The Examination of Stephen A negro man Slave tryed the 3rd day of December Anno Dom 1748 at a Court held at Bath town, Present John Barrow, John Rieusset, Robert Boyd and James Adams Esqrs. Captn. Seth Pilkington, Captn. Michl. Catanch, Mr. Daniel Blin & Mr. Richd. Barrow Freeholders.

The above named Slave named Stephen confesses, that Jack a negro man Slave belonging to Mr. Edward Howcott on monday night last past between the 27th. and 28th. of November last past, he the sd. Jack assisted the said Stephen in brakeing out of the Goal at Bath town by giving him into the said Goal a piece of Iron about eighteen Inches in length, with which he the said Stephen broke his hand Cuffs, and then Struck the pad lock off the Inward door and the bolt flew back, then he opned the door and came out through a hole which was in the floor of said Goal, after which the sd. Jack carried the said Stephen on his back down to Mr. Caita's landing, and over the Creek in a Canoe to Mr. Howcotts Plantation the next night they came over to Town get a File, sd. Jack said he wou'd goe to the Smiths I hope to get a file, but came back with out one, then the said Jack said he dare say he could get a file out of that Store, which was Mr. Simpson's, then the said Jack broke open the Cellar door of Mr. Simpson's Stoar with a Chisel and Ax, and there Stole three bottles of Rum, then they came from the Cellar and broke open the Stoar door with a Chisel and Tomahawk and then entred the sd. stoar said Jack wrenched open a Chest in said Stoar out of which and said Stoar Stephen took a watch, some bisket one worsted Mittan, one Snuff box, and Sundry small articles, said Jack carried out of said Stoar one peice of white linnen and Sundry small things and carried down and put in his Canoe, from thence they weant from Mr. Rieussets Stoar and tyed to brake open the door, then the said Jack weant to the window of said Store and broke a pane of it by trying to wrench it open, at which time he was aprehended by Mr. John Williams, and said Jack made his escape in a Canoe.