The CONFESSION of GEORGE CASWELL Gent. Executed at TYBURN, on Monday the 21st of December 1691 For the Murder of ANDREW HICKSON. With a True Copy of a Paper delivered by him at the Place of Execution.  
AFter many Visits made to him in the Prison, on the Lordsday before his Execution, he made this Confession to the Ordinary. That he had good Education, and was put forth an Apprentice to a Grocer, but not delighting in that employment, he left it, and after that, entered himself Voluntary into Military Service, for Six Years past, during which time, he contracted Acquaintance with the unfortunate Person, who fell by his hand, the manner of which, he said, was, as followeth.  
That himself and the person killed by him, were drinking together, during which time, this Acquaintance gave him very reproachful Language, whereupon Mr. Caswell made a Resolute Protestation that he would have satisfaction for his affronting him; The other in a careless manner, replied, Prithee what satisfaction wouldst thou have, we will go and Friendly drink together, so they did; and afterwards parted for that night. But when Mr. Caswel came home, and was alone, he passionately renewed the reproaches in his Mind: In the Morning, he went to the Lodging of the Deceased, and finding him in bed, did in anger, bid him Rise, for he would have Justice of him, which he wondered at, saying we are Friends, we will go and drink again, which they did, in several places to an Excess. And the Deceased paid the Reckoning: But Mr. Caswel being too much heatted with drink, said, this is not sufficient, I am resolved to fight you, which the other declined, but Mr. Caswell contived urging him to fight, whereupon the Deceased, (as he says) fetched a Sword, and they went apart where Mr. Caswel drew upon him, and he fell, at which he was startled and hoped that his wound was not Mortal, though it proved contrary, upon which, he was immediately apprehended, being in Prison, and coming to his Right Mind, he fell into great Terror of Conscience, as thinking his Sin to be unpardonable, whereupon the Ordinary was sent for, to pray with him, and Endeavoured to Support him from Despare. The great aggravation of the Crime, and which multiplied his Terror, was that he had thrust a Man out of the World so unprepared for Death; which troubles him as much as the loss of his own Life. In my Observation of him, he seemed full of Remorse for so vile a Fact. I hope others will take warning from him to avoid immoderate Passion, lest they fall into the same misery, into which he hath brought himself.  
Being Conveyed to Tyburn in a Coach, when he came into the Cart he kneeled down alone and prayed very fervently for himself, afterwards being Tied to the Tree, the Ordinary and another Minister, who came with him as his Friend, both prayed for him, according to the public prayers of the Liturgy, which suited his distressed dying Estate, himself repeating the same words. After this a Penitential Psalm was sung, he joining in it; then he desired the Ordinary and the other Minister to make their several Prayers for him, which they did. Then he did hold the following Paper in Writing to the Spectators in his hand, but spoke it word for word by Memory: and delivered it to the Ordinary to be Printed with the Subscription of his hand to it, to prevent any false reports of him.  
Friends and Countrymen,  
I Am very sensible from sad Experience, how prone frail humane Nature is to Youthful Lusts, and all sorts of Extravagant-Courses, which ●urry men to the pit of Destruction, from whence there is no return, if Infinite Mercy doth not interpose, by turning them from Darkness to Light, and from the power of Satan to the Living God: I confess that of Sinners I am the Chiefest, and that I justly deserve to Die, a Painful, yea Eternal Death, but with the Lord there is Mercy and plenteous Redemption, therefore there is hopes for the greatest Sinners. Here I rest hoping for a full Pardon of all my sins, thorough the alone Merits of my Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ. And I earnestly beg of all that behold my Tragical Departure hence, to take warning by me to shun immoderate Passion, and neglect of serving God Early lest ye fall into the snare of the Devil, and die in your sins: And now I beg all your Prayers, that Christ Jesus will receive my departing Soul, Amen, sweet Jesus Amen, Finis  
George Caswell.  
His Beheavour was very Reverend and Composed, desiring the prayers of all the Spectators, which moved them Generally to Lament his sad untimely End with Tears. After this, he Ordered the Executioner not to turn him off till he gave some sign; so after a Prayer made to himself, the Cart drew away, he first committing his Soul to God's Infinite Mercy, as a Faithful Creator and Redeemer. To this whole Account as the Truth of his Confession, Last Speech and Deportment, at the place of Suffering, I do Subscrib my hand as he desired me.  
Dated Monday this 21st. of December 1691. Samuel Smith Ordinary.   

London, Printed for L●ngley Curtiss at Sir Edmondb●ry Godfre●'s H●●d near Fleet-bridge. 16●●.