News: Charles Cunningham Confession, September 28, 1805, York County, PA Contributed and transcribed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Lynn Beatty klbeatty@npgcable.com Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/york/ _______________________________________________ Dauphin Guardian September 28, 1805 The Dying Confession of Charles Cunningham, aged about 19 years - who was executed at York-town (Penn.) on the 19th day of September, 1805, for the murder of Joseph Rothrock, taken from his own mouth, by his particular [sic] desire, in the presence of the high Sheriff of the county, a few days before his execution. I can give no clear account of my parentage - I found myself in the poor house at Belleair, in Hartford county, state of Maryland, when I was bout 3 years of age; I remained there, as I have since been informed, about 1 year; I was taken from the poor-house, by Sa-(?)et Collins, and brought in Hopewell township, York county, and bound by the overseers of the poor, to William Collins, the elder, who acted a good part towards me, 'till his death, which happened 8 years afterward. I then fell into the hands of Williams Collins, the younger, with whom I lived till the month of October, 1798, when with the consent of my master, I enlisted with Capt. Andrew Johnston, of the 10th regiment - the reason, was because my master and I were tired of each other. I was lazy and idle, got often chastised, and frequently ran away. While I was in Collin's family, I had a good example set before me, and such care was taken of my morals, as prevented my from swearing, stealing, and such crimes as were punishable by law. As soon as I got into the army, the impressions made in early life, began to wear off, and following the bent of my own inclinations, and the example of the soldiery, cursing, swearing, lying, and stealing, soon became familiar to me. All reverence for God, and his laws, forsook me, and I became to a great degree profane and wicked. I was about 10 months in the army. When the regiment was disbanded, I was sold by my master William Collins, to John Eichelberger, innkeeper, in the borough of York, for 7 years. While I was in the 10th regiment, I was kept to my duty, and nothing material happened to me, except that I was once tried by a court- martial, and sentenced to receive 25 lashes, which was inflicted on me. This had no effect towards correcting my life and morals. I lived 2 years and a half with Mr. Eichelberger, where I was plentifully supplied with every thing, and therefore had no temptation to steal. During this time, I had no work to do, and found time enough to associated with bad company, particularly with Mr. Dinkle's Isaac, who is now in the cells. We frequently went through the streets at night, overthrowing carriages, water vessels, stoves, etc. Once in particular, in the fall of 1801, I went in company with Isaac one night to Mr. Rockrock's, and he threw down some stoves, which were set up before the door; after that, we went to the commons, back of Rothrock's lot, and then Isaac endeavored to persuade me to join him to get some fire, and burn several stacks of grain, standing in a field next the commons, and belonging to Herman Updegraff, as I understood. I refused, and endeavored to dissuade Isaac, by saying that is was wrong to destroy property that way; and, if we did any more mischief, it ought to be such as would not be son injurious to property. Isaac reluctantly gave over the design; but, I confess it was not owing to any goodness in me, but to God's providence, that Updegraff's property was saved from destruction that night. I have mentioned this, not to do Isaac any harm, but to ease my conscience, and to warn the inhabitants of York, in case Isaac should again come among them. I also went one night in company with a boy, called Amor Simcox, to Mr. Shultz's rope-walk, and cut a considerable quantity of unfinished work to pieces, and threw it into the creek. We frequently stole outlines, and the fish that were on the hooks. At this time, I kept the worst company, particularly black Isaac and Simcox. They continually encouraged me in wickedness, to which I was naturally prone. They advised me to steal, to run away, and to practice every evil. When I had served Mr. Eichelberger two years and a half, it was put into my head, that he had no right to keep me, and I ran away. The first 8 days, I lurked about York, slept in barns, and lived on fruit. I then went towards Hanover, and was near being taken up for a run-away, but I got off by swearing and lying. I went on to Baltimore, and thence towards Frederick- town, and I was employed on the road, by a Jacob Grove, as hostler for a month. I then went into Virginia, and journeying from place to place, I came at last to Alexandria, and then to the city of Washington, where I got in the employ of Frederick Bates, to drive a cart, and remained about 10 days. I then went through Fredericksburg, in Virginia, towards Richmond, and hired on the way with a Frenchman, whose name is Culvon, with whom I stayed about 10 days. From thence I went to Richmond, and enlisted, to guard the state prison, by the name of John Smith, which I had assumed at Hanover. I continued 18 months in that service, during which time, I was sentenced to receive 25 lashes, for suffering a prisoner to escape, and was twice flogged afterwards. I at last deserted, and intended to return to my master at York. When I arrived within 5 miles of that place, I became apprehensive of being punished for running away, and I went to Baltimore. When I came within 7 miles of Baltimore, I hired with an innkeeper, called Solomon Smuck, and stayed with him about 12 days; but, being accused with stealing money (of which I was innocent) I left him, and went to Baltimore, and from thence through Bellair, to my old master Collins. From there I went to Lancaster, then to Philadelphia, where I was enlisted in the marine service. I was shortly afterwards taken to the city of Washington, where I remained 5 months, and deserted. Then I returned to York to my master, Mr. Eichelberger, having been sent about 2 years and 10 months. I arrived home on the 10th of April last, being in the 19th year of my unhappy life; having lived regardless of God and religion, in the constant practice of vice. I entered into my master's service again; my mind had by this time become so exceedingly depraved, and my conscience so dreadfully hardened, that I was not long in York, before I began to resolve on the most desperate deeds. Some boys had given me offence, particularly Michael Hahn, Michael Spangler, and another boy, named John Cookis. I make the bloody determination in my own mind, and firmly resolved, that if any of them offended my again, his life was gone; and, I think it was a particular providence which saved them, for they let me along afterwards which if they had not done, I would most assuredly have accomplished my purpose; for, if I could not have taken their lives, at the time of the offence, I had fully resolved to wait and watch, till an opportunity offered. God's grace and not my own goodness, presented by design, and saved the lives of those boys Michael Hahn, particularly, was nearly gone several times. Two other boys, George Doll, and Jacob Pouley, had offended me, and I had determined to punish them also, with death, or severe beating, in case they gave me further provocation. They were preserved by heaven, otherwise I should have had their blood to answer for. I had a habit of drinking strong liquors, and on the 10th of May I have been gaming with boys, for small sums of money. On the evening of that fatal day, Jos. Rothrock came to Mr. Dinkle's pavement, and bantered me to play at husslecap; we went, together with an apprentice boy of Mr. George Herbach's into Eichelberger's kitchen. I won some money and a knife from the apprentice, and he went away. Joseph Rothrock, still insisted to play on, but as I was afraid that Mr. Eichelberger would come in, we agreed to go to Christian Heckendor's. We arrived there between 8 and 9 o'clock. As soon as we entered the house, I call for half a gill of whiskey, but they refused to give it without the money - I swore by G_d that here was the money, then they brought it immediately. I then drank some of it, and Joseph Rothrock drank the rest. One of us proposed to throw husslecap - I do not know which of us proposed it first, but we both agreed to it, and each of us put in four cents. I won two or three games; then Rothrock got warm, and insisted to play for more than at a time. I won all his money - He then offered to sell me a silver broach, which I bought for 11 cents. After I had won that money, I bought a box from him for 9 cents, and won that money also. We then exchanged handkerchiefs, and I gave him eleven pence to boot. When I had won that from him, or the greatest part of it, he insisted to play with dice, and asked Mrs. Heckendorn for them. - Her son John got them; when we began to play with the dice, Joseph Rothrock won some money from me, with which he bought back his broach and box, and had about one shilling and four-pence besides. After that he seemed unwilling to play any more. A dispute arose betwixt us, and I struck him on the mouth. We had before this time, two gills of whiskey, and two pints of eyderoyal. Just before we left the house, I pushed him again, and he called in another pint of eyderoyal, which, after he had drank some himself, he offered me, but I refused to drink, and said I had drank enough - I think I cursed him. I was in liquor, though as well in my senses as I now am. We then agreed to go home. He said he did now know whether he should go to his father's, or to Mr. Fash's, where he had staid for some time. We left Heckendorn's together, and came up to Clark's corner. Joseph Rothrock wished to go to Eichelberger's, but I would not, but proposed to go to Schlosser's, where we would get cakes, beer, and apples. I must here mention, that when we were playing with the dice at Heckendorn's, John Heckendorn assisted to count the game, and I thought they cheated me. It then came for the first time into my mind, to do the dreadful set for which I am shortly to suffer; for my mind was turned against him. But I did not immediately resolve upon it, as a thing certainly to be done. But, when we left Clark's corner, I was resolved to make friends with or kill him, before we parted; and that was my intention in taking him towards Schlosser's. He seemed unwilling to go, but at my request he went. I held him by the left hand with my right, and we walked down together past Schlosser's but did not stop. By this time, I had decided in my own mind, that his life was gone. I therefore took him into an alley, between Beaver and Water streets. He pleaded, and intreated not to go; but I had him still by the hand, and insisted to go on. I had resolved to kill him in that alley, but had not fixed on the spot. The knife I had won from the apprentice boy, as I have before mentioned, was in my pocket. It took it out, and had it in my hand to stab him with it but it fell out of my hand, which I sincerely believe was by God's direction. I now come to the dreadful part of my story, which is almost too horrible to relate, but which I must make known, that my crime and my punishment may be a warning to others. It had rained a little, was exceedingly dark, and thundered and lightened at a distance. I stooped down to search for my knife, but could not find it. When I arose, Joseph Rothrock refused to go any further, but I pulled him along by force, and I felt my resolution to kill him, getting stronger and stronger, till at last, letting go his hand suddenly, I sprung upon him, and grasped him by the neck with both my hands, placing both my thumbs in his throat, and squeezing with all my might, until he fell down, and appeared to be dead. I did not then intend any further violence against him, but was considering how to conceal the dead body; but, before I had determined on my thing, he appeared to be coming to life again. I believe (but cannot certainly remember) that I caught him again by the throat; but, recollecting that I had a small piece of twine in my pocket, 12 or 13 inches long, I took it out, and tied it about his neck, as tight as I could draw it, for I was resolved he should not be long in pain. After that, I began to reflect that I had committed murder, and what would be my doom. - Yet so dreadfully was I infatuated and hardened, thinking he might not yet be dead, I stooped down, near the shoulders, and with his face downwards, I lifted him up, and dashed him upon the ground 4 or 5 times with all my might. After that I was convinced that he was fully dead. - I then know that murder was committed of the highest degree - my conscience told me so, and that it would be deemed murder with malice aforethought, and of the most aggravated kind. Thinking not it would not make the matter worse, I took his broach, box, and handkerchief. I then committed a most horrid indignity on the dead body, for which I can no otherwise account, then that is was done by immediate instigation of the Devil. In a few minutes afterwards, I resolved to put him in the creek, to conceal my crime, and for that purpose took him on my shoulder; he fell off once or twice, but I at last came with him to the water, and waded in up to my knees, or higher - I then plopped him in head-foremost! It is now 12 o’clock. I returned to John Eichelberger's and lodged in the stable till morning. When I awoke, I was at a loss what to do; and, as soon as it was sufficiently light, I got up, and found that my waumus was bloody, which I had not observed before. I then considered that I had committed murder, and would be discovered, if I staid. I therefore soon concluded to go off. It had not come into my mind to go off, before I discovered the blood. My pantaloons were also bloody - and to conceal it, I put another pair on over them. The bloody waumus, with the broach and some money, I rolled up and hid in the hay, and put on another that I had; and, saying within myself face-well, I jumped over the fence of the lot, and got into the street. This was early in the morning. I went up Philadelphia street, and across the fields to Diehl's mill. This was on Friday. I wandered about in the woods, and at last lay down by the side of a log, not far from Mr. Johnston's field, where I continued until it was nearly dark. I felt a desire to go off, but hesitated. My guilt disturbed my mind, and I could not determine to leave the country. I slept that night in a barn, and next day saw two boys pitching pennies. I joined them, and won some of their money. I was then about 4 or 5 miles from York. That night being Saturday night, I lodged at one Fried's tavern, where I fell in company with some Negroes, and lost all my money with them at pitch-penny. I then at different times borrowed from the landlord 18s. 9d. which I also lost at the same game. I passed again by the name of John Smith, and next morning give the landlord an order on Mr. Eichelberger for the money I owed him, which was something above 20s. From thence I went across the country to Weigle's-town, and along the road towards Carlisle. At Ross-town I stopped, and enquired for work, but got none - From thence, I went to Mr. Leonard Eichelberger's, who knew me, having seen me in York. - He asked me if I had been stealing; I said I had not. He gave me something to eat and drink. I then went to Carlisle, where I staid one day and night, and from thence went to Mount-Rock and next morning to John Young's, where I staid all night, and part of next day (Thursday.) I then went into Shippensburg, and hired with Mr. Rahm, innkeeper, at the rate of 18s 9d. per month. I remained with him till Sunday following, when I was taken, and committed to the jail in York, where I now am. All this time, I felt an inclination to go further, for I was afraid to be taken, but I could not prevail upon myself; something in my mind kept me back; and I did then, and do still think, that GOD was on Rothrock's side; for I might have been more than 500 miles distant, before I was taken. The hand of Providence kept me back, that murder might not go unpunished. Thus have I made a faithful, and as far as I can recollect, an accurate confession, of all the circumstances of that dreadful crime, which my wicked heart prompted me to commit, and for which the just laws of the country cut me off, in the flower of my youth, as an awful example, and solemn warning to others. Notwithstanding my wicked life, I have been often preserved from perils and danger. Once in particular, I rode a wild horse of Solomon Mayer. - The horse ran with me through many dangerous places, till at last he dashed his head against his owner's porch, and fell down dead, while I escaped unhurt. I now believe that God preserved me from death at that time, because my measure of iniquity was not yet full, and that I might by a public and shameful death, be made a warning to my wicked companions. I feel it necessary to relate also, that while I was away from my master, having been disordered in my body, and tired of my wicked life, I bought a vial of laudanum from an apothecary at George-town, and resolved to drink it, that I might sleep and wake no more. I had taken the cork out several times, with a design of swallowing the laudanum, but hesitated. At last I concluded to go to Fredericktown, and if I did not find some person who would relieve me there, I would then execute my purpose. I carried the vial in my hand, and stopping at a well to get a drink, I laid down the vial, while I took up the bucket. After I had quenched my thirst, I went on and forgot the vial, and thus Providence frustrated my intentions at that time. I have at several other times had it in my mind to destroy myself, but something always prevented it. Now my life is at a close. I warn all persons from swearing, and especially by the name of God, that they will commit a crime. Of the evil of this, I am a striking example - for shortly before I perpetrated the crime, for which I am so soon to suffer, I swore by God, in the presence of Mr. Martin Snyder, and his wife, that I would kill some person, or be killed, before I left York. These words were spoken through levity and wantonness, with no design, or thought of performing my oath. But mark what followed: This was on Sunday, and on Thursday night following, the fatal act was done,and my oath accomplished! My days being now numbered, and but a few days remaining between me and eternity, I confess my sentence to be just, and that I died reconciled to all mankind, and hope I am forgiven, by all who I have injured or offended. I feel an abhorrence of my past conduct, and hope that my awful fate will be as profitable example to others. I bless God for his mercies to me, and that he did not suffer me to be cut off in the midst of my sins, but that he has allowed me time and space for repentance. I bless his name, for that he has awakened my conscience, and enabled me to hope for salvation that his grace is sufficient, to save the chief of sinners amongst whom I deserve to be numbered. I have it in my power this day to declare, that so strong is my hope in salvation, that death is in some measure disarmed of his terrors. I feel thankful to God, that my career of sin and guilt, is thus early stopped, for I tremble to think what dreadful crimes I might yet have committed, had my life been continued. I am thankful that I was not permitted to make my escape, being fully persuaded, that my condition is better. I cannot depart from this world, without expressing my thanks to Mr. Dobbin, for his great care and anxiety for my clerical welfare. He put the gospel of truth, and other good books, into my hands. The Rev. Messr. Gearing and Cathcart, also deserve my utmost gratitude, for their earnest attention to the concerns of my immortal soul. The Lord reward them. Being now near 19 years old, I, in the presence of God, before whom I must shortly appear, feel myself bound, to advise all youth, to guard against keeping bad company, swearing, idleness, drinking, and Sabbath breaking, for these are the seeds of destruction, and produce ruin; of which I am a dreadful example. Amongst all my sufferings, I feel some consolation, that I leave no relation on earth, as far as I know behind me, to whom my shameful end will be a reproach - but I sink down into the grave, where all my shame and disgrace will be buried with me. And the Lord have mercy on my soul. CHARLES CUNNINGHAM This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/pafiles/ File size: 21.7 Kb