The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

NEW LONDON, October 23.

On the 16th Instant the Body of one James Johnson, a young Man, who had lately worked at the Joiner's or Chair-maker's Trade at Norwich, and who (it is said) served an Apprenticeship in London, and since had worked at the same Trade in Say-Brook, was found dead in Say-Brook near the Ferry, but a few Rods out of the Road, among some Bushes, with three or four Wounds in his left Breast, and one through his right Arm, appearing as though he was stabbed with a round Instrument, or shot with large Shot, and several other Marks of violence were found upon him. The Jury of Inquest returned their Verdict that he was murdered; which was also visible to all the Spectators that he had been dead near a Week. He was stripped entirely naked, and a green Coat which he wore, spread over the Body.

On Tuesday a Week before the above Discovery, the said Johnson was at Lyme preparing to go to some other Parts, having procured a Bottle of Rum, some Bread and Cheese, etc. for his Stores and had drank so much as to be something intoxicated, he met with a transient Person, who called himself James Sheels, said he had lately run away from a Man of War, and had sailed from New-Haven in Mr. Hoar's Employ, etc. and when met expressed much joy, as having been formerly acquainted. The said Johnson seemed much rejoiced that he met an old Friend, now in Want, and that he could yield him some Assistance. The transient Person soon flattered said Johnson to alter his Voyage, and travel Westward with him; so they both passed the Ferry together. The same Afternoon two Men were observed to be eating Bread and Cheese together, at the Place where the dead Body was found. Also after that one Man appeared there as if putting on a Pair of Shoes. N.B. The Shoes of the transient Person, which were observed by some as old and much worn, were found in the Weeds, not far from the Corpse.--No Doubt the supposed Friend was the Murderer.

The transient Person is described as follows.

A pretty well set sturdy Fellow; had on a blue Waistcoat, short close Trousers, no stockings, bushy hair, dark Eyes, and a dark Complexion.

Governor Trumbull has issued a Proclamation, offering thirty Pounds, lawful Money, to whoever will apprehend the aforesaid Murderer.
Last Friday se'nnight a Man who went by the Name of Thomas Affat, was apprehended at Newport, & committed to Gaol, on suspicion of having Murdered a Person near Seabrook-Ferry.

He is supposed to be the same Fellow mentioned under New-London head.