The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-02-03
Con TESS of Hiram IknicherbcOker.

Hiram Knicke booker, who was hung in Buffalo,
on Friday, for the murder OF Karl Harkner, IN ade
the following confession previous to his execution
In usirg the words i've started from Lockport," =
&C., be is understood as intending himself and
Ii all, who participated in the affair which resulted
in tie death OF Harkner:-
eve started from Lockport Monday morning,
with the intention Of going to Pittsburg. We
arrived in Buffalo the same day. We did not in
tel to step in this city, exceptto get some money
from young men who had promised me So
When we reached the city he could not be found
He bad agreed to be here or leave line for M IN
the post office, but there was nothing there We
had net az tina time, sufficient money with which
to reach Pittsburg. and, therefore, after we had
searched in vain for him. We proceeded to the steam
beat Hendrix Hudson, TO endeavor to procure a
pass from the steward Of the boat, which he re-
fused to give. Our intention at this time. was to
start on Tuesday morning for PittsbuTg on foot,
going by the way Of Warren, Pa
We proceeded from the boat back into the city,
ard 1hen we had arrived at Mr.. Churchs shop, on
the corner Of Washington and swan streets, pro-
posed to 90 In and see il could sell my revolver,
ard Halls also, If possible for the purpose OF rails
ing the means to 20 to Pittsburg accordingly
did 80 but was unable TO dispose of either Of them.
We then passed along stopping ct two different
times 10 drink, and then VIC came out upon Genesee
street, ard went into grocery, where we drank
third time After remaining little while, we went
out ard preceded along the street As we were
passing By Harkner's shop, Hall, noticing that IL
was jewellers store, wished TO stop and get his
rare engraved upon ring After talking with
those in the sbop moment, Hall took up the light
ard turned to another part OF the room at the same
tine wnkipg at ne TO take watch, while he
should engage their attention ] took watch and
put il in my pocket, and motioned TO Hal to follow
me, and went ont, Hall coming after me.
Passing down Genesee street to the corner Of Oak,
we turned On Oak street, towards Huron; aud,
when about half way between Huron and Genesee
streets, ] took the watch from my pocket, and.
locking at IT, said il was galvanz. ii one, and that
| Wi nod In IL VI
a gold watch, and wished TO take II. gave it 20
him, and he put it In his pocket. We then passed
on till we reached Huron street, and passed up
Huron till we came to the Alley where Harkner's
Harkner overlook us, and laid bis snds upon the
shoulder Of each OF US, exclaimipg, watch" mean
ing, / suppose, the City Watch
All this was done 30 suddenly and Unexpectedly
as to completely surprise me, and turned around,
and pulling my revolver from my pocket struck
him on the head with IL, which caused him to stag
ger back, and, as be did so, think he clutched at
ny hand which was drawing back after striking
the blow, AMI at this moment tne pistol went of.
My fingers may have been upon the trigger, or 1t
may have been struck acci iently in the struggle;
but most solemnly assert that had no intention
Of firing it of.
Harkner's coming up and his manner Of accost-
ing us, was go unexpe cted TO me- az TO me to
lose my presence Of mind entirely, and acted from
impulse solely, and not from any determined pur-
pose most solemnly assert that this Is the truth.
saw IN a moment what had done and was COM
pletely unnerved, and had it not been for Hall, |
think ] should have gone no further He spoke
some words OF encouragement, and with bis aid /
vent slo1g til had recovered strength and COM
pofure.
think it ny duty TO state that ] Do not think
that Hall struck HaIkncr with q knife for do not
think there was time TO take out 2 knife and open
IL before tho whole matter bad trarspited
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