This discovery being made, another letter was sent, in which it was stated that one William Steele, other wise Hardware, was concerned in the murder of the man whose body was found buried in the sand, and mention being made where he might be found, he was taken into custody, when he offered himself as king's evidence, and made a full confession of the whole transaction, and gave the names of the persons concerned therein.
Steele's confession led to the discovery of Chater's body in Harris's Well, and to warrants being issued for the apprehension of the principal actors in the murders, some of whom were soon afterwards taken.
John Race, who was concerned in the beginning of the affair at Rowland's Castle, came and voluntarily surrendered himself, and was admitted as king's evidence, as Steele had been.
Hammond was taken the beginning of October ; and it appearing by undeniable evidence that he was con cerned in the murder of Chater, and throwing him into a well near Harting, in the county of Sussex, he was committed to Horsham gaol, on the 10th of the same month.
John Cobby was likewise apprehended ; and on the 18th of October was committed to Horsham gaol for the same crime.
Benjamin Tapner was also committed to the same gaol on the 16th of November following.
