º
tº LIFE AND CONFESSION
QF
MINER BABCOCK :
who was ºxecutiºn at Norwich, connectiour,
º -
JUNE 6th, 1816. -
ºº: THº-
MURDER OF LONDON.
- -
A Bºº CºMAN.
ºn ºn tº county Gaolº. At its ºvºsº.
-
º -
- -
PRINTED by sawuct cºx,
wººdoºcºon.
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... ºr is is



LIFE AND con FESSION
MINER BABCOCK.
-º-
I WAS born in Voluntown, Windham County, state of
Connecticut, Feb. 4, 1796; my parents moved soon
after to Preston, in the County of New-London, and re-
mained in different parts of the town until I was 9 years of
*ge. From thence Iwent to live with Dea. Joshua Pendleton,
of Norwich, where I lived three years; I went to school, to
meeting and was well clothed, and should have been glad to
have there remained until this time; but my parents thought
my age sufficient to work out by the day for their benefit.—
But alas! against my will, I was taken away from as good
a place as a lad could wish for, that was willing to do well.
From thence I went back to live with my parents at Pres-
ton, where I remained through the summer, but when win-
ter came I was miserably clad, and suffered much through-
out its severity. The following spring I went to live with
Mr. Zephaniah Lathrop, of Norwich my duty was that of
attending the Turn-pike-gate through the summer, except a
few choars for the family. In the month of August, while
I was at Mr. Lathrop's, my father died at the house of Mr.
Zachariah Burnham, very sudden ; the first knowledge of
his death was received from a black man named London,
which afterward proved to be my father-in-law, (that is to
say, he lived with my mother from that time until he died.
4.
After my father's death I left Mr. Lathrop, and went tº
John Burchard's to work at farming, until some time in the
winter, then went to my mother's and remained until spring.
During this I worked at small jobs in different places; at
the opening of spring I went to live with Mr. Moses Parks,
of Preston, and worked at farming through the summer ;-
then I went to live with Mr. Daniel Morgan, where my
mother was living at that time, where I remained nearly two
years and fared well. From thence I went to live with Mr.
Jesse Starkweather, where I laboured at farming through the
season ; from thence I went back to my mother, who was
living in a house belonging to Mr. Morgan, in the fall of the
year, and remained there throughout the winter, at the same
time working for different persons, and was comfortably sit-
uated. From thence I returned to Jesse Starkweather and
worked for him through the summer at 6 dollars per month,
and was well used—obtained some clothing and the remain-
ing cash went to my parents. I then retired home to my
mother, and worked for William Ayres at 25 cents per day,
and was about two months with him. I then repaired to Nor-
wich to work for Mr. Kelly, at 6 dollars per month—re-
maining with him two months and a half—fared well and re-
ceived good pay. From thence I went to New-London,
my business was that of cooking for the different vessels
through the winter. I then returned to my mother and re-
mained a few days, from thence I went to Captain John
Buswell's where I remained through the summer at 7 dol-
lars per month, was well used and well paid.
From here I joined my brother-in-law at work through the
winter, received poor pay and fared bad. In April I re-
turned to Capt. Buswell's, and worked for him three months
at 8 dollars permonth, and was punctually paid. From hence
to John Birchard's and laboured at farming about six weeks,
fared as I could, and received pay accordingly. From this
I went to New-York with Capt. Fitch, as a cook, and was
with him three months, at 8 dollars per month ; in conse-
quence of the ice at New-Haven we made a long trip before
we could return to New-London. From New-London I re-
turned back again to my mother, where I staid about six
















5
weeks, and from this I went to Plainfield and worked one
month for Doct. Fuller for 8 dollars, but never received the
value of one cent for my labour. From there I went to Capt.
Lot Morgan's from whom I received 9 dollars per month,
for two months, and was punctually paid.
From this I went to my sister's and worked by the day
for different persons until winter, where I received good
pay, and fared well. From there I went to work for six
weeks for Mr. Andrew Douglas, for 5 dollars per month-
good living but poor pay. After this I worked for John Ney
about six weeks for 5 dollars per month, was well used and
paid. From here I went back to my sister's and worked
with my brother-in-law Cook, at days work until spring ;
some time in May 1 returned to Lot Morgan's, where I la-
boured three months at 9 dollars per month, and was well
found and paid.
From this I again returned to may sister Cook sick, where
Itarried about three months, unable to do anything for my
support during my confinement, but after I recovered I
worked with my brother Cook until I was able to go else-
where, which was to Capt. Morgan's, where I worked thro'
the winter at 4 dollars 50cts, per month, and had cash for
pay. From thence 1 went to Elisha Clark's for 9 dollars per
month—victuals and drink plenty, but no pay for my labor.
He said I hurt his colt, if so, it was an accident, in trying to
break it that his girls might use it. From there I went to
my mother and worked at day-work; part of the time I
had a swelling in my side so large that I could not work ;-
Doct. Downing thought I never should get well, but I re-
covered so that I worked for Mr. Jesse Starkweather in the
month of April, and was with him three months at 10 dol-
lars per month.
On Saturday, June 17, 1815, Oh! unhappy day, I went
home to my mother's as I was unwell, June 21, a horrid
moment for contemplation' in the morning London arose in
an ill humor—began a quarrel with my mother, and he and
myself had some words together, which excited his passions

6
to that degree, he came at me, and unfortunately I had a
knife in my hand, which proved to be a mortal weapon to
London, for I unguardedly let out his bowels in the affray
which took place between us. -
Much has been said, but it was foreign from my inten-
tion to take his or any one's life at that time. True, I prick-
ed him several times with the knife, before the fatal wound
was given 3–during the whole time he had me clinched by
the left shoulder; after the fatal wound he sliped his hold,
and I ran down stairs, he went to the window and hallooed
murder several times. On my return, I found him up stairs,
sitting in a chair; seeing his situation, I helped him on the
bed, and ran for the Dr. with the utmost speed; as I came out
of the door, I placed the unlucky weapon under astone hard-
by, and made the best of my way to Poquatanock after Dr.
Harris—found him at home, caught his horse, and hurried
him all I could—told him London was badly hurt, and kept
him company back to the house, where we found Mr. Stan-
dish, and Mr. Button. Mr. Standish had put in his bowels
before we got to the house, and the Doctor took one stitch
to keep them in, and then told me to go to Mr. Treat's for
some spirits to bathe the wound. I was obliged to go to Jesse
Starkweather for an order on Mr. Treat, before I could get
the same ; on the way from Mr. Starkweather's to Mr.
Treat’s store, I was taken by an officer, and lodged in Pres-
ton work-house for about twenty-four hours, and from thence
was taken by Allyn Chapman, Constable, and carried before
Jared Gallup, Justice of the Peace, for Preston, in the coun-
ty of New-London. Mr. Chapman was then ordered, after
examining a few witnesses, to take me to Norwich goal,
where I was put in Prison the same evening, which was the
22d June, where I was in a most solemn situation, (being
none other in confinement but myself.)and beggars the keen-
est description of melancholly. -
The 6th of July, a debtor came to goal that had no bail,
although I did not see him he proved a comfort in conver-
sation. On the same evening there were two black women
committed which had broke goal in New-London, and af.
terwards taken in Preston, by Mr. Charles F. Herrington.
Constable.

7
After this I was not solonely, as one was committed for mur-
derºtruly might ſhere declare that misery lºves company, in
this instance)the same as myself. She went by the name of Phi-
a Anthony: the other was ablack girlby the name of Hannah
Niles, that had received her sentence to close confinement
for seven years. On the 7th came another debtor, he remain-
ed but one night, paid to the utmost farthing, and came out.
During what was before mentioned, no one came into my
room. July 11, another debtor was committed and remain-
ed seven days without bail; although he did not come to my
room, it served as company in conversing through the thick
walls of a prison. August 7, there came a black man for
debt—on the 12th he took the poor man’s oath and was re-
leased. On the 10th came another debtor, who staid until
the 30th, when the oath of poverty was administered. On
the 14th another who was seven days without bonds, took
the oath of a poor prisoner, and quit the mansions of con-
finement. On the 15th another arrived, remained five days
safely moored, settled his account with his creditor, and
shortly after disappeared. The next was George Horton, a
deserter from the U.S. navy; he was in confinement four
weeks, taken out by a naval officer and sent to New-York.
August 31, game another debtor, he remained twelve days
and was discharged by the creditor.
The next committed was a white girl, for stealing a pock-
et book at Colchester, on the 7th September—confined until
Dec. 9, repremanded by the State Attorney, and then dis-
missed. Sept. 19, another debtor came to gaol, tarried a
few days and went off.
September 26, was brought from New-London, Henry
Macomb, and Thomas Simpson, belonging to Gun-Boat
No. 6, for the crime of pocket picking. Macomb was re-
leased, -Simpson was ordered, and did stand trial at the
County Court in November: he was scourged with ten
stripes, (thus was the scriptures fulfilled, that “he who know-
eth his master's will, and doeth it not, shall be beaten with
many stripes.")
8
Phila Anthony was discharged from confinement, oct. 4.
Abraham Peters, a black man, for forgery and forfeiting his
bonds, by Judge Brainard was commmitted, on the 7th pro-
cured bail and left the prison. Oct. 20, Silas Ellis was con-
mitted for passing money which was not good : at January
term was tried and found guilty, and his friends gave
bail for his appearance at September Court.
October 25, 1815, the first company in my room was
during the whole time that I had been in prison
and was agreeable to me, but was not lasting, for like all
other worldly vanities that leave a sting behind—but yet re-
mained in peaceful solitude near four months after this.
When Rogers and Dow were committed for burglary: they
would frequently request me to refuse and complain of my
living, but I would not; their crime was that of robbing
Messrs. Coit & Mansfield's store, at Norwich Landing, and
went to Newgate for three years: they had not been in my
room 24 hours before they made their attempts to break
gaol, but to no purpose, as the strength of the prison was too
much for them. I never assisted them, nor would I even
have left the gaol had they succeeded, but Isincerely wished
them far from me, in consequence of the noise they always
made, which was heightened to that degree, which caused
them to be put in irons until their fury was somewhatabated:
before they left me, abuse to the utmost did they inflict by
kicking me and tearing my clothes in a most shameful man-
ner : I did not for fear of my lifesay anything to the gaoler
about their transactions, as they had threatened my exist-
ence : for my preservation and their humility, they were
chained in a manner not to reach me. It is impossible for
me to detail their proceedings, only that they behaved like
bad men, and were not sorry for their offence. I was some-
what relieved when their judgment was put in force, as
quietude filled up the space of my solitary mansion.
November 11, a blackman by the name of Robert Miller,
was examined for burglary and dismissed, but never to visit
the town hereafter. He was not long from New-York State















9
Prison, as he was pursued by a man from that place. I have
this to say of him, he stayed during his confinement in my
room, such conduct had been his pursuit, as he robbed a gen-
tleman of high repute in Philadelphia of about 170 dollars,
but was away before that I could detail the matter to the
gaoler or any other person, (thus the guilty is suffered to es-
cape, and the innocent to remain for the day of wrath.) I
hope ye surviving mortals will not be astonished at this, for
truly this was from his mouth, and I have only to say that I
believe him an unfair character. -
November 30, William James and Simpson were brought
from New-London, for stealing, tried, found guilty, and
punished ten stripes, and recommitted to gaol: while in my
room they were in good behaviour. Many were committed
for debt, and released without my knowledge, except the
jargon sound of that key which often turns to the confine-
ment of human depravity.
The numerous instances and examples, while in confine-
ment, has fully convinced me that the world with all its wis-
dom and judgment, is not in the least free from the solitude
and reflecting moments of that monitor, conscience, from
which no mortal can escape its search; although I only speak
for myself and not for another, but the little time I have on
earth, I trust my thoughts may be indulged, and my faults
excused.
The Grand Jury was formed of talents adequate to the
task they had to perform, in protection of the laws of a
christian land. This was the 3d of October, and a serious
hour for me, when my thoughts were put to the test of what
I did, and what I did not do , but what was then testified
against me I shall make no comments upon.
The Jury consisted of the following gentlemen:
MUNDATOR TRACY,
CALEE HUNTINGTON,
ZACHARIAH. HUNTINGTON,
BENJAMIN COIT,
2
10.
SIMEON BREED,
THOMAS L. THOMAS,
ZEBEDIAH HYDE,
SAMUEL HYDE,
THOMAS KINSMAN,
JOSEPH. W. TRACY,
HENRY NEWINS,
SAMUEL AVERY,
ELISHA TRACY,
ELISHA LEFFINGWELL,
SAMUEL TYLER,
EBENEZER HUNTINGTON,
JOSHUA HVDE.
DANIEL LATHROP,
JEDEDIAH TRACY,
On the 11th of October the Court opened upon my trial.
In the afternoon I was taken from the gaol and conducted
to the Meeting-House by the gaoler, (my feelings were now
put to the keenest pangs of remorse and contrition, far beyond
expression.) I plead not guilty, although I was the cause no
doubt, of London's death, but it was never my intention to
kill him, but was very imprudent in doing what I did, and
am sorry for it, although it is impossible to retrace a single
pace back again, and the only sacrifice that I have to pledge
is the days of a better life. My case was managed by Jirah
Isham and W. P. Cleaveland, Esq’rs. and they exercised
their talents to the utmost to save me, but it could not be done.
The testimony againt me was as follows:
Nathaniel Kimbal, - Mr. Berry,
Denison Palmer, Mrs. Rose, Son and
William Palmer, Daughter,
Henry Palmer, Ephraim Root.
Doctor Downing, | Thomas Fitch,
Roswell Button, Tracy Richards.
There were five of the above mentioned testimony spoke
the truth, without the least variation. Their names here fol-
low :
Nathaniel Kimbal, Tracy Richards, and
Denison Palmer, Mr. Berry.
Doctor Downing,







11
These gentlemen without favor or affection, stated my
conductin its true light. Messrs. Isham and Cleaveland ad-
dressed the Jury in such a manner, as would, were it pos-
sible, have acquitted me from the awful cloud which is a-
bout to busrt over my head; how, or in what manner I shall
repay them for their unremitted exertions in attempting the
saving of my life, I know not, but suffice it to say, no point
was omitted by them for º of my existence.
I am about leaving this world, and declare, that the other
eight witnesses against me, represented before the Court,
things, not exactly as they were ; but God forgive them.
October 12. At the opening of the Court I was called to
hear my sentence. Here was a trial of a human heart beyond
description, although arraigned before an earthly bar to hear
my worldly sentence pronounced. My surviving reader
ponder one moment upon this my awful situation, and
spend a thought upon the thread that holds us all above eter-
nity. I was then returned to the prison ; the gaoler was so
good as to place me in a room by myself, and gave me a
glass of brandy, and talked with me sometime which was a
great comfort. I now began to think seriously of my situa-
tion ; before the Court rose, ſheard I was to have a new tri-
al in consequence of one of the Jurors not being a freeholder,
which gave me some hopes that I should be cleared at the
next trial in January term, my trial commenced on the 4th
Tuesday of that month, if I recollect right.
The same testimony that I have before stated, appeared at
the Court, and related the second time to the bench and Ju-
ry, word for word as near as any one could expect. The same
week on Friday afternoon, at the opening of the Court, the
gaoler took me to the Court-house, where I was arraigned
to hear my sentence.
Judge Swift presided as Chief Judge, however painful it
may have been to him, in pronouncing my sentence, which
had a solemn effect upon my feelings, and enforced that ad-
vice I so much needed in my youthful days; and had I have
paid proper attention thereto, never would he had occasion

12
to pronounce this sad and awful sentence npon me; but the
laws of the land were his only guide, from which he, Ibe.
lieve, never was swerved in my case.
I can but give thanks to God for one thing which I was
blessed with while in confinement, which was the humanity
of the gaoler and his family, who treated me with the ut-
most tenderness throughout my unpleasant existence.
In the month of March I was taken sick with the Rheu-
matism, and not able to arise from my bed without help, in
which situation I remained five days, during this, the gaol-
er procured me some flannels, as also some Cider-Brandy,
which relieved me to that degree, that I was able to attend
divine service in the fore part of the day, in a few days, al-
though I had violent pains in my hips.
From the first of April until June 2, 1 attended divine
service every sabbath; this being the last I have to worship
God in, while on earth.
This week Mr. Strong and other religious persons have
visited me, and I trust it is for the good of my soul.
June 5. It is now about half past 11 o'clock at night, and
to-morrow I leave the world in pursuance of my sentence,
before the setting of that sun, which I shall behold no more,
and if it is God’s will to receive me in a better world I shall
rejoice, having no enmity against any one ; if I have injur-
ed any person God forgive me, and all my enemies.
It being now 12 o'clock, I shook hands with the gaoler,
and took my leave of him, and retired to slumber for the last
time, after giving up my prayers to the throne of the Almigh-
ty Jehovah, who will in no wise cast me out-
June 6. The day has arrived in which I am to exchange
worlds; a day of reflection indeed to unfortunate me, pre-
pared or unprepared I must submit to it; God's will, not
mine, be done. At sunrise I was visited by the gaoler who
-
13
bronght me some refreshments, at which time learnestly en-
treated him to keep a minute account of all the proceedings
of the few moments I had to remain, and detail the same to
the world, without a moment's delay, after my execution,
and he promised me he would, which gave me great satis-
faction to think my death might be a standing witness to de;
ter other of my fellow mortals from the like depravity and
destruction. May it be a solemn lesson to the whole human
race, to refrain from every species of vice, to serve God,
and not the temptations of this miserable world, to advance
therein, is taking a step in the dark. At 10 o'clock I was
visited by the High Sheriff and his Deputies, consisting of
Messrs. Peck, Scovill, Goddard, and others, being seven in
all, who brought with them my apparel, wich was made for
my last moments—it was white. Here is contemplation's
field open to the lovers of this transitory world, to put on my
own shroud; oh! but think, my surviving reader, on that
eternity which no reason or philosophy can do away. I am
now preparing my mind for the last admonition to be receiv-
ed from Mr. Strong, who earnestly offered his petitions to
heaven in a gospellike manner, for my salvation, in many
instances heretofore. 11 o’clock, A.M. the morning of my
sacrifice of human nature, came the sheriff and gave orders
for him to place the fatal rope about my neck, (I say now I
never meant to kill London,) a hard trial for his feelings,
and a wound on mine. I was escorted to the meeting-house
to hearths last of my Redeemer’s words, while on the cross,
prepared to reach my heart, by the Rev. Mr. Strong. The
text I know was “Thou shalt be in paradise with me this
day,” it is immaterial for poor me to detail the works of
God, but I have this much to say, I looked for hope in the
world to come, my Saviour was the comfort to these my
dying moments. How different did the Pulpit appear to
me from what it did when the world was seeking my faults,
for which I am now punished, as an example to my mortal
survivors.
At 12 o'clock appeared the guard which was a company of
grenadiers, 54 in number commanded by Capt. French, and
escorted my emaciated carcase to the meeting house, where

14.
a sermon was delivered from the text before mentioned, in
my behalf, and no doubt but my Redeemer will ratify the
same. (And at this moment, I say Inever meant to kill Lon-
don, which is but a short time to my earthly farewell.)
At 2 o'clock the sermon and prayers were completed for
me; and directly thereon was escorted to the door of the
meeting house, where a cart and coffin awaited me, sur-
rounded by a multitude of spectators as far as my poor eyes
could discern ; and for what but to witness the death of one
who hever wished them harm. I was placed therein, and
my seat was a Coffin placed in a horse cart, which was to
take me to the place of execution. From this moment the
Gaoler took charge of all transactions as before mentioned,
as he promised so to do. 1 intend no falsehood, and believe
I have related the truth in this my dying confession ; my
last sands are now falling, and may the Lord receive my
Soul through the merits of my dear Redeemer; and insulted
heaven ratify all earthly proceedings, against me. Adieu
my fellow mortals.
MINER Babcock.

15.
The Gaoler commences with this short detail concerning the
prisoner, viz.
When he was placed in the cart he asked me for a bottle
of water which I procured for him, of it he drank three times
while going from the meeting-house to Long Hill the place
of his execution, which was about half a mile,on our arrival
upon the fatal spot, an elegant prayer was delivered by the
Rev. Mr. Nott of Franklin, after which the Sheriff and two
of his Deputies, ascended the scaffold with myself and the
unfortunate prisoner, the Sheriff secured the halter to the
gallows then went down with his two Deputies, leaving me
with the unfortunate man for the space of 30 minutes, the
disagreeable situation is more easily eonjectured than des-
cribed.
He had been in my care about one year, and gave but lit-
tle trouble, was during his sickness let out, was in the fami-
ly and amused my children, and behaved in a very pacific
Inanner-
Much has been said and numerous questions asked me
of his last conversation while on the gallows, it amounts to
a very few words. A short time after the Sheriff left him,
he begged me not to let go of him till the Sheriff dropt the
scaffold, I gratified him, and the Sheriff had before re-
quested me to steady him as the wind blew hard and the
Rheumatism, which he had been troubled with for months
caused the mortal to greatly tremble, and to that degree he
was almost unable to keep his legs—his feeble situation
prevented him no doubt from communicating some very
delicate matters to the public, but nevertheless I believe he
has endeavoured to have no stone unturned in his confes-
sion to me, which every reader can ascertain in the forego-
ing pages—not by any means attempting the adulation of a-
ny prisoner or mitigating those decrees necessary for human
welfare and protection. The requisition from the publie of
Miner Babcock's conversation with me upon the gallows,
was this. I put the question to him and requested he would
develope all things; he knew it was, he said in reply, had it















not been for false testimºny should not have been the cause
of this day's uproar ºasked him if he thought so many
people would witness his death, he replied that he did nºt
hink there would be half so many. God bless the Sheriff and
he gaoler, were his last words. At 3 o'clock he was
launched into eternity. -
-
-
E. º, Mºnº º'
ºn ºlº
º - º º