JOHN WHITE WEBSTER (d. 1850) American murderer. Webster, a Harvard chemistry professor, had been involved in a fraudulent loan scheme associated with Dr. George Parkman. To cover his crime, Webster murdered Parkman and burned the corpse in the college's furnace. After his attempted suicide, Webster's case attracted international attention and proved crucial in the definition of the use of circumstantial evidence by trial judge Lemuel Shaw. Webster was hanged after numerous appeals. A.L.S. "J.W. Webster" 1p. 4to., Cambridge, Nov. 2, 1844, to James Arnold, introducing N. Phillips, who is "...desirous of increasing his very large and valuable collection of autographs, & of having the privilege of seeing what painting he can during his visit to this country. Mr. Phillips has acquired much reputation as an artist, & of his great talent as a musician...". Near fine. $200-300