am ac*- quainted with Dr. Webster. I remember the day of Dr. Parkman's disappearance. Professor Webster came into my store about five o'clock, — previous to lighting up the gas, — about fifteen minutes after sunset; I think it was fifteen minutes before five. He was there only a few minutes. I am positive of the day, for I have a bill of articles which he purchased. Cross-examination. He bought a box of cologne, which contained six bottles; did not pay for it. Direct resumed. He took it with him. Marianne Webster, sworn. — I am a daughter of Dr. Webster. Since his arrest, I have endeavored to call to mind the places where he was that week. Father was home to tea Friday night, the 23d, a little before six. He took tea at home, and remained at home till eight, and then went to a neighbor's house, with mother, and sisters, and myself. Father left us at the gate. Mother left with him. We were at a small party. I next saw him about half past twelve; when I came home from the party, he opened the door for me. He retired to his room about one o'clock. It was half past twelve when I returned home; and we all went up stairs at the same time. It was his custom to breakfast at home ; but I did not break- fast myself that morning, so I did not see him again till a little after one o'clock. He dined at home. I did not see him again till dark. I was not at home myself that afternoon. I don't remember the Transcript being there. One of the neighbors takes it, which father sometimes reads. He was at home that evening, and read to us, and played whist part of the time. That was not the evening Judge Fay was there. I remember he was at home to tea. Before tea, he came into the parlor with a book. I went to bed at ten. Father was at home then. I can't call to mind seeing father, until I saw him at church. After chapel, he went to take a walk with my mother and sister. He was at dinner at half past 12. We dined earlier than usual, for he was going to town that afternoon. I knew, that morning, that he intended to come into town. I heard at noon that he wished to go in the morning. He was going in to call on Dr. Francis Parkman, to tell him that he was the