After this, in the winter, I was in at Messrs. Benners’ store, in the Block-house settlement, and introduced some conversation with respect to some mahogany that I wanted to make some bureaus, and asked Elias Benner when he expected to go to Philadelphia. He told me he could not say to a certainty, but thought some time in the spring. I then asked him if he would let me know when he did go, that I would go as far as Williamsport, and there make arrangements with him to buy mahogany and other materials I wanted. This plan was laid by me to murder him on the way, as I knew he would have money; but, fortunately for himself, ere the time arrived, I committed the awful deed for which I must soon suffer, and the prison became my home, or he too might now be in eternity.

Not long after this, I had also intended to murder David Raker, for this reason; in a conversation with him at his house, he told me he was going to collect money; he did go, called at my shop—we had some conversation, which I do not now recollect; but while there, I forgot this determination, why or wherefore I cannot say, but sure I am it was no goodness in me. I also stole from Jacob Bastian, in the Block-house settlement, screws and nails, as I had opportunity when at work there. I also intended robbing my brother Daniel’s chest in Blooming-grove, cannot say whether I did or did not. The last winter I worked at York, I intended robbing Dr. Ness, went up stairs, rummaged his bureau, &c. but found no money.

I also went to rob my cousin, Daniel Seib, in York; he told me he had $400 in his chest; I went to the chest, opened and searched for the money, but found none, and was much disappointed.

I also intended robbing James Dinkle’s chest, but could not get it open. James Dinkle is a mulatto, and then lived with Daniel Louck, at Diehl’s mill, near York. About a month before I left my master, Mr. Spangler, I stole from him a hammer and a two foot rule, which I brought to the Block-house with me. I also robbed my shop-mate, John Smith, of about fifty cents, which he left in the garden house and forgot. Soon as he came out I went in, found it, put it in my pocket. He missed it, soon went back, and it was gone. Soon as he returned he charged me with it; I lied him out of it; he then gave me clear, and blamed a black boy belonging to Mr. Kelly.

The first harvest, whilst reaping for Jacob Kindig, on Mr. Longenecker’s farm, in the evening I stole a sickle out of the field, whom it belonged to I do not know. I also stole a board from Daniel Wiser, in York, to make myself a chest.

I also stole from William Stine’s store, mint-sticks, and attempted to rob his money drawer, but found it locked.

Taken June 30, 1838, before Jacob Grafius, Reverends J. F. Abele and G. Schulze, as substantially correct, and whereunto I have subscribed my name or mark in their presence.

Witnesses present:

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