Editor's note: The following confession by Ned Hawkins, Estill County's most infamous outlaw was written while Hawkins was in the Estill County jail on murder charges. Ned reportedly gave permission to some prominent residents of the county to print and sell copies of the confession in exchange for a burial suit and some money. He was prosecuted by Sidney M Barnes, who would later achieve a degree of fame himself as the commanding officer of the Eighth Kentucky Infantry Regiment, the first Union force to reach the top of Lookout Mountain during that renowned Civil war Battle.

Edward Hawkins' Confession

I was born in Estill County on the 11th day of July, 1836. I commenced a life of recklessness at about the age of ten years. My mother was a pious member of the Baptist Church, and always gave me the best of counsel: but alas, I heeded none of her admonitions, but gave up to my wayward course of disobedience and crime, until I have thus been overtaken by the retributive justice of an outraged and violated law; and now, here I wish to admonish my young readers to beware of small crimes-they will harden you and prepare you for the commission of larger ones; yea, crimes without parallel, as is verified in my present unfortunate and hopeless case. Oh, my young readers suffer me to exhort you to read the following pages with care and attention; they may serve you as a beacon by which you may escape the wretch-ed condition which I am now in-incarcerated in the walls of a dungeon, loaded down with chains and fetters, with the grim images of my murdered fellow men haunting me day and night: and soon, oh, very soon, to be taken to the gallows, and there in the spring season of my life to be hurled into the presence of an offended God, who cannot look upon sin with the least allowance.

With this short preface, I will proceed to give you a history of my life, which is more heavily laden with crime than was ever committed by one so young.

I am a son of John W. Hawkins. I was born on Woodward Creek, in Estill County, Ky.,on the 11th day of July 1836, and am consequently in my twenty-first year. My mother is a daughter of William Barnes. When I was a small boy my father sent me to school occasionally, and being an apt scholar, I learned to read, write and cipher; and after I left home I went to school some, and acquired more proficiency in a common English education,

The first acts of my life, which I can now remember, were mischievous and evil disposed. My great evil trait in infancy was reckless disobedience to my parents. When they told me to do anything I disobeyed them, and never told them the truth; and, as they knew my character in this respect, they gave me little or no credit when I might happen to tell them the truth. My mother was a pious member of the Baptist Church, as before stated, and would frequently admonish me, with tears in her eyes, to mend my ways, and always tell the truth, and be a good boy. Oh, my young reader, had I only gave heed to that dear mother's admonitions I might now be as free as you are, in place of dreary walls of this loathsome dungeon.

I would call my little brothers and sisters ill names and provoke them to strike me, and would tell my father that they commenced it, and put the blame on them, false as it was. The first crime lever committed, in the way of theft, was going to the house of one of my uncles and stealing some fish hooks the property of one of my cousins. My mother found it out, and made me carry them back and confess the theft. I then thought I would never do anything of the kind again but, alas, how soon was the good resolution forgotten. The next thing I stole was a pen-knife from the son of Mr. Benjamin Poor. At that time these little petty thefts seemed to me to be enormous crimes, that was while the mind was young and tender.

I next learned to play cards-was taught by Mr. SB***, and in order to carry on the game would cut the buttons from my little brother's clothes to bet on the game. From this I engaged in watermelon stealing, and from the indulgence in these seemingly small offences, the propensity soon made me an accomplished thief. Here again, let me call the attention of my young readers to the all4mportant subject of early tuition.

Reckless as I have been, young as I am in years, but old in crime, my heart's desire, as a dying man is, that these lines may be a warning to the youth of the country, and should they be the means of reclaiming one solitary wayward youth from the path of sin, it will be considered ample compensation for my exertions in this gloomy place.

My young friends, suffer me to exhort you to be obedient to your parents, particularly to your mother who gave you existence. and who watches over your infantile helplessness, and whose soul is intensely wrapped up in your present and future destiny. My young reader, just a moment, look upon my deplorable condition, then look back at the agony of a bereaved mother, who has given you existence and who has, all her life given you the best of counsel, and who does not participate in your guilt, be it what it may, would you then be willing to bring her gray hairs with sorrow to the grave. You will say 'no', as a matter of course. Then suffer me to caution you as to the company you keep. Shun the gambler, the tippler, the profane swearer, and the idle and dissolute of every description.

I will now proceed with my narrative. I had indulged in these petty thefts for two years, stealing first one thing and then another, but during these continued acts of thieving I became restless and wanted a larger field of operation, and find some one of my own disposition and character. I accordingly in the latter part of the year 1849, went to Lexington, Ky., where I became acquainted with W* R*** who resided in said city

We soon became very intimate, and he learned me the art of fraudulent card-playing, and by which means I began to swindle and to cheat, We followed the game of card-playing called "grab": if we could not win by a fair game, then we would raise an affray, and one of our clan would get the money and leave the room. This my young readers, is the strength of the game of card-playing, therefore, shun it as a poisonous viper calculated to sap the mainspring of your moral intellect,

The next crime which I committed was the stealing of a gold watch from Wm. Owen, who lived at the Owen Hotel in Louisville. Finding myself so successful in connection with my partner and accomplice [R***) I concluded there was no danger in doing anything which our wickedness might prompt us.

About that time, while in Louisville,. a man named T*** ~ came to me and told me that he wanted me to go with him, as there was speculation on hand. I inquired of him what it was, and be informed me that he had seen a man at the Gait House with $700 and that we could get it by breaking open his room and going into his trunk, I refused to join him in his speculation. He committed the crime himself and was arrested and sentenced to the penitentiary for eight years. The result of this speculation, as ~ called it, was a warning to me, and had a tendency to restrain me from the present, I therefore returned home, left my old partners, O**** and R*** with a determination to reform and go to work for a support, although I did not like work; nevertheless I stuck pretty close to it about two or three months. I got tired of work and resolved to try my hand again at my old game of dissipation and theft.

Now my young readers, suffer me again to say to you, idleness is the parent of vice. My next theft was stealing a pair of boots from John Rucker, in Clark County, near the mouth of Woodward Creek. I was detected, and my father and mother tried to get me to take them back, but I would not. I left with a man from Madison County, by the name of James Turner, a hog driver. I was gone nineteen days and spent my wages in the drinking saloons, and had nothing left to show for my trip. I disliked to go home without funds, and consequently I forged a note on my employer for one hundred dollars. and another for ten dollars. I said the large note to H. Wilson for ninety4)ne dollars, and the small one I sold to Andrew J. Wells for its full amount. That was in the late fall of 1852. I then thought I was very successful and that this was the way to make money. I then forged a note on C. D. Blanton, for the small sum of thirteen dollars, and sold it the same night to George Cooper, of Estill County, Ky., for seven dollars. I was rather afraid of exciting suspicion for selling it so low. but I told him I was in debt and was compelled to sell it in order to save my word.

I then went from there to Louisville, Ky., and I soon formed the acquaintance with T***** L*****, whose most prominent occupation was that of a pick-pocket. He undertook to learn me the art. The first thing I took under my new occupation was a pocket-handkerchief, which was easily accomplished. The next thing was a pocket-book, containing seven dollars and twenty cents. The owner arrested me on suspicion, and had me searched, but I had hid the book and money, and so it was not found, and consequently I was acquitted. I was somewhat fearful to commence again for awhile. but still remained with my old teacher. T**+**

The next thing I undertook was to take a watch from a big man's pocket, at the National Hotel, in Louisville, but in this I fail-ed. I then left and went with my old teacher T***** L*****. to Cincinnati, Ohio, where they arrested him for stabbing a nigger. He had his trial and he was acquitted. He wanted me to swear him clear, but I refused. He became very angry at me and re-quested me to quit his company. I did so, and then returned to Louisville. There I met with my old acquaintance W*** R****. He had gone to handling counterfeit money; he gave me information where I could get plenty of it.

I went to the man and told him that Mr.W***R**** had sent me to get some of the money. He told me that I would have to swear that I would be true and never tell anything. I took the oath and then received the one hundred and thirty dollars, and was to give him half of the profits for passing the money

I passed seventy eight dollars of the money and I received full value for it and gave Mr. F*** ~ (the man I received it from). one half of the profits, which gave him great confidence in me. I then got one hundred dollars more. The first I passed off was detected. They came back with it and I told them that I was not a judge of money. I took it back and there was no more said about it. Then my partner instructed me that I must never carry more than one bill at a time, then if they should search me and find no more, they could not hurt me, if I took it back. I next passed twenty dollars, which was also detected and brought back. I then concluded to quit that business, as it appeared that I was in bad luck

with it. Then myself and L*** L***** left and came to Hazel Green, in Morgan County, Kentucky. There we formed acquaintance with some fellows who called themselves the sweepstakes company. Their business was to steal anything and everything that they could lay their hands on. They requested us to take a hand at their game and that suited us first rate.

The first step we then took was to steal four horses, and run them off to a well known stand for the reception of stolen property. That stand was near to West Liberty, We sold the horses and got the money for them. We then returned to Hazel Green. fly this time I had become hardened to any sort of crime. I then concluded to return home, which I did, and stayed about two weeks, but I was afraid to remain long at a time on account of the charges against me for forging those old notes. Then in 1554 I forged a note on Nimrod Wells, for a small amount, and sold it to Louis W. Carnet; he did not find it out for some time, and not until after I was gone. Shortly afterward I forged an order on Samuel Frame to James Reckets for $16.00, for which I received the pay in full. and left there and went to Stephen King's. There I concluded to work on the railroad,' and I worked about two weeks and took a notion to quit, and called on them for my wages. They refused to pay me until their pay day'. that did not suit my arrangements and I left the railroad, but before r left I tore up the track, threw their picks and shovels into a deep creek that was near, broke up their wheel-barrows, and destroyed their powder and fuse. I then went to my brother-in-law's, George W. Campbell. I there got to drinking and cutting up all kinds of freaks of dissipation. I then broke into the store of Samuel Thompson, at Pleasant Valley, in Fleming County, Kentucky. I got into the house by boring off the lock with an auger. I took as many of the goods as I could well carry and left. The third day afterwards I was arrested and taken back to Carlisle jail, and remained there three months, when trial come on and I was convicted and sentenced to state prison for a term of one year. I was there three months, when I was taken sick, and remained sick four months, unable to do any work. As soon as I got well enough I went to work in the shoe shop, where I stayed the remainder of my time. I left there on the lath day of April. 1855,1 went home and found my mother almost distracted at the news of my misfortune and bad conduct. During the time of my absence she had become blind, and consequently could not see me, which greatly augmented her distress.

I was still afraid of those old charges of forgery, and consequently did not stay many hours. I left and instead of taking warning by the cruel ignominious lesson which I had just received, I was determined to make amends for the loss of time in the commission of crime. I went to Madison County, Kentucky, where I soon formed the acquaintance with a young lady by the name of

Elizabeth Gabbard. I courted her for some time telling her all sorts of lies. I told her I was the son of a rich Mr. Turner, and that there were only two children of us, which was myself and my sister; that my father and mother were both dead and that my large estate was in the bands of a guardian and consequently I could not have control of It until I arrived at the age of twenty one years. this answered my purpose very well as there was a man by the name of who professed to be well acquainted with the name and the circumstances, and his story corresponding with my own. Upon these conditions she consented to marry me on the 17th day of May.

The time came and we were married. Then came a trying time with me, for I wanted to live in splendor, and to keep her the same way; but to accomplish it was the rub with me. She was a lovely girl, aged seventeen years. genteel and of graceful manners. I loved her as I did my own life, and to maintain her high and gay, I took to robbing night and day. I then forged a note on James Maupin for $50.00. I then went to a certain M***** ~ to know about getting some counterfeit money; he told me to go to E**** L*+*** that he could let me know all about it. I accordingly went and told him I wanted to know where I could get some of the coin, as we called it. He told me that he would go with me the next day. Accordingly the next day we went to near Scofford Cane, in Rockcastle County, Kentucky. He told me that he had none at that time but to come the next day and he would then have plenty of it. I went the next day and found him as good as his word. I got ninety dollars from him for which I paid him one for two. He told me when I wanted more to come and get it. The note which I forged on Maupin I gave to the counterfeiter for his money. He went to Maupin and swore off the note, and R***** was afraid to prosecute me, for fear I would inform against him and thereby let the cat out of the wallet upon him and his clan. There is a party concerned in that business, which it has always been difficult to detect. Now for fear that they may be the instigation of leading some other young men to their ruin, I will give the initials of the names of the party who are concerned in it. I do not know the name of the man who manufactures it, but I will put you on the track, so that he may be easily found... This fl**** R**** is the head man in superintending the passing of it. E*** L***, M C***. L*** t*** T*+* L*** L***, and G S are all understrikers in giving circulation to it. They are the principal men of that band, and all live in Rockcastle County, Kentucky. on a creek called Round Stone, except R****, who lives on Ebar Creek.

At the time I got this last counterfeit money a discovery was made of the cheat and deception I had practiced upon the girl. They tried to arrest me but I was too smart for them. I left there on the 19th of June, and left my wife behind, in whom was centered all my hopes of future happiness. I went from there to Lexington, Kentucky, where I enlisted in the United States Army, for the term of five years I stayed there seven months. The first trip we took was to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas Territory. We reached there on the 15th day of September. 1855, and on the 20th received orders to start to Fort Laramie, in Nebraska Territory, but before we got there received orders to return to Fort Leavenworth. We then remained there three days for the purpose of resting our horses. There I commenced betting with a man named Tankersley. We were betting on shooting. I got hold of his gun and moved the sight; he shot and missed my hat, and consequently lost the bet. This was one of my first tricks in the army. We soon returned to Fort Leavenworth and there I commenced my old game of thieving I took twenty pairs of pantaloons from the store room of the Quartermaster, together with nine overcoats, twelve pairs of soldiers' boots, and seventeen dress coats, and put them on board of the packet Keystone, and sent them to Wayne City, Missouri, on the 23rd Day of December, 1855. I left there and went to Wayne City, Missouri, and got my goods, and then went to Liberty, in Clay County. Missouri. Then I passed myself off for a recruiting officer. I soon became acquainted with a Miss S S. I commenced a courtship with her. I told her I was an officer belonging to Carlisle Barracks, in Pennsylvania. I told her of the great splendor in which we lived and that suited her exactly because she was a girl of most exquisite taste, and was very much taken with my appearance as an officer. We engaged to be married on the 17th day of January. 1856, and were accordingly married that day. I did not stay there more than two weeks before I took a notion to go to Lafayette County, Missouri. From there I went to Camden, Missouri, and left my young wife only thirteen miles from Camden. There I became acquainted with a Miss M**** M****. I went there on Sunday evening, and they found out that I was an officer from Carlisle Barracks. I immediately commenced courting her, telling her many fine yarns, and on Thursday following we were married. That was on the 7th day of February, 1856.

On the 27th I left and went to Leavenworth Citv. Here I took my lodgings with M**** R**+*. There I soon got acquainted with his daughter C*+**, and there I passed myself off for the editor of the American Eagle. I got in with Mr. John Clark to buy a house and lot in Leavenworth City, and there went under the name of Anders. The house we were going to buy was a store house, in which we were to sell merchandise. He told me that he had not the money to commence with. I told him that made no sort of difference, that I had plenty, and that I would put up the store and he might attend to selling the goods, and when be could make it

convenient he might pay me. He then said that he could put up $300.00 to me for the start. That suited me exactly; but I did not like to leave Miss C+++~, though I could soon find another. Accordingly we made preparations for me to start to St. Louis to lay in our stock of goods. I took two Colt's revolvers and his $300.00 and set out for St. Louis but I did not go to St. Louis, as you might sup-pose, I went to Platte City, and took lodgings at the Farmers Hotel kept by Mr. Nash. Then I took the peddling-box of a Dutch (jewelry] peddler. Then I was fixed for traveling, I left there and was pursued to Fishing River. They were so close on me that I had to hide the box of jewelry and escape as fast as possible. They overtook me at Elkhorn, but finding nothing with me, did not take me back. The next day I wont back to get my box and started to go to Dover. Missouri, where I deposited my box with Mr. ~ a man who was very smart. I told him to sell the articles and I would pay him well for his trouble. He was as smart as I was. He sold the goods and 1 did not get one cent for them. But I soon made it up; for myself, T***+ L***** and E**** ~ went to his store and took from his showcases about five hundred dollars worth of jewelry of different kinds. We disposed of them to the best advantage.

Then on May the 1st, as well as I can remember we went to J. I,. Whittington's lot, and took from it a fine horse and a mule. The two were worth three hundred dollars. We then went to Platte City, Mo., where we intended to sell the horse and did sell the mule and was detected five days afterward.

There was a man who would swear that my partner had passed thirty-five dollars in counterfeit money on him1 and that he was also concerned in breaking open the store of Wm. C. Brown, which would convict him to the State prison for several years. When they examined him for stealing the horse, he proved by a man named Spears that he had bought the horse, and was cleared of that charge.

But the counterfeit money was the most difficult matter. The man who was to prove it lived three miles from Westport, on the Independence Road. I thought that if he was out of the way my old friend might come clear; but the thing was how was he to shoot him at his plough. I soon came to the conclusion that I was the man who would have this desperate deed to perpetrate, and I felt a great reluctance in doing it; but rather than part with my companion, and one whom I had sworn to be true until death, I braced myself up to a determination to commit the horrible deed.

Accordingly, I prepared myself. by taking with me a rifle, gun and two Colt's revolvers, and going to the place where Mr. William Jones resided, for this, I think, was his name. I found him on the road hauling a wagon load of plows to the shop to have some repairs made upon them. When I saw him I hid my gun and

went where he was and asked him if I could get a ride with him. He said he had no objections to my riding with him. I therefore got on the wagon and rode some distance with him.

I brought up the subject of counterfeit money and asked him what he would swear against the accused (E**** fl*****]. He said he would swear enough against him to put him where the dogs could not bite him. I told him that fl**** was my friend and that I would give him one hundred dollars if he would not appear against him. Re told me that he was compelled to do so. I told him there were men who would kill him as sure as they saw him on that day. He told me there was no use trying to scare him out of his determination to appear against him for that could not be done.

My determination was then to raise an affray with him and shoot him. That came very near being my last scrape for as he spoke to me, he drew his knife and struck at me and cut through my coat and shirt. The next lick was mine and I made use of it. I drew my revolver and fired. The ball entered near the left eye. and penetrated the brain. He fell dead. The horses started to run but I caught them and prevented 'hem from running. I took the dead man and placed the head before the wheels so that the wagon would run over it and crush it. It did so and so crushed it that no man would have suspected that he had been shot.

This was the first thing I had ever done in the way of murder, and, consequently, the most dreadful crime of my life. Wicked and hardened to crime, as I was, it tormented me day and night. It was considerable time before I got over that dreadful deed; but, never-the-less, I comforted myself that I had done it for my friend; that I did the deed, and having become callous to remorse by the many atrocious crimes I had committed, I, by degrees, wore off the impressions which that awful crime had made upon my mind.

After committing the deed I went and got my gun, which I had hid, and returned. The news soon flew over the country that Mr. William Jones, of Jackson, near Westport, had been killed by a wagon running over his head and crushing it to pieces, and thus I escaped suspicion.

When I told my comrade what I had done he applauded me greatly. and said if he could always have such a partner as I was, he never would fear anything. Soon he had his trial, and no evidence appearing against him, was, consequently, set at liberty. This pleased me very much, because I was lonesome.

Soon after that time we went to Glascow, Mo. There I formed an acquaintance with Miss M**** F****, daughter, of ~ F****. I passed myself off for a young lawyer looking for a place to locate to follow my profession. Soon after this the family got acquainted with my partner. Re told them that he had been well acquainted with me from my birth, and that I was the son of alawyer, Wat. Andrews, one of the best lawyers in the State of Kentucky. That suited very well, though her parents objected to our union. That did not suit me.

The girl was surprisingly beautiful She was thirteen years old. fine in form and graceful of manners. She was willing to leave with me, provided her parents would not consent to our marriage. That was all I wanted to hear. I went to her father and asked him for his daughter. He said he had no objections to me, but thought we were both too young. I told him that I thought we both being very young, and being our first love, that we both would be satisfied and happy. He said that if nothing else would do he would consent to our union, provided we would wait three months, and I would promise not to take her from home. That suited me, because I never intended to take her from home. I refused to consent to wait three months. He then requested me to tell him how long I would wait. I consented to wait two weeks, He made no further objections, and the time for our union was set for the 25th of May. The time came and we were married.

The old man was very much pleased that his only child had married a lawyer. But, 0, what a delusion! Little did he think that his young unsuspecting daughter had done that which would load her and her doting parents with heartrending sorrow which thing was soon made known, for, on the 3rd day of June I left her, taking what money her father had given me to commence house-keeping with, He followed me to Elkhorn, Mo,, where he found me and asked me to take a walk with him. I very readily consented, and while on the walk he asked me what were my reasons for leaving my wife. I told him that I had not left her; that I had heard of my father being here, and was fearful he would be gone before I would get to see him. He inquired of me when I was coming home. I told him I would be there in a very few days. He returned, and told my wife that they had accused me wrongfully; that I had not left her; but they soon found out differently.

There I got acquainted with William 0. Wallace, and he claimed kin with me. The 9th of June I borrowed his horse to go to William Crowley's, to make up a school.

I took the horse, saddle and bridle, and went to Topeka, in Kansas Territory; there I sold the horse for one hundred and thirty-five dollars.

I did not stay there long, but went from there to Easton, Kansas, where I soon formed an acquaintance with a Miss ~ ~ the daughter of ******** L. ~ I had to have some pretended occupation, so I passed myself for a dentist. This I thought best, because I knew that there was none of it to do there. I courted Miss ~ some five or six days, and we were engaged to each other to be married. I asked her father for her, he very readily consented, and the 18th was set for our union. The time passed slowly away. but at length the long-wished for time arriv-

ed, and we were married. That was the finest wedding that I ever had, for all parties were willing, and they were wealthy, and were willing to spend it, and I took great pleasure in enjoying it. I did enjoy it for three weeks. My next aim was to manage some plan whereby I could get hold of some of the estate-that was the thing I was after. The plan fell upon was, I pretended that my father had sent for me home, that he was very unwell, and did not expect to live long, and wanted me to be present when he made Ms will, being wealthy. I told my father4n-law that I wanted some money, as I was going by land. The old man soon thought it was the best way to go; he went to Greenleaf, Leavenworth City, and hired a horse and single buggy. I left, and went to Booneville, Mo,, where I sold the horse and buggy for three hundred dollars,

I then went back to Kansas and took charge of a party of twenty men. Our purpose was to make money-any way, and every way, where any kind of opportunity offered. But before we got to make any money the party got to wrangling and fussing-every one wanting to be boss. I soon became dissatisfied, and gave up the party. They were all very sorry that I was going to leave them. I have heard since, that the party has disbanded and scattered. I heard that my father in-Law (Mr. W***+) had sent to Kentucky to find me. But his expedition failed, and he never found me, or his horse and buggy.

I went to John Hays', in Lafayette county, and got acquainted with Mr. fl. M. Allen, from South Carolina; he had come out with Captain Buford's company. He

wanted to go to Independence. Mr. Thacker Webb took his mule and buggy and got me to drive it, and take him there: and if the company had not horses enough, for him to take the mule with him, and for me to go to the City Hotel and hire a horse, and bring the buggy back. I accordingly took the mule and buggy, and went on, and as I went through Wellington, Mo., Dr, John Poston sent twelve bottles of champagne wine to Mr. Hemek. That suited me, for I took it very freely myself, as I went along. I hid the box as I went, intending to get it as I returned. When we went to Independence the company was ready to start, and had five surplus horses, consequently had no use for the mule. I was glad of that, for I wanted to get the mule myself. I did so, and the owner was none the wiser as to what went with his mule.

On the 6th of July, Captain Bledsoe was going to start with a company to Kansas. He was trying to make up horses to go. Tom Clark and Mr. William Grooms were the agents to count the funds that were made up for the expenses of the border ruffians, while they were in the Territory, I sold him (Captain Bledsoe) my mule, and left the buggy there. I went back to where my box of champagne was left and found it still there,' took what I wanted to drink there, and took two bottles with me and went to Mr. Webb's. He asked me where the mule and buggy were. He

told him that D. M. Allen took the mule, and that I left the buggy at the livery stable, He asked me why I did not bring the buggy back. I told him I could not gets horse. He said that was all right. He said he was going to town in a few days. This did not suit me so well, as I had some arrangements to make, and would rather have had a longer time to make them.

I left there on the 9th of July, 1856, and went to Lexington to Mr. S. Howalter's where I kept myself concealed for two days. On the 11th there was a nigger hung. I disguised myself and went to see him hung. That was my birthday, and little did I think that before I should see another birthday I would have to meet the same fate. If I had, and had taken warning by his sad fate, things might have been quite different with me this day than what they are. Alas! it is now forever too late, Those dreadful deeds which I have committed, now in the bloom of my youth, have to be atoned for upon the scaffold, and my own life is all that will pay the debt. It seems incredible that a man so young could have been guilty of so many enormous crimes. But alas! it is true, and I must pay for them by being cut off from all enjoyments of this world, and chained down in a gloomy and loathsome dungeon, never more to come out until I am carried to the fatal and awful platform, there to meet an ignominious death. It seems hard thatone so young should have to part with all his friends and playmates before passing the bloom of youth: but I hope my present condition will be a warning to the rising generation, and keep every one of them from having to meet a similar fate. And my young readers, the only way to avoid it is to shun bad company and bad examples, and act honestly towards all persons. But my time is limited, and I must proceed. I very soon must pass from time to a never ending eternity-I will not say without hope; because, as long as there is life there is some glimmer of hope: however great the sinner, there is still a great Savior. And may He have mercy on my poor soul.

Now my young readers, I will pass on and inform you of my many other horrible crimes. On the 12th of July, 1856, I went to John Hayes' and took his fine riding mare out of his stable, and took his saddle from his saddle-house-I got the wrong saddle; it was an old one. I went to Mr. James Hicklin's saddle-house and swapped my old saddle for his new one. I went from there to Rockport, Missouri, and inquired for Captain Hatton. They told me I would find him at or about Preston Philip's and I went and found him there. I told him that I was sent to him to get subscriptions for the purpose of making up money for volunteers in Kan-sas. He asked me for my recommendations which fortunately I had written for myself, and signed the names of Gen, Atchison and Col. Doniphan on it. It was all right. I went on making up money ,and raised four hundred and nine dollars, and was afraid to wait any longer I left and went to old Chariton, where I had an opportunity to sell my fine mare, by taking one hundred dollars (twenty five down. I thought that was better than being caught with her, or run the risk of it. I took a note for the balance and sold it for cash in hand, by shaving it ten per cent. Soon after that Hayes came and proved his mare and took her home, They ten followed me, and came into an oyster saloon where I was eating oysters. They inquired for me, and gave my description precisely. I then thought the three had come for some of us to die, but the landlord told them that no such man had been there. I had changed my clothes and they did not know me. They went on and made no further inquiry for me.

Soon after that time a clothing store was broken into and robbed, and the owners offered five hundred dollars reward for the apprehension of the thief. I went to my old friend, E**** B*****and told him the circumstances and told him that if he would manage to would go with me that I get the reward. He consented to do so. He did not know that I wanted him to take it on himself- but he put such great confidence in me that he was willing to 'risk anything that I would advise. I told him that I could procure evidence abundantly sufficient to clear him, He was to tell the owner of the store that he did it, and there was to be no other witness but him, and then it would be no trouble to overturn his testimony. That was sufficient for every one put such confidence in me that they would do anything that I would suggest. Accordingly we went to the place and gave up B***** to the proprietor of the store and received the reward. They put him in jail, and when his examination came on before the court of inquiry, he was sent on for further trial, and held to bail in the sum of one thousand dollars. I made arrangements with a man to go on his bail. They questioned me pretty tightly as to my reasons for wanting him bailed. I told them that he had acted so well while I had him in charge, that I thought it would be right to bail him, and that r had no doubt but he would appear and stand his final trial. That kept down suspicion against me and gave the bail the more confidence. My next business was to prepare witnesses to get him clear, That was easily done; all I had to do was to establish an alibi, by provmg where he was all of the night on which the store was broken open. That I was very able to do by more than twenty men, as he was at a party all the night on which the robbery was committed, On his trial all these witnesses attended, and conclusively established the fact that it was utterly impossible that he could have done the deed; consequently he was acquitted. When Mr. Bruce. the owner of the store, was informed of his acquittal, he was very mad, and endeavored to get the people to assist him in taking the prisoner out and lynching him, but the

evidence was too conclusive in his favor. He then endeavored to hunt me up to get the reward back, but was too late. I was out of his reach. When E***** came out, he came to me to get his part of the money that we had cheated the Dutchman out of. When he found me, we divided the money. He offered to pay all the ex-penses. I thought that rather too generous an offer inasmuch as he had laid himself liable to the penitentiary if I had failed in pro-curing the necessary evidence; and acting upon the old adage that there is, or ought to be, some honor even among thieves, I paid half of the expenses and we parted.

By this time I began to think of returning to old Kentucky, and on the 28th day of July, 1856, I left for St. Louis, and arrived there on the 5th day of August, 1856.1 staid there three days and on the 8th day left for Louisville, Ky. I next went to Vincennes, and from there to Indianapolis. There staid six days. On the 15th of August, 1856, I returned to Louisville, and I soon found some of my old associates. They all appeared very glad to see me; they had heard nothing of me since I had left them, and did not know whether I was dead or alive. I did not commit any crimes there this time; I had plenty of money, and intended to try and enjoy it; the only way was to drink and spree it away. I enjoyed it for some time very well, but I did not stay there long; I went to Shelby County, three miles from Shelbyville. Here I stopped with H**** D****, and saw a girl that I thought was the prettiest girl I had ever seen his daughter, and I determined to have her if it was in my power.

I commenced courting her, and determined to marry her and settle down. This was on Friday the 28th, and on the 1st day of September, 1856, we were married. The girl was engaged to be married to another man on Thursday following; his name was D****. The day before we were married he came to see her, and she gave him some very plain hints that she was through with him, and did not want to have anything more to do with him. That, I thought, was very hard, but I was perfectly willing to it. I continued there with her until the 24th day of October. We were both very happy, going to every party that we could hear of, and her connections were giving parties on the occasion. But to my dread-ful misfortune, a man came there who knew me well and called me by name. I told him he was mistaken, but he still persisted in asserting his knowledge of an acquaintance with me, and could tell me where he had seen me, but I stopped him and would not let him go on. It was noticed by my wife and seemed to mortify her seriously, and it appeared that it would break the poor girl's heart. I found it utterly out of my power to allay her feelings any way I could manage. I told her the man was most certainly mistaken, and that she ought to believe me sooner than him. That only seemed to make the matter worse. I found that I must leave her, but told her that I would go to where I was raised and get recommendations; that gave her the first apparent relief.

Accordingly on the next day I left, but not to prove my innocence, but to take the life of an innocent and unoffensive man. I found this man in Cincinnati, Ohio. The first thing when I found him, was to lay some plan to kill him. I found out that he was going to Dayton, Ohio. I got on the same train and got with him, and we soon brought up the circumstances of the disclosures he had made upon me. He said he was very sorry that he had said anything about the name. We were soon good friends apparently, but little did he think that I was then laying a plan to kill him, and yet be justifiable. We got to Dayton and got plenty to drink, and he very soon got drunk and quarrelsome. He was trying to pick a fuss with every person. I told him if he did not quit I would whip him to death. That made him mad with me and he swore he would kill me; that was just to my hand. He had a large knife and drew it, and swore he would cut off my head with it. I told him that he had better put that knife up or I would hurt him. That had the desired effect. So soon as I said that, he rushed at me with his knife. I drew my revolver, but the crowd was so thick that I was afraid to shoot, for fear of killing some other person. I dropped the pistol and drew my knife, and when he came within reach of me, I struck him and he fell. The next lick settled his fate; I struck him on the head with a knife that weighed four pounds. He did not hardly breathe after the second lick. I was arrested for it, was tried and acquitted without any trouble.

I then returned to my wife with my recommendations, which I had forged. She was glad to see me, and matters were all right again. She was once more restored to her former hope of lasting happiness, and the unclouded brow once more resumed its former lovely radiance. She, like myself, was doomed to misfortune and disappointed hopes.

The news soon came, stating and establishing the horrible deeds that I had done, and her agony returned, and was greater than she could bear. She went one night, when all but her was wrapped in silent slumber and hung herself on a tree in the yard; and was next morning found a lifeless corpse. Now my young readers you can have no adequate conception of my feelings on that occasion, wicked and hardened in crimes as I was, to see a beautiful girl, as she was at the age of fifteen years thus so early cut from the society of father, mother, brother, and sisters, and brought to so untimely and distressing an end, and that by the flattery and seductive arts of an unfeeling and hard-hearted demon.

My young readers, suffer me again to implore you to take warning by my dark and deplorable history, and avoid all such cruelty as deceiving and destroying the overconfiding and unsuspecting young female; you could not commit a more cruel deed,particularly where it has resulted as did my last experiment.

Now my young female readers, I hope you will pardon me for offering you a few words of caution (unworthy and hell-serving as I am.) My experience in perfidious villany with your sex makes me the more competent to point out to you the dangers of an overconfidence of the flatteries of a smooth tongued, fine dressed young man. I know it is a characteristic trait in your unsuspecting, innocent and lovely sex: therefore be extremely cautious how you receive the flatteries of a handsome, finely dressed, eloquent young man, and more especially a stranger, whose history and character you are not well acquainted with. Remember, that while you are giving heed to his flatteries, and ardent profession of honorable and uncontaminated love, you may be standing upon the brink of everlasting destruction.

After the death of my young, beautiful and lovely wife, I determined to return to the land of my childhood. I did so, and to my great mortification I found that my best friend on earth had passed away-my dear mother, who had so often dandled me on her lap, when in my innocent childhood, has passed from time to eternity. There was no satisfaction there for me. All my little playmates, with whom I had passed my childhood, had grown up to almost the years of maturity, innocent, happy and free as the birds that soar the air. I almost imagined myself again a child. Oh that dream of my childhood was now a reality, and I in that innocence could have a revelation of past history!-how changed would that be from my present awful condition! But, alas! it is too late! In place of infantile innocence and freedom, an outcast and a by-word for the world, and a slave to chains and fetters, and that slavery to last through the few remaining hours of my life. While at home everything surrounding my childhood seemed to have lost all its former sweetness. My dear mother was gone; my little brothers, and my only sister were no company for me. I did not stay there long until I started to my brother-in-law's, George W. Campbell's. As I went along, I formed an acquaintance with a very pretty girl; and for the sake of the girl, I declined giving the name in full. Miss B****, is her name, as far as I am inclined to give it.

I courted her three or four days, when we were engaged to be married. My young readers will likely think that I was very successful always in courting. This is all true; for of all the girls that I ever courted, and a considerable number more than I had thought necessary to mention, but as I am near the time for my history and life to close, I will mention some of them only in order to show my young readers my character for that kind of vice, and hope the public will not wrongfully appreciate my motive; for, as a dying man, I do not wish it appreciated as a disposition to boast of my wicked success, but as a beacon, by which all giddy youth may steer off from the same beaker.

I have said that Miss B**** and myself were engaged to be married. The day of our union was set for the 25th day of August, 1857; but my conduct will have brought my life to a close before that time arrives. I left there on the 10th day of November, 1856, and on the 15th went to see my father in the state of Ohio. There I found plenty of pretty girls that suited me. You may very well sup-pose that I always thought myself a lady's man; I went to their schools and spelling matches; the girls were very anxious for an acquaintance with me, and would tell my little sister to tell me to come to school, that they wanted to see me. I would not refuse going, of course. I soon formed an acquaintance with the daughter of one of my father's nearest neighbors, Miss E. J. A.****. I saw her on Christmas day, and on the same evening we were engaged to be married. The time was not set for our marriage, because I thought I could accomplish my designs without it. I went with my brother Thomas to one of his acquaintances, to see a girl that he had told me a good deal about. He had been going to see her younger sister. When I went, Margaret was not at home, and I had to take his girl from him. This was the second girl I had courted in the State of Ohio. The Ohio girls were as keen to marry as I was, though they did not marry so often as I had done, to my shame and present regret. This was on New Year's Day, 1857. On the second day we made up the match, and on the 15th we were to be married. I then went back home and found my old sweet-heart (Miss A****) at my father's; she had come to see what had become of me. I made up to her. Her father had found out that we had fell too deep in love with each other, and said he would break it up. She came to my fathers and staid all night. Her father sent for her during the night. She wanted to obey him; but I told her if she thought more of her parents than she did of me, she might go. She said that her father would be angry with her. and she always had obeyed him, and she hated to disobey; but rather than do anything against my wishes she would stay. Then poor, unsuspecting girl, but little did she think that she was listening to the ad-vice of her worst enemy. and a man who was anxiously seeking her everlasting downfall, but she agreed to what I said, and told her sister to tell her father that the hill she had to climb was so bad she could not climb it at night. I sent my little sister home with her sister to hear what the girl's parents had to say. When they went the old man asked where E. J. was. The little girl told him that E. J. was not coming home that night. The old man got very mad, and said he would go after her the next morning, and whip her all the way home. The old lady was afraid she would come home by herself, without me, knowing what the old man said. In the morning she sent her little girl with my sister, to tell E. J. not to come home by herself, and for me to come with her.After breakfast we want up to her father's. The old man would not speak to me, nor to E either. The mother told E. what the old man had said, which was the first she knew that her father was mad at her. She commenced crying. I asked her what was the cause of her grief. She told me what her father had said, and she did not know what to do, I told her that she need not be any way uneasy, that he should not do it, and that she should not stay there any longer. She said that she was willing to go with me anywhere and that if her father

said anything to me, she wanted me to whip him. Her mother said the same; she said that it was none of his business what E. J. had done. That was a new notion to me, for a mother to try to contract her daughter's ruin. That was what I wanted to hear, to get the consent of the old lady, and then I would make the old man hold his peace.

I told the old man that I understood he was somewhat offended at the conduct of Miss F****, and that I was going to take her away, and that if he said anything more I would certainly kill him, The old man talked pretty saucy until he found that I was in earnest, when he said that he had no objections to me, but that he wished to keep down talk, and that if I wanted to be with the girl and intended to marry her, he would rather I would stay there, and then there would be no talk. This suited me precisely. I told him I did not blame him for wanting to keep down talk, and told him his offers were very fair, and that I would accept of them great pleasure, if Miss E. J. was willing. She said she had no objections, if her father had none. They were apparently well pleased, and treated me with the greatest kindness.

I told her father that I wanted him to go with me to Missouri. I had land there, and if he would go with me that he might have it. He said he did not like to leave his peach orchard, as there were plenty of peaches, a good fruit year to make two or three hundred dollars. I told him that did not make any difference; that I had plenty of money, which he could have whenever he wanted it, and gave him to understand that he would never have to pay it without he chose to do so. It took him some time to make up his mind to leave the peach orchard; but at length myself and the family persuaded him to go.

One morning he took me to one side and asked me if I thought he would that much benefit me as above stated. I told him it would to E****, and would be a great satisfaction to me. "Well then," he said, "I will go with you as soon as I can get ready." I told him the best way to advertise his land and other property for sale; and also that I wanted to start as soon as the river opened. He did so, and told everyone that he was going to get out of the mountains soon; that he had been talking it for a long time, but now he was going.

Poor old fellow! lie did not know how badly he was fooled. We then set the time for our union for the 1st of March.! was to go to Maysville to get our wedding garb. On the lath of February, (as near as I can remember) I borrowed his horse, saddle and bridle, and went to Aberdeen, When I arrived there, the ice was so rotten I was afraid to cross with a horse, and had to wait until the ice broke up. My intention was to sell the horse, pocket the money and never return, as Iliad never intended to marry the girl. I staid in Aberdeen a week trying to sell the horse but could not do so. I left him there at James Helms' hotel, and wrote to A**** to go and get his horse, which he did; and when he found how badly he had been fooled, he told everyone he saw that I had stolen his horse and he intended to publish me all over the United States. Some of them told him that if they had let a boy fool them in that way, they never would tell it: and that they would deny it as long as they lived. Mr. A**** came to the conclusion that he would say no more about it.

When I left Marysville, I went to my brother-in-law's, George W. Campbell. There I saw many of my old acquaintances, and among the rest Mr. A**** ~ the man who arrested me when I was sent to the penitentiary. This was the first time I had seen him since the arrest. I did not know him, as it was well for him that I did not; for when I heard that he was in his shop, I took my pistol and went to where he was, with the deliberate intention of shooting him. But there being three other men with him, I did not know which to shoot. I asked my brother and my brother-in-law to tell me which of the four he was. They refused to do so. It was well for him, and me too, that they did. I was angry at them, and threatened to avenge myself. But they sent the men off and would not tell me which of them was my intended victim. That was on the 4th of March, 1857. I left there and went to see my old sweet-heart, near Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, where I staid three or four days. I had a ten dollar counterfeit bill on the bank of West Union, Ohio, for which I bought a watch of a black man. I left there and went to Slait, and tried to get one of old Hannah-ben's Barneys to go with me, pretending that I wanted him to wait on me while I was courting a girl. My intention was to get him off and sell him: but in this I was disappointed, I went from there to Estill County, but did not remain long, for fear of those old charges for counterfeiting and forgery. I told all my old friends that I was going to England, and from thence to Italy. Several of them re-quested me to bring them some grape seed from Italy on my return. Better would have it been for me had I went to Italy before I committed the crimes for which I am incarcerated.

On the 9th of March (as well as I can recollect) my brother end myself went to Madison County to see the wife that I first married. As we were going past Owen Karr's I saw a very fine mare, and I thought r would take her, as she would bring me a considerable sum of money. We went to where my wife was when I last heard from her, but when we arrived she was not there, but at her brothers. My intention was to get her if I could, and settle myself. But upon seeing me she appeared frightened, which hurt me worse than anything that had ever happened to me in all my life. I told her that I loved her dearly, and would take her and take care of her, but r had deceived her so badly, at first, that she could not confide in me.

This is the way, my readers, when confidence is once lost it cannot be regained. You may tell the truth and be ever so honest in your intentions1 but having once forfeited your word and honor you can never be believed any more by those whom you have deceived. My readers, let this lesson sink deep in your hearts, You may think that a poor, manacled, condemned malefactor is a poor hand to give lessons of morality; but remember that it is said that experience is the best of teachers. It is also said that experience keeps a dear school, and that fools will learn in no other, which is partially verified in my deplorable case, Therefore let me exhort you to learn by precept and good example, instead of by evil experience, as I have.

But I must proceed with my narrative, The night I went to see my wife she got me my supper, and we had the before named conversation. She then went out and was gone, I suppose, about an hour, when she returned, I discovered she had been weeping. I did not say very much to her. She went out again and did not return any more. I did not know what to do. I loved her dearly, and knew that I could never be satisfied without her, and she had gone without giving me any satisfaction. That, I thought, was evidence that she did not intend to go with me, and would rather have no conversation with me, I always thought I had too strong a mind to give way to such things, but it was impossible to put it out of my mind.

I went then to Clifton Hazlewood's and stayed all night. I tried to get Cliff to help me get her. We went to bed, but not to sleep (on my part.) All I could think of was my young and lovely wife. The next morning, as soon as daylight appeared, I went to James Maupin's to see if my wife was there. He is the man on whom I forged a thirty dollar note, but the love I had for her banished all fear; but to my great disappointment she was not there. I then returned to her brother's who informed me that they were very uneasy about her, not knowing where she was. I wrote a letter and left it with them for her. My brother and myself then returned, since which time I have heard nothing from her.

Then came the greatest trouble that ever enshrouded my bosom. I thought I would take to hard drinking to down my trouble, but alas, dear readers, it only made bad worse, I told my brother my conclusions, and it seemed to excite him more than anything I ever saw. He undertook to counsel me, and never before did I receive such a piece of advice in all my life, from any person, young as he was. I had to promise him that I would per-form his wishes, in order to allay his excited feelings. And now, dear reader, had I taken the advice of that young brother, and fulfilled my promise to him, it would this day be worth ten thou-sand such worlds as this to ma, But, alas, how soon are the promises of the wicked forgotten.

In a day or two after I went to get a fine mare of Owen Karr's. On the night of the 11th of March, I took her out, went to Hezekiah Oldham's took his saddle from his saddle house, put it on the mare, and tried to ford the river. The mare would not go in'. the river was not fordable, which I did not know. Then I went back to the Irvine pike, and took the end leading to Irvine. This was about two hours before day. At daylight, or a little after, I came to the ford at Irvine, and tried to ford it. The mare would not go across. I then went up to the ferryman's house, as I supposed it to be, where two men ware saddling their horses. I rode up and asked if either of them was the ferryman. One of them called a little boy from the house and told him to set me over the river. When we arrived on the other side I told him I wanted to see Mr. Curtis, and would be back in an hour or two, when I would pay him for the ferriage, that I had no change, but would get some in town. I passed through town, and took the road leading up the Kentucky river. After passing Old Henry Thomas' I saw two men coming after me. I did not know but they might be in pursuit, at which I felt somewhat alarmed, but they came up with me, and passed on. Soon after another passed me and rode on a piece and stopped to adjust his saddle blanket. I overtook him and we rode together to the corner of Wiatt's fence. There I saw a son of Albert G. Clem, a little boy called William. I stopped and talked with him, and my companion went on. I went with Will Clam and got my dinner, and then went to my cousin James Smith's. They all inquired of me where I got my fine mare. I told them that I had bought her from Ned Karr. They bragged on her very much and my aunt Betsey Smith wanted to ride her to my grandfather's which I would not consent to, for fear the owner might get her. I was going to Montgomery county1 but wanted to see my cousin William Smith, and I went up to the three forks of the Kentucky river at Proctor. There I got to drinking, and passed myself off for a recruiting officer, and wanted several to go with me to the army. ******** M**** agreed to go, but insisted that I should first come and fish with them. This suited me precisely, for I had seen Ms sister at a distance, and fell very much in love with her appearance. I told A**** that I would go with him on Wednesday and stay two or three days. On the day before I sold the mare to William Smith for

one hundred dollars. He paid me ten dollars in money down and a watch for twelve dollars, and I took his note for twenty eight dollars which I thought I could sell and get the money for it, but I found that was hard to do. Thursday came, and I made preparations to go to see that pretty girl. The young man came down to Proctor, and his father and brother came with him; he had told them that I was to go home with them. when I first saw the old man I did not know him; but he soon told me who he was. I desired to get in with him, because I wanted his gir1 and the way was to get with the old folks first. He went with me to hunt A****, when we found he was drinking at Mason Williams'. He asked me if I was going home with him. I told him I was and was going to stay and fish with them some time. I felt that every minute I remained there I was exposed. They had advertised the mare that I had

taken from Madison county, and there were men there who would have sacrificed the life of their best friend for fifty dollars, and I knew it; but my anxiety for the girl led me to do that which I would not have done 'under other circumstances, for if it had not been for her, I would have been gone before they found out that I was the man.

But I hardly thought of anything but accomplishing my desires, which I was in a fair way to do. when I and the Mr. McGuires went to their house they were all very friendly to me. I had treated them at Proctor's until they all were pretty drunk; besides I had bought a quart for us to take home with us. The old lady and the girl were friendly, and treated me with as great politeness as their ability would permit. I did not have much to say to the girl on the first interview. I did not want to make too free, for fear I would offend them. I stayed and fished with them the next day or two, and then, on Friday, we went to a log rolling. I worked very hard, and came back to Mr. McGuire's, and that night there were two men who were going to perform at Mr. Thompson's. They were negro actors, and Miss D was going there. I thought that was the time for me to commence my courting. We all started, and I asked Miss D**** for her company. She very readily consented. As we went along we were talking about Arch and Jack going with me to Kansas. I asked her if she did nothate for them to go and leave her behind. She said she did. I told her that I would like very much to take some one of these mountain girls with me, and she was the prettiest I had seen, and would be very glad if she would make up her mind to go with me and her two brothers. I had not time to say very much before we got to the place where we were going to stop. I parted with her at the door, and had no other conversation with her until we started back.

There was a good many persons there, as there was never such a thing in those regions before, as I imagine. They all seemed very much pleased at the performance. We started back, when Miss D**** and myself renewed our conversation in regard to her going with me to Kansas; and after considerable conversation on the subject, she consented to be mine and accompany me to Kansas.

I stayed about Mr McGuire's until Sunday morning, the 25th of March, 1657. I was standing out in the yard conversing with some of the family, when we saw three or four men coming down through the field, and when they came up they turned out to be James Land, Jessie Arvine, Mason Williams and perhaps others. Mason Williams pointed me out to Land as the man who had been to his house and who sold the mare. Mr. James M. Land then came up to me and took my arm and said I was his prisoner. when another took me by the other arm. They then asked me where was my money. I told them I was broke. Williams asked me what I had done with the large roll of money I had at his house. I told him I had spent it. He said I could not have used so large an amount in so short a time. From their interrogations, I supposed they had arrested me upon suspicion of counterfeiting, or having counterfeit money about me. I then inquired of them what they were arresting me for. They replied it was in consequence of the mare which I had let Smith have, that precisely suited the description of the stolen mare from Madison county as advertised in the newspapers. I told them that I would easily clear myself out of that scrape. They said that was what they were going to give me a chance to do. They then permitted me to go into the house and speak to Miss D**** and bid her a short farewell, as I then told her it would be-but never before in my life was the power of speech so completely denied me as at that time. I, however, after a long time made out to tell her I would have to go with these men and prove myself clear of this charge, which I could easily do, and then I would return to her. But, poor girl, she did not know that she was, fortunately, parting forever with a vile seducer, who was using all his arts and flatteries to plant a thorn in her bosom that would destroy, for all time to come, everything that makes life desirable.

They started with me. one having hold of each arm, and so conducted me until we got to the fence. when James Land told them to let me go: that he did not think I would attempt to leave them, and intimated a belief that I was not guilty of the charge. They still kept very close to me, on each side and behind, and I was confident that they were well armed, because they would have been fools to go on the expedition which they were on without being well armed. They frequently pressed me to drink with them, but I refused several times, I was thinking of a plan to make my escape from them. We had the river to cross in a canoe, they having left their horses on the other side, and my settleddetermination was to turn over the canoe with them which would render their arms useless, and swim out and leave them,

There were some persons near the river making sugar. The company said they would go by the camp and get as much sugar as we could eat. I, at length, took a dram occasionally; but, unfortunately for my canoe plan, when we got to the sugar camp there were three or four men there with rifles, which blasted my hopes of escape by overturning the canoe. Mr. Mason Williams bought some three or four teacup cakes of sugar and gave me one of them. We proceeded on from thence to Mason Williams': there we got something more to drink and took dinner. We then geared up and started for Irvine. Mr. James Land took me up behind him and we set out-no one in company but Land, Arvine and myself. We went on until we came to the mouth of Contrary Creek, near where Mr. John Gray lives: we got down and took something to drink. We then went to Mr. Gray's house; he was not at home. Some of the family inquired if we were going to Irvine, and being answered in the affirmative, they said that Mr. Gray had a letter which he wished carried to Irvine and put into the post office. Mr. Land took the letter and promised to mail it. Poor fellow, he never did it himself.

We were then at the foot of Contrary Hill, and being steep and rugged, we concluded to go up on foot. All my thoughts were how I should escape from them! which I was determined to do or die in the attempt; and there at the foot of that hill, I had formed a plan, which was, while we were ascending the hill, to pick my opportunity and knock one of them down with a rock, and the other if possible, and if not to risk running away from him. There was any quantity and quality of rocks from the bottom to the top of the hill, but I could not get them in a suitable position to effect my object.

We arrived at the top of the hill, where we again mounted in position as before. We went on a few miles and met a man called George Williams, Esqr. We stopped and talked with him a few minutes and then proceeded on a few miles further, when Jessie Arvine got down to walk and gave up his horse to me. while I was riding behind Land I ascertained that his pistol was in the breast pocket of his coat: then my plan was to get it by some means, and shoot Arvine, who had the other pistol, and then Land and myself for it, single handed. I watched my opportunity for some time; at last I got Arvine on the favorable side, and was riding close by the side of Land; I seized Land's right hand or wrist with my left hand, and thrust my right hand into his bosom and drew his pistol. and wheeled and shot Arvine in the head, and almost at the same time pulled Land off his horse and at the same time came off mine; we struck the ground about the same time, and as Land was in the act of rising, I fired at him and missed him; he endeavored to escape,and put off on his hands and feet, not having straightened up, but finding that

I was upon him, with four barrels of the pistol loaded, he gave up flight, and rather turned upon his side and implored for mercy. But, 0, horrid to tell instead of extending mercy to a helpless. unoffending fellow, I fired on him; the ball took effect in the right eye, passing through the brain, and he died without a struggle.

I at first thought I would take Land's money. but I could not bring my feelings up to the act of robbing the dead body of a man that I thought as much of as I did James M. Land, who had treated me with so much kindness during my captivity with him. Now, my readers, you may thing this a very strange infatuation, for a man to profess any kind of friendly feeling for a man he had just murdered in cold blood; yet it is true. I was acting in obedience to the first law of nature, self preservation. I very well knew that if they ever got me to jail that this charge of horse stealing, together with my other murders, my various forgeries. counterfeiting, bigamies and thefts, would convict me to a penitentiary from time to time, for a number of years, equal to a long life time, than which I would greatly prefer death. Yea, I would greatly prefer my present sentence to a lifetime in the penitentiary. Therefore, had it been my brothers, instead of James M. Land and Jessie Arvine, who had me in custody, and I could not otherwise have escaped from them, I would have done the same thing, however much I might have regretted the necessity for the commission of the deed. This enormous crime was committed where the North-fork road intersects the Irvine and Proctor road, a short distance from what is called the Winding~Stairs hill, in Estill County, Kentucky.

After committing this horrid deed, I ran back upon this same road some thirty or forty yards, then took to the left, went to the cliff and followed it until I found a gap, through which I could get down; I then ran to the creek and followed it, endeavoring to keep from making tracks, by stepping on rocks. I went on down the creek until I came very near to Gray's. where James M. Land got the letter, at the foot of Contrary hill. It was not quite sundown; I hid among the logs where I continued until after dark; I then went to the road, to the first fence after you leave the creek, going toward Proctor; here I got over the fence and lay down tolerably close to the road, to ascertain whether any person passed or was in pursuit of me. I heard some person pass, seemingly in a great hurry; I thought it was some person going to Proctor to give in-telligence of the death of Land and Arvine. After I supposed every person was done passing, I went to the road and followed it to where William and John Smith had a coal shanty. They were not there, it being Sunday, and I went in and took their bed clothing, went under the floor and wrapped myself up.

On Monday morning, there were some hands at work in the next shanty, within my hearing. They were talking about the men who had been killed. They said they did not believe that Hawkins killed them; they thought it was some of his relations. While they were talking, some person came into the shanty where I was, hunting for a coal pick as I soon learned. They that were outside told him to look under the floor; and they were under the floor, sure enough. He happened to raise the plank they were under, and did not have to look further. Fortunate it was for him that he found the pick in-stead of finding me, I was not interrupted any more, and stayed there until Tuesday night, the 24th of March 1857, when, supposing every person had quit traveling, I came out from under the floor, and went to the shanty of Thomas Stapleton and James Clancy, and took a fork, opened the lock and went in; my aim was to get something to eat but could not find anything there. while in there the thought struck me that I had better change my clothing, so I went to a box and took out a pair of blue military pants. a coat, shirt, and vest; I put them on and went to the road leading from Irvine to Proctor, and took the end leading to Irvine. While going on, I imagined that I heard some one coming behind me; I turned out of the road and hid, to let them pass, but after laying there some time, found I was mistaken. I thought, "Verily, the wicked flee when no man pursueth." I went back to the road and traveled on until I came to the place where Land and Arvine were murdered. I stopped and tried to ascertain any sign that was there left in regard to them. The moon did not shine, as well as I now recollect; it had rained during the day, but had cleared off, and the stars gave some light, but I could not find any sign and went on. I have since learned that I had stepped in the blood where James Land lay. I went on down the Winding Stairs hill, and came to the stable of Mr, Anderson Hamilton, where I turned to the right, aiming to go to my aunt Elizabeth Smith's. but got lost and went too high up the creek; when I came to the cliff I knew where I was and took across through the woods, When I came to my aunt's I hailed them to know if they were asleep; they inquired who I was; I informed them and asked if they had anything cooked to eat. They said they had not, and asked me where I was going. I told them I did not know where to go. My aunt told me I had better be traveling; that if they caught me they would shoot me certain. I told her it was then daylight, and there was no chance for me to get away until night. She told me to go to the cave and go in. and they could not find me in there, 1 went to the cave, but did not stay there long, because I was fearful they would come to my aunt's and make her tell where I was.

I went to the road that led down the cliff to Miller's Creek, and round the cliff some distance, and hid in it until I was compelled to come out, which I did, and went up on top of the cliff and laid down in the sunshine. I had not been long there before I saw two men hunting me; they passed on, and went out of sight. When they got out of sight, I started and went to the cave. I had not been there long before a man came into the cave and got him a drink of water. He looked right at me, but it was so dark where I was that he could not tell what my bulk was. I could see him quite plainly, he being between me and the light at the mouth of the cave.

He went away, and in the course of an hour or two, several men came into the cave and searched for me. In the meantime, I had climbed up and got under a shelving rock in a sink hole that came in some thirty or forty yards from the mouth of the cave, and they failed to search there. While I was there, they left to get some fire, as I then supposed. So soon as I ascertained that they were gone I went out, and crawled on my hands and knees in order to keep from making tracks, and thus eluded their vigilance for the present. I went to the cliff, at what is called the Narrow Gap, thence down the road, and took the end leading to Irvine.

I had not gone far until I heard some persons on the hillside. I stopped awhile and the talking ceased I resumed my travel, and went to Satterwhite Tyry's some time in the night. This was on the 25th of March. He was not at home. I knocked at the door, His wife asked me who was there. I asked if she did not know me, She said she did not. I told her it was Hawkins. She asked me what Hawkins. I told her Edward Hawkins. She said, "Ned, lam afraid of you." I asked her if she thought I would hurt her, playmates as we had been, She made me "pon my honor" that I would not hurt her. You can have no idea how that hurt me. To think that a woman, with whom I had spent my childhood, should now be afraid of me! But alas, it was all on account of my wretched depravity. After I pledged myself that I would not hurt her she let me in. I told her that I was very hungry, and wanted something to eat very badly. She said that she had nothing cooked but that she could soon bake some bread; she did do, and gave me some raw meat. She told me that if they caught me they would hang me, certain. I asked her how she knew. She said she had been down to Mr. Rankins' and heard them say they intended to hang me as soon as they caught me. She asked me why I did not throw those shoes away; that they had measured my track and knew it anywhere. She then asked me where I was going. I told her I was going to the New Furnace. She did not ask me any more questions, but said she wanted me to keep them from catching me.

I started from there and went to Woodward's creek, near the month of Red River. There I stayed until the evening of the 26th, when they got after me, and I had to make my escape the best way I could. I started from there and made no halt, but went to my uncle William Hawkins'. I got there just as they were sitting down to breakfast. They were very much surprised to see me, and were telling me the news, when my grandfather came in and asked me where I was going. I told him I did not know where to go. I told him that I was going to try to make my escape, but thought it very doubtful whether or not I could do it. He told me they would be sure to catch me. There was no way in the world for me to get away. I did not stay there long, but went to uncle Moses Hawkins1, and from there to my brother-in-law, Wm. King's, and from there to uncle Henry Hawkins', where I remained until after dinner, and went home with my sister. I had not been there long before a party of men came, and I had to run to make my escape. They did not discover me; I suppose, though I thought they had seen me, and that there would be no chance for escape.

I then went back to Wm. King's, and took down his gun, determined to fight as long as I could stand rather than be taken alive. I then went on past uncle Henry Hawkins', and saw several of the party sitting on the hillside looking right at me, and never offered to stop me; but after I got out of sight, started after me, halboing. yelling, and making as much noise as they well could do. I went to where there was a man ploughing, and asked him if he had seen anything of Hawkins, the man who had murdered the two men in the mountains. He said he had not seen any person pass. I then went over to uncle Williams', and there I met with my brother, Wm. Hawkins. I requested him to take uncle's horse and set me over Red River at Hilblick's Mill, He did so. We crossed the river after night. We went to Polly Ann Patton's home some time in the night, perhaps about 9 o'clock. I told her the circumstances and requested her not to let it be known that she had seen me. I did not feel any way uneasy, for I had no thought that they would come there to hunt me. I went to bed and was uninterrupted, and having lost considerable sleep, I slept soundly until I was awakened by the family next morning, when I felt greatly refreshed. I then sent my brother back with the horse he had taken to set me over the river. We parted that morning, (I imagined) never to meet any more this side of the vast eternity; but wicked and wretched as I now am, I hope we may meet in a better world than this, where parting will be no more.

The morning he started, he gave me a piece of advice I never should forget. He told me that if they came on me, he wanted me to fight until they killed me; that he would much rather see me die any other death than to be caught and hung to gratify a party of prejudiced men, but if I did make my escape to always act honest-ly in the future, and try to get forgiveness for what I had done. I had to make that promise before he would leave me satisfied. This was Friday, the 27th of March. This day I saw Mr. Joel Storm and Mr. John Packet pass, and stop where Polly Ann Patton's son was at work, and they asked him if he had seen anything of Edward Hawkins. He told them that he had not. I was then sitting, looking at them through a crack. There were a great many persons pass-ed the road that day, the 28th of March. On the same day I saw Wm. A. L. B. Sharp hunting for me. I had gone upon a high point from which I could see in every direction for a considerable distance. There was a man named Nathan Clemmons, ploughing by the side of the road, who knew all about where I was. I saw Wm. Sharp call him to the road; and I mistrusted he was trying to find out where I was, and was a little apprehensive he would do it. I knew that if he did that Sharp would come right to where I was, in which event I would have to kill him; and this I did not wish to do, as he and all my connections were at a good understanding. But he failed to find out where I was and went on. I had sent H. W. Patton down to my uncle Wm. Hawkins' for my clothing. He did not come back until afternoon. When he came he told me thev were gone in every direction hunting for me, and they said they would have me if it cost ten thousand dollars. I thought my chance of escape was very bad; from what I could hear those men were in every direction in pursuit of me, hunting me down as a ferocious wild beast of the forest. I felt that mine was a forlorn case, cast off from the society of all my nearest and dearest friends, loaded with mountains of guilt and rivers (as it were) of innocent blood. Truly, thought I, "the wages of sin is death."

I continued there until nearly sundown, and then started to try to make my way to Ohio. I traveled on that night, but did not get very far. I went through the Levy, and tried to get into the road that leads into Mt. Sterling, but I got lost and went down on Howard's creek. 'When I got there it was nearly daylight. I then took the road leading to Mt. Sterling. I passed there on Sunday morning, March 29th. I left the town on my right and kept some distance from the pike, and went to a friend of mine and got breakfast.

After breakfast, I traveled on-went through Sharpsburg, through by Buzzard's Roost, then to Licking river, and crossed in a canoe, and left Elizarville on my right and Centerville on my left, and took the Orangeburgh road until I came to the Cabin Creek road. r stayed all night at Mr. McNap's three miles from the mouth of Cabin creek, and on Monday, the 30th, I crossed the Ohio river. I was traveling on the road leading to Manchester, not thinking of any person being in pursuit of me, when I happened to look back and saw the heads and guns of several men coming in the direction of me. I knew in a minute what their business was, and they were so close to me that there was no chance for me to run, and too many of them to undertake to fight, and the thought struck me to play the farmer off on them. So I got over the fence and commenced laying up some loose rails that had been brought there for that purpose. The party rode on by me, and just as they got opposite one of them pointed at me, and told the others that if they ever caught Hawkins, they would see just such a man as I was. He said he would be mighty glad to catch him, and if they did they would hang him to the first tree they came to. After they passed on, I went on until I came to the road that leads from the mouth of Cabin creek to West Union; there I took the West Union road and traveled very slowly, for I did not suppose they would hunt that road any more Thursday, the 2nd of April. There I heard of some persons hunting me; r did not stay long. That night I went to an old friend of mine and stayed there some two or three hours. I then went and got into a haystack and went to sleep and slept till Friday, the 3rd of April, 1857.1 traveled very slowly all day, and arrived at my father's that night before daylight some two hours, They were all asleep; I halabooed and waked them up and went in. My father was still asleep. My little sister and Polly Smith were telling me about what old A**** and his family had said about me while I was gone, when I told them that I had killed two men, and went on to relate the whole circumstance. They thought I was jesting, and did not appear to pay any attention to what I said, My father waked up and I related the circumstance to him; be, like the rest of the family, thought I was jesting. After breakfast I ask-ed my father to go with me to old A***~s; he consented to do so, and we met several of my old acquaintances and conversed with them,

When we arrived at old A****ts no one was at home but the old lady, She told me that there had been men there hunting for me. I asked her what for, She told me the circumstance just as it had been related to her, as she said. I readily knew that she had heard the circumstances by the way she told it. I did not stay long; my father and myself started back home, as I told them, but I had no notion of going there myself: We went on together near to Mr. Hampton's, and there we parted; alas, forever! I went to the woods to keep from being seen by any person. This was on the 4th day of April, 1857. That night was a very bad, rainy night and quite dark, so much so that I could not see to travel. I got under a cliff and built a fire. In order to keep the light of my fire from being seen by any one in search of me, I built a wall about three feet high all around it, and remained there all night, Next morning a little independent company was raised to hunt me and they got on my track; it had rained the night before which made the ground muddy. They tracked me up and found me, but were afraid to come near me until I showed them my empty pockets. They then came forward and took hold of me. There is one thing that mor-tifies me and will the few remaining days that I have to live; that is this, after having so long eluded the vigilance of so many smart men, then to be captured by a set of fools and cowards,

The party that took me carried me to Rome and delivered me up to a certain Mr. Rose. They delivered their interest in my capture to Mr. Janes, of Rome, Ohio. The next day we got on board the steamer Bostona, bound for Cincinnati Mr Janes acted the gentleman with me; but as for old Rose.I would like to put a mark on him on him so that my friends will know him wherever they see him and do for him what I certainly would do if I could live. On the 7th we reached Covington and took the cars for Lexington We arrived there on the same evening, and went to Captain' Blincoes.

There they put me in jail and the next day the 8th of April they hired a horse and hack and took me to Winchester; where Mr. Storm joined our party and came along with us to Irvine, where I now lie chained down in a loathsome dungeon awaiting the day of my execution.

As a dying man, I hereby certify that the foregoing pages (substantially) a true history of my life and actions as therein represented, to the best of my recollection of the facts herein detailed.

Edward W, Hawkins.

Attest: R. B. Craven, Capt. of Guard Eli Stuart.

Official Transcript of the Trial

The following is the evidence on behalf of the Commonwealth on the trial of Edward W. Hawkins. under a charge of murdering James M. Land and Jessie Arvine. before the Court of Inquiry and before the Circuit Court on his final trial.

The Court of Inquiry met at the courtbouse in Irvine, Estill County, Kentucky on the 11th day of April, 1857. Present: A.W. Quinn, Judge Estill County court, and R. W. Smith Esq., Justice of the Peace for said county who composed the examining court.The prisoner, being brought into the bar, and waiving the rights of counsel announcing himself ready, was put upon his trial.

Mrs. Sallie Tyry was introduced and sworn for the Commonwealth. She testified that on the night of the of th of march 1857, the prisoner knocked at her door some considerabie time in the night. She asked the prisoner who he was. Prisoner said it was Hawkins.Witness asked what Hawkins it was

He answered it was was Ned Hawkin. Witness said, "Ned, I am' afraid of you.

Prisoner said, "Are you afraid of me who has been playmate and connection?"

Witness repeated that she was afraid of him and would not let him in until he pledged his honor that he would not

hurt her. Witness then opened the door and let him in. He said he wanted something to eat; that he was very hungry Witness told him she had nothing cooked, but that she could soon bake some

bread, which she did, and gave him some meat. Witness asked prisoner how he managed to kill Land and Arvine. He said he did it very slick. She asked prisoner where he was going. He said he was going to the New Furnace, where he had a friend that would protect him.

Harrison Moore was then introduced for the Commonwealth, who testified that he passed the Winding Stairs, in Estill county, on Sunday evening, the 22nd of March, 1857, about one hour by the sun in the evening; that a short distance from the top of the Winding Stairs hill, he came upon Jessie Arvin in the last agonies of death. and that within a few steps James M. Land was lying dead; that in going down the Winding Stairs hill he overtook the horses of James M. Land and Jessie Arvine, and that he did not recognize the slain men until he saw their horses. No cross examination by defendant.

George S. Williams, Esq., was introduced by the Commonwealth, who testified that he met James M. Land, Jessie Arvine and the prisoner on Sunday evening, the 22nd of March, 1857, between the Winding Stairs and the top of Contrary hill; that the prisoner (Hawkins) was riding behind Land upon the same horse; that he shook hands with Land and the prisoner, and talked with them for some few minutes and passed on. No cross examination by defendant.

James Warner was then introduced by the Commonwealth, who testified that he was traveling on the road leading down the Winding Stairs, in Estill county, on Sunday evening, the 22nd of March, 1857, and that when he had advanced some considerable distance down the Winding Stairs, he heard three distinct reports of what he then thought was a revolving pistol; that when Harrison Moore gave the above information. witness, with others, went back to where he supposed the pistol firing was, and there found James M. Land dead, having been shot in the right eye. and Jessie Arvine still struggling in the agonies of death, and who died a few moments afterward.

Mason Williams was introduced by the Commonwealth, and testified that the prisoner came to his house at Proctor some few days previous to his arrest but had left his home before Land and Arvine came in pursuit of him. Witness went with Land and Arvine to Benjamin McGuire's where they found the prisoner and arrested him, and brought him back to the house of the witness on the 22nd of March, 1857. Land, Arvine and the prisoner left the house of the witness on the same day, and started, as they announced, for Irvine, prisoner riding behind James M. Land, upon the same horse. Witness saw no more of them, but heard the next day that Land and Arvine were found upon the road murdered.

The foregoing is substantially the evidence before the Inquiry Court, the prisoner waiving the introduction of any

witnesses; upon which the court sentenced the prisoner to further trial before the Estil] Circuit court, and remanded him to the dungeon of the jail without bail or main prize. And afterward; on the --day of April, 1857, a Call Court was held at the courthouse in Irvine, by Hon. Granville Pearl and the Grand Jury having found true bills upon two separate indictments for murder against the prisoner, he was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to each of the indictments, and was put upon his trial, the court having assigned to him as counsel Henry C. Lilly, Thomas H, Carson, P. W. Smith and Dillard C. Daniel, Esq., whereupon in addition to the evidence as detailed before the Inquiring Court--Henry M. Judy was introduced and sworn for the Commonwealth, and testified that some short time after the commitment of the prisoner by the Inquiring Court, he, witness had an interview with the prisoner, in which he told the prisoner that there was a reward of fifty dollars offered for the recovery of James M. Land's pistol, and that if he, prisoner, knew where it was, and would inform witness so that he could find it, he would divide the reward with him, and that the prisoner informed witness that the pistol was in a certain cave, where he, prisoner, had taken refuge a few nights after the murder of Land and Arvine; the prisoner drew a map describing the cave, with a trace leading to where the pistol was concealed. Witness went to the cave, and in pursuance of said instruction, found the pistol in the place as described by the prisoner. Witness brought the pistol and gave it to A. W. Quinn, County Judge, for safe keeping until the day of trial.

A. W. Quinn was called and produced said pistol in court, which was identified by several witnesses to be the pistol that James M. Land was carrying at the time of his murder. Three barrels of said pistol was empty and three were loaded.

Joel Storm was then called and sworn for the Commonwealth, and testified that he had been in pursuit of the prisoner pretty much from the time of the murder until the apprehension of the prisoner, and that he assisted in bringing him to the jail of Estill county, and while in jail the witness had an interview with the prisoner, in which interview the prisoner confessed to witness that he did murder Land and Arvine, and told witness the particulars of said transaction.

Cross examined.-Witness said that he did not hold out any inducements to prisoner to make said confession, but told him that he would be hung, and that he, witness, wanted him hung, but that his confession of the matter might create some sympathy for him, and have a tendency to somewhat lull the excited feelings of the public mind, but that he need not expect thereby to escape the penalty of the law.

The foregoing is substantially the amount of testimony given before both courts, upon which the latter gave to the jury the following instructions:

The court instructs the jury that if they believe from the evidence, to the exclusion of a reasonable doubt, that the prisoner, Edward W. Hawkins, in this county, and before the finding of the indictments, did willfully and maliciously kill James M. Land and Jessie Arvine, or either of them, with a pistol, the prisoner is guilty of murder, and the jury ought so to find.

The court further instructs the jury, the killing of a person by the hands of some person being established, the law then presumes the killing to be murder; and then if the person who did the act or deed be identified, to the satisfaction of the jury, to the exclusion of a reasonable doubt, then it developes upon the accused to show extenuating circumstances that would reduce the killing from murder to manslaughter, unless it arises out of the evidence introduced by the Commonwealth,

That if the jury believe, from the evidence, that the prisoner did the killing deliberately, having previously conceived the design to kill the deceased, or either of them, and said killing was not done in his own necessary self-defense, that is, in order to protect his life or protect his person from great bodily harm, be is guilty of murder and the jury ought so to find.

But if the jury should believe from the evidence that the prisoner killed the deceased in order to preserve his life. or to protect his person from great bodily harm, and not from a preconceived intention to kill the deceased, or either of them, then the jury ought to acquit the prisoner.

That the confession of the defendant, unless made in open court, will not warrant a conviction unless accompanied with other proofs that such an offense as is charged against the defendant was committed.

That if the jury believe that there are reasonable doubts, growing out of the evidence, of the prisoner being guilty, they ought to acquit the prisoner.

Malice is presumed from any deliberate act done by a person which shows that the person doing the act was regardless of the laws of society, and fatally bent upon mischief, and it is not necessary that the person accused should have any particular ill will towards the deceased. If it appear from the evidence that the accused in doing the killing showed that he was regardless of the laws of society, and recklessly and without provocation, and not in his own necessary self defense, killed the deceased, That the law presumes a man innocent until his guilt is clearly proven.

That the confession or admission of a party made in the presence of the witness alone is the weakest and most suspicious evidence known to the law; but if made in the presence of others besides the witnesses introduced, it becomes more, and if proven by several witnesses to be made, then it becomes strong evidence of the truth of the admission, and if the jury believe that the confession or admission was actually made to the full extent, as proven by the witnesses, then it becomes strong and powerful evidence of the truth of the admission against the party making them.

Confession or admission made by a party charged with a criminal offense, under a promise that it would be to the advantage of the party making them, or under a threat that induced the party to make them through fear, ought not to be considered by the jury, and are not evidence against the accused.

With which instructions the jury retired, after an able argument by S. M. Barnes, Commonwealth's Attorney, pro tern: able and appropriate speeches for the prisoner by D.C. Daniel and H. C. Lilly, Esq.; and after mature deliberation returned into court a verdict upon each indictment, that the prisoner was guilty of the murder of James M. Land and Jessie Arvine, upon which verdict the prisoner was sentenced and executed.

Ned's last letter to his Father

John W. Hawkins and family

Irvine, Estill County. Ky.

April 22, 1857.

Dear Father:

I take my pen (with a heavy heart) to inform you of my unhappy and deplorable situation, of which, I imagine, you are not fully apprized. Oh. my dear father, it grieves my heart to have to in-form you that I am at this time chained down in the dark and loathsome dungeon of the Estill county jail, awaiting the day of my execution, which is fixed by my sentence, for the 29th of May next, which sentence I can meet with all the bravery of one of Kentucky's bravest sons. But, alas! that will not keep the stain from my little innocent brothers and sisters; but they shall have the poor consolation to know that, if their brother was hung, that he died like a man, and not like a coward. Alas; if I had given heed to those admonitions, I would not this day have been in this loathsome dungeon. loaded with chains. But, alas! it is forever too late to recall time and incidents, after they are passed and gone. But, my dear little brothers and sisters. take warning by the un-fortunate situation of your unhappy and disconsolate brother:

and when you think about disobeying your father, who is our only living parent, just look back and see what a similar disobedience has brought your unfortunate brother to. You know that I always gave you good counsel: but alas! did not practice the precept which I gave you.

Oh! my young brothers and sisters, this is the last and dying advice that your unfortunate brother can ever give you. There are some of you old enough to know how to act. and I want you so to act that your actions will be an example of morality and honesty to your younger brothers and sisters, who are (from their infantile state), less conscious of right and wrong. There are some of you who are in the habit of profane swearing. Now, as the last request of a dying brother, let me implore you to quit that practice, for it, like other evils, will lead to greater ones. Do not let this admonition remain dormant in your own breasts, but spread it about among your little playmates, so that my unhappy fate will be a warning to them. Now, by the light of a dim candle within these dark and dismal walls, I trace these, my last lines, to any of you. My heart is so full of grief, I cannot say more than farewell forever. We shalt meet no more until we meet at the great judgement bar of God. Now, my dear little brothers and sisters, let me implore you to prepare to meet your Savior in peace at that awful day. Do not put it off, for you may be called off in the bloom of youth, without a moment's warning. Remember, none of us have any lease for our lives; therefore, do not put off until it is forever too late,,but seek forgiveness while your crimes are not so great. Do not falter at the first effort but persevere. Remember that however great a sinner you may be, God is still a great Savior, and is able to forgive, even unto death.

Now, my dear father, brothers and sisters, when you receive this I shall be in the cold and silent grave: but oh, my father, forgive a dying son for the anguish brought down upon your gray hairs by his reckless disobedience. Full of grief, as I am, gladly would I take yours if thereby you could be relieved by it. I cannot say more; but farewell! farewell forever, my dear father, and may God Almighty bless you and my dear little brothers and sisters and prepare you to stand on his right hand when the great day of His wrath shall come; is the prayer of your unworthy, but affectionate and dying son.

Edward W. Hawkins.

Gallows Speech Of Edward W. Hawkins

May 29,1857

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I have the opportunity once more of presenting myself before you for the last time in this world.

I have arisen before you. ladies and gentlemen, for the purpose of making some brief remarks, r shall be very brief; for it is reasonable to conclude, that the condition in which I am now placed would prevent a very lengthy discourse.  The time of my execution has arrived.

In a very short time I must be hurled into Eternity, and that too, by an ignominious and disgraceful death!

But before the arrival of that awful moment, I wish. to give the young and rising generation a piece of dying advice, and at the same time warn them against the indulgence of crime, and of evil habits of all kinds, that it may not be your unhappy lots to have to share the same fate which I must very soon suffer. The way by which you may shun this, my young friends, is to act honestly to all persons, and endeavor to shun the paths of vice and immorality. By so doing, you will be sure to gain the love and esteem of all with whom you may chance to form an acquaintance, But on the other hand, I care not how successful you may be in the indulgence of any evil habits whatever, it will be very sure to render you unhappy. If you go in company with those whom you know to be honest, you will be unhappy because you feel the weight of your own guilt, and their innocence. You commence your career by the commission of small and petty crimes; but the smaller the crime, the weaker the mind; for a growth in crime produces a growth in depravity.

But how very different is the condition of the innocent! They always breathe the sweet air of freedom, the value of which is almost utterly impossible to express; for, my young friends, what is life without liberty: Liberty is one of the greatest blessings vouched to us by our beneficent Creator.

My heart's desire is, my young friends, that you may learn to appreciate its value without having to be confined in the jail~s dark and dismal dungeon., as I have been for the last two months. I do not speak from imagination, but from sad and woeful experience. I once enjoyed the freedom of an innocent life. I have also lived in the indulgence of wickedness and crime, which later has brought me, as you will soon witness, to an early and untimely grave.

I must now be cut off from the enjoyments of this life, from the society of father, brothers, sisters and friends, while in the bloom of youth. Oh, horrible contemplation.

If I had taken the advice which I am this day giving you: my young friends, I might this day have been as free as air, and an honor to my connections and myself; but alas! instead of that I must leave a stain upon them, which will unlikely never be obliterated. But, my young friends, I do hope this may be a warning to yow, and that you may never suffer yourselves to be led astray 'by the allurements of the wicked; for if you do, you will be very sure to fall into the snares of destruction! You will, very probably, be surprised to hear me say that my present condition was caused by disobedience to my parents. But, my young friends, it is unquestionably true. Therefore, my advice to you is, obey your parents in all things; by so doing, you will render both your parents and yourselves happy.

Just reflect for one moment, and see what would be mare mortifying to a parent than the reckless disobedience of a child. But, my young friends, permit me to impress upon your minds the importance of the advice which I have this day given you. for if you should take one step toward crime, you soon become so hardened in it, that you will not care to commit any crime, no matter what its character be. You are then prepared to share my fate, which is a very sad and deplorable one indeed.

0, what a heart rendering thought! that a person must be cut off in the morning of life and in the vigor of health!

But alas! I have transgressed the laws of my country, and therefore, must suffer their penalty, which I cannot consider otherwise than just. But it is natural for the human family to endeavor to avoid the afflictions of punishment, however just it may be.

But, my young friends, if all crimes were to go unpunished, our glorious union would very soon be dissolved, and would, consequently, very soon relapse back into a state of barbarity and heathenism.

I now ask the special attention of the ladies for a few moments, and then I am done forever. Though you may think it very imprudent far a man of my character to thus address an audience of respectable young females, yet my experience, and the cruel manner in which I have treated your sex, makes me more complete to point out to you the many dangers to which you are exposed. And may the few remarks that I may make serve as a beacon to guide your feet into the paths of virtue and safety.

In the first place, let me implore you never to place your affections on a man with whose history you are not familiar; or without a recommendation from some of your own friends, and on whom you can rely with implicit confidence; for if you do, you ex-pose yourself to the greatest danger, the danger of being ruined forever, I, myself, have witnessed the everlasting downfall of young, confiding and unsuspecting females, which was caused by being too confiding, and placing their affections on a flattering stranger.

Therefore, my fair friends. my advice to you is, never listen to the flattery of any man, no matter how well acquainted you may be with him-and more especially the stranger. Never give the slightest attention to a man whom you do not consider worthy of your admiration, You will generally find that the most unworthy men are the ones best calculated to gain the affections of the young and unsuspecting female. And why? Because they are men who make that their constant study, and who are also accomplished in

the art of seduction-a thing that men of honor know nothing about. They turn their attentions to something better than destroying the peace and happiness of the almost helpless and inoffensive girls. and thus bring them living sacrifices to the brink of destruction.

Never place your affections, my fair friends, on men who visit the tippling shops and card tables, for they are unworthy of your attention. They are also very sure to render you unhappy, if you countenance them, or show the least degree of attachment for them.

Never place any confidence in a man whose natural trait is to always have something disrespectful to say about others: for they themselves are the guilty villains, who wish to clear themselves by condemning the innocent and to pull down all others to their own detestable level.

I know this to be a fact by a shameful experience. For young as I am, I have become thoroughly acquainted with the art of seduction.

But it is unnecessary for me to say more on the present occasion as my time is so near to a close. I have but a very few moments more to stand before you; therefore, I will close my remarks by entreating my young friends, both male and female, to heed the advice which I have this day given them, for it will, no doubt, prove to be a great benefit to them, after I have been laid in the cold and silent grave.

Now, permit me to return to you my thanks for your silent and respectful attention, and to bid you an eternal farewell!

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