April 27, 1855
Henry C. Wright addresses a long article to The Rev. Lyman Beecher. Beecher has evidently argued for the right of the state to punish by hanging. Wright, compares what the murderer, John W. Webster has done, to what Joseph Eveleth, the hangman, has done, saying that the act of each was the same. In conclusion, Wright says, “.. let me call your attention to the reproach you cast upon those of us who would abolish the Death Penalty. You reproach me for my sympathy for the murderer.” This Wright casts in the light of his opening argument. Yet the act was the same….the one breaking the head, the other the neck, of his victim…the life of man was taken by both, both committed homicide.
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