Nicholas Saul

Case overview

Nicholas Saul (1833 – January 28, 1853) was an early leader and one of the founding members of the Daybreak Boys, a New York City street gang. He led many of the gang’s early raids, including raids described as taking place before sunrise, which later contributed to the gang’s nickname.

The Daybreak Boys operated as river pirates during Saul’s leadership. During the gang’s height from 1851 to 1853, the gang earned an estimated $200,000 under Saul’s leadership.

Saul’s violent raids often involved the crew being murdered and the ship being scuttled after its cargo was stolen.

The offence

A raid occurred on August 25, 1852 involving gang members Nicholas Howlett and Bill Johnson against the William Watson. During the raid, the gang became engaged in a gunfight with crew members, and the gunfight eventually alerted local detectives.

During the events associated with this raid, Saul and Howlett were convicted of the murder of ship watchmen Charles Baxter.

Investigation

The gunfight during the August 25, 1852 raid led to local detectives being alerted.

A police pursuit involving over 20 officers chased the men from the East River.

Arrest and siege

The police pursuit chased the men from the East River to Pete Williams' Slaughter House Inn.

The men were forced to surrender to police after a three-hour siege at Pete Williams' Slaughter House Inn.

Trial

Saul and Howlett were convicted of the murder of ship watchmen Charles Baxter.

Sentencing

Following their conviction, Saul and Howlett were sentenced to be executed.

Outcome

On the day of their execution, a crowd of over 200 gangsters and politicians, including William Poole and Tom Hyer, paid their respects and shook hands with the men as they were brought up to the gallows.

Saul and Howlett were hanged in the Tombs Courtyard on January 28, 1853.

Other details

Saul worked as a leader within a gang described as the Daybreak Boys, a New York City street gang, and the gang is also described with the label “River pirate.”