Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1843-05-26
CONFESSION OF THOMAS THORN.

In November last, | went TO Harpswell-and
went to see the wilson family. A month az
ter, | think, moved into the house with them.
After living with my sister awhile, she told me
she had large family, and did not wish me To
stay longer did not wish TO go away from
the house, so went into Elisha's part to board.
After this, Mrs Wilson, elisha, the murder
ed mans wife, would tell me that he treated
her badly, especially when she was sick--that
she wished che had never had him, and she
never would if it had not been for her folks.
That he compelled her TO go out and work on
the farm, when she was hardly able 10 hold up
her head. She wished he would die, or some
one would kill him, or he would fall and break
his neck.
This was the first ilea of killing that was
started. never would have thought oft but for
that. She asked me several times when | was
going to kill him. | said did not know. II
was thing ! never had done. She kept at me,
and would not let me rest I'LL | consented to il.
Said l. suppose should kill him and was TO be
hung for it? She replied, do you suppose any.
one would hang you for killing so mean look
ing man as he is. II any body does any thing
to you for il, ! will kill myself One day, Ga
week or two before the murder) said, nv
boots wanted mending, and wished | had
some money. She then told me, if | would kill
Elisha, ! should have as much money and ev-
CIV lnlUB. Us i Wduitu. one WOulu marry me.
did not consent TO do it till the night of the
murder. then was so confused and deranged,
| did not know what did.
On the Saturday afternoon before the night
Of the murder, the agreement was made, be-
tween me and Louisa, that the murder should
be committed. She told me when he slept the
soundest, and that she would knock on the
plasterng when | should come down. went
TO bed first, and had short nap. She called
me by the preconcertod signal, about . O'Clock
in the morning. Got up and dressed-came
down--iound the axe by the foot of the stairs,
where it was usually kept, went into the room
and struck Wilson on the head-struck him
but once, and not very hard, as think. Lou
lisa was awake when | went in, but said moth
ing, nor TO her. As soon as | struck the
blow she sprang from The bed and proceeded to
light the candle. After | struck the deceased
struggled but never spoke; and lived but few
minutes | soon asked her what she'd saw if
the neighbors asked her how he came bv his
death! She said she would tell them that he
fell on TO the chair and killed himsell--and told
me to tell the neighbors SO. After The deed
was done she laughed about il.
After that, she asked me If would help her
with the bed cothes-I assisted her She took
some of them off and put them into the tub
held the candle while she carried the coverlids
and hung them zip on the line in my chamber,
where they were afterwards found.
After we came down from the chamber, she
told me 40 go and call Mr. Toothaker, and she
would go and call Benz. Wilson and family
In two minutes after the blow--I came TO
sense of the transacIon-and would have Civ
en- the world TO have recalled the deed.
The arsenic was not purchased for Wilson.
II was purchased TO kill rats, of which the
house abounded-and there was never any of
il given to him by me.
If my sister had been in court, Louisa could
not have got clear.
never had any improper connection with
Louisa.
had not seen my sister since was years
old, till went to Harpswel, two years since.
never should have been there, had not my
sister sent for me-she being widow, and
poor. She wanted me TO work for her, and
assist her. SO went. | was engaged to be
married to Louisa. have not stated any thing
but the truth. am sorry for the false state
ments have made. do not know as have
any thing more to add.
(Signed,) THOMAS THORN.
Wltness-CHARLEs HOLDEN,
LEVI MoRRELL.
Jail Office, Portland, May 16, ls43.