The Life, Trial, Confession and Execution of Albert W. Hicks The Pirate and Murderer, Executed on Bedloe's Island, New York Bay, on the 13th of July, 1860, for the Murder of Capt. Burr, Smith and Oliver Watts, on Board the Oyster Sloop E. A. Johnson. Containing the History of His Life (Written by Himself) from Childhood Up to the Time of His Arrest. With a Full Account of His Piracies, Murders, Mutinies, High-way Robberies, etc., Comprising the Particulars of Nearly One Hundred Murders! to which is added the Account of His Arrest, Imprisonment, Trial and Execution. Also, His Phrenological Character, as described by L. N. Fowler. by Albert W. Hicks — Summary & Review

This gripping narrative chronicles the life, crimes, trial, confession, and execution of Albert W. Hicks, a man whose name became synonymous with piracy and murder on the high seas. The story begins with the mysterious abandonment of the oyster sloop E. A. Johnson, found blood-stained and damaged after a collision and a violent struggle. Hicks, using the alias William Johnson, was identified by multiple witnesses as the first mate aboard the sloop and was soon arrested in Providence. Despite his repeated denials, the evidence against him was overwhelming: personal belongings of the murdered captain and crew were found in his possession, and his suspicious behavior after the crime—such as carrying a large canvas bag of money and attempting to disguise his identity—only deepened suspicion.

The trial was marked by detailed testimonies from witnesses who identified Hicks and the personal effects of the victims, as well as vivid descriptions of the crime scene showing signs of brutal violence. Legal arguments included challenges to the court's jurisdiction over piracy on the high seas, but the jury swiftly found Hicks guilty. Sentenced to death, Hicks displayed a cold indifference during the trial but later showed anxiety and remorse, particularly for his wife and child.

In a dramatic turn, Hicks offered a full confession to be published on the day of his execution, revealing a life steeped in crime from childhood onward. His confession recounts a reckless and violent existence marked by mutinies, robberies, murders, and piracy across the globe—from the American coasts to Mexico, South America, and Africa. He describes coldly calculated acts of violence, including the murder of Captain Burr and the Watts brothers aboard the E. A. Johnson, disposing of bodies at sea, and scuttling ships to cover his tracks.

Despite his brutal deeds, Hicks' confession reveals moments of reflection and a dawning conscience during solitary confinement, where he felt fear and remorse for the first time. A phrenological character study appended to the narrative portrays Hicks as a man driven by strong will, combativeness, and excessive self-esteem, with limited moral restraint and spirituality. The study suggests his criminality was influenced by both innate traits and a lack of proper education and environment.

The book concludes with Hicks preparing for his execution on July 13, 1860, expressing no regret for his crimes but concern for his family’s welfare. His story is a stark portrayal of a life consumed by violence and lawlessness, ultimately caught by the relentless pursuit of justice.