The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

John Williams, who was lately executed at New-York for Theft, in his Account of himself, says, he was born in Bilston, near Derby in England, had little Education; became a Vagrant and Pick pocket when young; he went to London at 12 years of Age, and lived there three years;--he shipped himself on board a Vessel, and arrived at Boston in New England about four years ago; since which Time he had been constantly strolling in all Parts from New Hampshire to Georgia, robbing, stealing, and pilfering. He generally travelled in the character of a Pedlar, carrying Needles, Pins, Garters, Laces, &c. acquired by stealing, of which he frequently made Presents to Country Girls, at Such Houses where he saw any Thing valuable that he could conveniently carry off--and had a Mind to lodge; his Custom was, to pretend he had far to travel the next Day, and must set out before the Family were stirring, therefore took his leave of them over Night, when he was gone to bed: He had stole several Horses to the Eastward; and committed many Thefts in Philadelphia, and the Jersies: from thence to New York, when he committed the Theft for which he was imprisoned. A Vein of Humour and Pleasantry runs thro' his whole Account. Yet at last he says, that since he must enter into Eternity, he is sorry for his Misdeeds, and the Grief of his Parents when they hear of his shameful Death--Warns young People against Idleness, gaming, lewd and wicked Company of both Sexes--owns the Justice of his Punishment, and hopes for Mercy.

He was but 19 years of age