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I would like to discuss the following letter which supposedly was written by the Ripper. I can only find reference to it in "Terry Lynch:Jack the Ripper The Whitechapel Murderer" (pp 244-257) & "Evans & Skinner: Letters from Hell" (pg 167, pp 289-290). I think it deserves very close examination
In Terry Lynch's book, the original letter is reproduced but it is almost indecipherable. The letter is transcribed in Letters from Hell. It is unique in that it takes the form of a lengthy poem. It spans 4 pages written in black ink with a red postscript. There is no attempt at disguising the writer as an uneducated man. In fact, the poetry and grammatical construction and words used are advanced in nature.
As Terry Lynch points out, this letter was sent on November 8th 1889, exactly one year after the generally accepted final killing by the true Ripper. This may be significant or coincidental. A number of communications had been received in the preceding weeks threatening more killing. This letter was not like that.
It must have taken a while to complete the poem, which appears to have been written with no errors that required crossing out etc The poem must have been composed over time and copied out in it's final form before posting on the selected date.
Overall, the writer is not over boastful or threatening. He is not particularly insulting to the police. It is very unlike any other supposed Ripper letter. The writer seems quite modest and self deprecating
Despite the effort he must have put into compiling this communication, he only states that he is a poor man from an East End dosshouse who internally rages against immorality around him - specifically the spending of good money on liquor and frivolity. He sounds most indignant at the antics of whores who sold their bodies, only to spend the money on drink.
The blue writing is as the poem appears in Terry Lynch's book. The red words are variations that appear in Letters from Hell. The black words are my comments
Dear Boss
My first (finest) shot to justify myself I now fire
An opening line that seems to state that this is the first communication from the Ripper
You will see by this I am not a liar
There should be some evidence within this letter that can be confirmed as truth
Frank (Funk) Stupid fool, believes me to be insane
Refers to Lyttleton Frank Forbes Winslow and his theories from the press
Why did this letter writer refer to him as Frank? Does this imply that the writer is very close to Winslow? Winslow is usually listed in the press and his own authored works as Dr Forbes Winslow. Alternatively he goes under the name Lyttleton Stewart Forbes Winslow. References to FRANK Forbes Winslow are very few or none existant (I found one from the Old Bailey proceedings 1899) If Forbes Winslow was as well known in the East End as he says he was, he may have preferred to be known to the locals as Frank rather than Lyttleton because of the class barrier
His next shotlog will be that I'm vain (tame)
His next idea/theory/press story will be that the Ripper is vain? tame? lame?
In the papers you sometimes see
Letters written by him but not (none) by me
An acknowledgement that this is the first communication from the writer
He declares an accomplice is concerned
That he has to prove and learn
This seems to be a denial that an accomplice is involved - though it could be read as an admission that an accomplice IS involved, but that Forbes Winslow coudn't possibly know that
He describes my complexion dark with good looks
Tells the public he has my boots
Togs & suits many of hats I wear
And people at me often stare
Refers to the story regarding Forbes Winslow's theory/evidence as to the ripper's identity. The reference to people staring may relate to possible witnesses
Those spots (shots) are bullydogs (bully clogs) and not fair
I don't think the last word is "fair". This appears to be referring to the blood on the boots/shoes. He may be deriding the suggestion that blood on the boots is human by stating that it is from bulldogs. This may be a general comment, or has the writer seen the boots at some point? Is this also a reference to dog fighting? A dog fight would be an excellent place to practice animal cruelty etc - I will post more on this later. This line is also the third line to rhyme in sequence, whereas the other lines are coupled
The ......spots (true shots) I packed 2 pair (pails) in High street
To me, this states that the boots / shoes of the Ripper were pawned in the High St (2 pairs)
To pay rent (rents) buy food (no gin) but meats
This is a comment on his life and that of others (whores?). He spends his money on rent and food - not drink or tobacco. He buys meat with his last pennies, which may go against the idea of his possibly being a slaughterman / butcher etc or at least he is not in regular employment as a slaughterman etc
The togs have I, 2 suits both dark and blue over coat (Coats)
An overcoat was suggested at one of the inquests
Hard felt hats (hat) and blue ruff on my throat
He accommodates us with a description of his complete wardrobe - though this may be what he possesses in 1889. The blue ruff, if a scarf, could be a comment on the witness description of a man with a red neck scarf in the Eddowes case. This may be an admission that it was not him at the entrance to Church passage.This in turn would alter the time available to the killer to mutilate Eddowes
Long hair no beard and none on chin
Is this him for real? Long hair and no facial hair - he doesn't say whether he is dark or fair haired
Do neither smoke swill or touch gin
He stresses that he does not drink, unlike others he sees
This is the end of the first page. Terry Lynch places the following (below) as the next page, whereas Evans & Skinner in Letters from Hell, place the pages differently. The next line for Evans & Skinner is...
At Finsbury St Paul's ward (hard) near
I never dossed (dost) the rents are too dear
Evans & Skinner's placement of the pages actually makes more sense, as the continuation from the bottom of the second page onto the third page reads...
2nd page
I spoke to a policeman who saw the sight
And informed me it was done by a knacker (knocker) in the night
3rd page
I told the man you should try and catch him
Say another word old chap I'll run you in
----------------------------------------------------
I told the man you should try and catch him
Say another word old chap I'll run you in
Though common phraseology, "Old chap" may be some indication of the writer's age. ie he is not a youth and is probably at least the age of the policeman he refers to. Could this be Hutchinson approaching the policeman on the Sunday following the murder?
Think (Flunk) old donkey, say he can me catch
This is almost certainly "Frank" rather than "think" or "flunk", referring to Forbes Winslow. Old donkey could be construed as a horse-slaughtering reference
He would soon find in me his match
A mental match? ie Forbes Winslow may try but he will not catch him? It is possibly a physical threat to Forbes Winslow implying that the writer is fit enough to kill again at the time of writing
The detectives of London are all blind (Hind)
The last word is almost certainly "blind". Interesting that detectives are mentioned rather than policemen
They know they cannot me search and find
This does not seem derogatory to the police, who are often ridiculed and insulted in the usual Ripper communications. Here he merely states fact
I think (Flunk) you should a spark make
This is almost certainly "Frank" again rather than "think" or "flunk". You should a spark make - ie you should have a good idea / inspiration (I'm not sure "spark" is correct)
He would soon be tired and try to escape
This doesn't seem to apply to the "spark" in the previous line. "Trap" or "net" would be more appropriate. A snark (Lewis Carroll) would be very appropriate to a vivisectionist
Operations will (you'll) begin this month again
This doesn't appear to be a threat by the Ripper to kill again. It more seems to be a comment on the inevitable (and probably futile) police operations (see next line)
Despatch the police and good strong men
Whitechapel alone is the place
He confirms that any Ripper murder would be in the vicinity of Whitechapel (The Abyss?) Is it the place to find society's dregs?
The knife (man) is keen quick and leaves no trace
As compared to a gun? Are other weapons available to him? Forbes Winslow's lodger was said to possess 3 revolvers
My blood boils and with indignation rages
To perpetuate more bloody outrages
He is driven to kill by indignation - ie righteous anger. This is a statement, not a threat
Destitution (Prostitution) against which I desperately fight
If the first word is "prostitution" then this line continues coherently below as a comment on his chosen victims. If the word is destitution, then is the writer telling us that his blood boils when he is fighting off destitution, and he sees whores and others spending money on beer, gin, and music-hall shows?
([To]) Destroy the filth ........hideous whores of the night
He has seen these hags - so he is often out late. He probably sees these women as the lowest of the low and viable victims
Frequenters of Music Halls and drinkers of Hellish Gin****
Dejected (ejected) lost cast down ragged mean and thin****
For some reason, in Letters from Hell, these two lines are transposed, though it makes little difference to the flow of the letter
My knives are sharp and very keen
The Ripper has multiple knives? A vivisection kit?
Determined I swear what I mean
Is this a comment on himself and others? Does he see himself as morally correct, possibly referring to his honesty - including threats maybe? ie that if he threatens to kill someone, then it should be taken literally.
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At Finsbury St Paul's ward (hard) near
I never dossed (dost) the rents are too dear
A comment on Forbes Winslow's theory that the Ripper lodged near St Paul's Cathedral - the writer denies ever staying near St Pauls
Whitechapel High Street ward (St hard) near my home (near army home)
He lodges / lives in Whitechapel - possibly near the army home (a reference to George Hutchinson?)
I always do my work alone
A flat denial that any accomplice is involved or possibly more likely a description of his employment
Some months hard gone near Finsbury Square
The writer never stayed at Finsbury, but coincidentally, he may have been introduced to vivisection by a man who resided at Finsbury square
An eccentric man lived with an unmarried pair
The eccentric man may have been the house owner considering his activities
Mad on vivisection (the cutting up of animals) he gave me a treat (threat)
The last word is probably treat. The writer indicates a liking for the art of the vivisectionist. The majority of people would be horrified at witnessing such acts. The writer feels the need to clarify what is meant by vivisection, missing out the important word "live" ie the cutting up of live animals. Human vivisection was known and practiced at this time. Is he differentiating between the eccentric man cutting up animals and his own actions vivisecting humans?
He would get hold of a dog or cat for a joke
With one cut of the knife sever its throat
This was unlikely to be all that happened to the dog/cat. This is obviously a useful technique for the Ripper. The practice was to silence the animal as well as to kill it.
He was very dark, teeth (if new) pocked and marked (pocked marked) disease on nose, I did him meet (did him meet)
A quite distinctive description. He mentions false teeth, as does Forbes Winslow in reference to his suspected lodger. The writer of this letter seems to be trying to match Winslow's suspect to his own story, as if there is an element of truth in Winslow's suspicions. is this a description of Blotchy? Did the writer and this man work together both in vivisection & the murders? The preceding 4 lines break the sequence of coupled rhyming lines
The tale is false there never was a lad
Who wrote essays on women bad
This denies quite a substantial part of Winslow's theory in that the lodger supposedly wrote extensively about fallen women etc
I'm not a flash away Belgravian Swell
The writer is stating that he is not a man of substance as Winslow's lodger appears to be. It could also be a reference to George Hutchinson's Toff
Although (Altho) self taught I can write and spell
The writer has missed out on schooling for some reason - compulsory education was introduced in 1870. Does "self-taught" imply he was an orphan or similar?
The Miller's Court murder a disgusting affair
Done by a Polish knacker rather fair
Is this a description of himself? I think it more likely to be what was being said about the murderer/suspect. The Ripper possibly recognises the murder of Kelly as "disgusting" after the fact. Could the ripper have horrified himself into stopping killing?
The morn (of the morrow (murder))I went to the place
He describes returning to Millers Court on the morning of the 9th
Had a shine but left by (in) haste
Does the Ripper carry a lantern? Did he check his handiwork through the window? Were his footsteps heard around 6am?
I spoke to a policeman who saw the sight
This must have been later in the day. It seems the Ripper may have been excited by returning to the crime scene very soon after the actual crime, possibly hanging around for a good while. He must have been local to get washed etc before he returned so early. He also seems to have a penchant for approaching the police. He seems like a man who would revel in the discussions about the murder and being literate, the press coverage in particular
And informed me it was done by a knacker (knocker) in the night
He was told of a knacker perhaps linked with the earlier comment regarding the fair haired knacker
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This is the end of the 2nd page where Evans & Skinner move to the line....
I told the man you should try and catch him
Say another word old chap I'll run you in
Terry Lynch moves to the page as below, which seemingly links the "Swellish flash away" more closely with the Kelly murder. In this context, it does appear to be a comment on George Hutchinson's story ie The Ripper himself has seen Toffs/Dandys inviting whores to their home. It again seems to be a comment on their immorality.
Is there an outside possibility that this poem was written by Hutchinson? A number of lines appear to relate to his story
The swellish flash away I echo (Techs) I very often see
Terry Lynch has that phrase as "I echo" and Evans/Skinner as "Techs". I think the most likely word here would be "looks"
Treating whores and asking them to tea
See above
One night hard gone I did a policeman meet
Treated and walked with him down High Street
Another time when the Ripper approached and chatted to a policeman. The PC seemed quite at ease walking with this man down the High St, so the man must have looked reasonably respectable. Does "treating" imply he spent money on the PC? I think this would be doubtful. Perhaps the writer peddles some commodity such as food or coffee etc which he treated the PC to while walking. A coffee seller would greatly ingratiate himself with the beat PC by supplying free hot drinks
The letter addressed to 22 Hammersmith Road
The letter to Forbes Winslow that appears to have been posted on Oct 19th 1889 (Letters from Hell pg 163). It threatens another killing on the 5th or 9th of November 1889. I am not aware that this letter was published between Oct 1889 and Nov 8/9th. How did the author know of this letter? The writer of this poem has certainly seen this letter. Within the Oct 1889 letter, the writer refers to Forbes Winslow as seemingly "old sir Funk" which is reflected at times within this poem. Both funk and flunk can be possibly considered as derogatory terms for Forbes Winslow who by his own admission was well known in the East End
Was written by some vulgar lying toad
He seems to object strongly to something within this letter. Why this letter and not some other (which were still being received but possibly not publicised)? It mentions a threat to Forbes Winslow, to attack him in his own house. It also states that "someone told him" about the murders about to occur. Despite the threat that Jack will visit, the letter is not from Jack. It is curiously signed PSR Louigi but then the "o" is crossed out to read PSR Luigi at the "Poste haste Charing X address". I think the poem writer objects to the letter writer suggesting that the Ripper has given him information.
Old Frank (Funk) thinks me a flash away swell
A first rate man and in a fine house I dwell
A reference again to Winslow's theories and possibly indicating that the Ripper thought that Winslow's theory was partly inspired by Hutchinson's Toff
A fourpenny doss I have at a common east End dosshouse
And do not dine on aristocratic grouse
A straight description of his circumstances. It's in the present tense also (1889)
When by luck some browns and bobs do make
He has the capability of earning shillings for whatever service he provides. He is not in regular employment and has not got a steady income
Sometimes early, but at others very late
This could mean early / late in the day, or early / late as far as paying the rent or feeding himself is concerned.When he is abroad throughout the night, he may have no money at all, possibly implying a robbery aspect to the murders
He thinks a large fortune I have got
And love (loves) to ridicule and me mock (knock)
The writer perceives that Forbes Winslow mocks and ridicules him - possibly connected with Forbes Winslow's plans to trap him. The writer seems to think himself morally superior to his peers, but is the subject of ridicule due to his circumstances and possibly his occupation
He well knowing the reason that I kill
Possibly, the Ripper agrees with the lunacy / periodic mania theory, or could the Ripper have been a patient under Forbes Winslow's care?
The whorish women then I him (and them thin)
I am not sure what the last 2 or 3 words are in this line, but the last word should really rhyme with "kill" - is it "The whorish women and them I will" ?
Money (of which) Sir I have none
But I detest ridiculous sarcastic puns and fun (I detest ridicule of my sarcastic plans and fun)
Does this refer again to Forbes Winslow mocking him because of his social status? Or is he talking in general ie is he a horse-slaughterer (whore-slaughterer) commonly referred to as a knacker? Both these descriptions can be the subject of ridicule/puns etc which may wind him up (irritating incessant (cockney) humour / ribbing)
J Ripper
This does look like a proper signature in it's placement on the page, and has slight similarities to the original "Dear Boss" letters and signatures. This letter does not end with the usual threats, but in quite a friendly tone in that he promises to tell more at a later date.
I will write more in a few days
This was written in red ink. I'm not sure if he did write further or not, as later letters are not reproduced in "Letters from Hell" so I can't compare handwriting. There was one short communication that basically just said "Goodbye" from the Ripper, and another intriguing one that stated that a murder had been committed in a "secret place" (Letters from Hell)
Although this letter may not be a true Ripper letter, it does raise the vivisection angle gleaned from French sources in 1888
I'll follow this post up with more from the vivisectionist and anti-vivisectionist literature, some of which is at least if not more horrific than the Ripper crimes themselves. Also, there is a connection here between the philosophy and beliefs of the Theosophists as regards the body immediately after, just prior to, or during the process of death / dying
The Finsbury Square location could possibly be connected to a doctor/taxidermist (vivisectionist?) suspect, J.D. Lampard mentioned recently in another thread.
Lampard was reported (Scotland Yard Investigates pg 164) as frequenting the "Ram & Magpie" in Shoreditch, which is in the same general area (as far as I can locate). He is described as a frequent dosshouse lodger with "a great taste for anatomy & had dissected and stuffed different animals and birds. He was a good scholar and I have heard him speak of the human body in a very learned manner".
He used Americanisms such as referring to people as "Boss" and was once affluent and well travelled but was now little more than an East End beggar. His clothing description and demeanour could be described as shabby genteel, seeing that "Even when badly dressed, he still retained a gentlemanly appearance". He also had a red face - Blotchy?
In Terry Lynch's book, the original letter is reproduced but it is almost indecipherable. The letter is transcribed in Letters from Hell. It is unique in that it takes the form of a lengthy poem. It spans 4 pages written in black ink with a red postscript. There is no attempt at disguising the writer as an uneducated man. In fact, the poetry and grammatical construction and words used are advanced in nature.
As Terry Lynch points out, this letter was sent on November 8th 1889, exactly one year after the generally accepted final killing by the true Ripper. This may be significant or coincidental. A number of communications had been received in the preceding weeks threatening more killing. This letter was not like that.
It must have taken a while to complete the poem, which appears to have been written with no errors that required crossing out etc The poem must have been composed over time and copied out in it's final form before posting on the selected date.
Overall, the writer is not over boastful or threatening. He is not particularly insulting to the police. It is very unlike any other supposed Ripper letter. The writer seems quite modest and self deprecating
Despite the effort he must have put into compiling this communication, he only states that he is a poor man from an East End dosshouse who internally rages against immorality around him - specifically the spending of good money on liquor and frivolity. He sounds most indignant at the antics of whores who sold their bodies, only to spend the money on drink.
The blue writing is as the poem appears in Terry Lynch's book. The red words are variations that appear in Letters from Hell. The black words are my comments
Dear Boss
My first (finest) shot to justify myself I now fire
An opening line that seems to state that this is the first communication from the Ripper
You will see by this I am not a liar
There should be some evidence within this letter that can be confirmed as truth
Frank (Funk) Stupid fool, believes me to be insane
Refers to Lyttleton Frank Forbes Winslow and his theories from the press
Why did this letter writer refer to him as Frank? Does this imply that the writer is very close to Winslow? Winslow is usually listed in the press and his own authored works as Dr Forbes Winslow. Alternatively he goes under the name Lyttleton Stewart Forbes Winslow. References to FRANK Forbes Winslow are very few or none existant (I found one from the Old Bailey proceedings 1899) If Forbes Winslow was as well known in the East End as he says he was, he may have preferred to be known to the locals as Frank rather than Lyttleton because of the class barrier
His next shotlog will be that I'm vain (tame)
His next idea/theory/press story will be that the Ripper is vain? tame? lame?
In the papers you sometimes see
Letters written by him but not (none) by me
An acknowledgement that this is the first communication from the writer
He declares an accomplice is concerned
That he has to prove and learn
This seems to be a denial that an accomplice is involved - though it could be read as an admission that an accomplice IS involved, but that Forbes Winslow coudn't possibly know that
He describes my complexion dark with good looks
Tells the public he has my boots
Togs & suits many of hats I wear
And people at me often stare
Refers to the story regarding Forbes Winslow's theory/evidence as to the ripper's identity. The reference to people staring may relate to possible witnesses
Those spots (shots) are bullydogs (bully clogs) and not fair
I don't think the last word is "fair". This appears to be referring to the blood on the boots/shoes. He may be deriding the suggestion that blood on the boots is human by stating that it is from bulldogs. This may be a general comment, or has the writer seen the boots at some point? Is this also a reference to dog fighting? A dog fight would be an excellent place to practice animal cruelty etc - I will post more on this later. This line is also the third line to rhyme in sequence, whereas the other lines are coupled
The ......spots (true shots) I packed 2 pair (pails) in High street
To me, this states that the boots / shoes of the Ripper were pawned in the High St (2 pairs)
To pay rent (rents) buy food (no gin) but meats
This is a comment on his life and that of others (whores?). He spends his money on rent and food - not drink or tobacco. He buys meat with his last pennies, which may go against the idea of his possibly being a slaughterman / butcher etc or at least he is not in regular employment as a slaughterman etc
The togs have I, 2 suits both dark and blue over coat (Coats)
An overcoat was suggested at one of the inquests
Hard felt hats (hat) and blue ruff on my throat
He accommodates us with a description of his complete wardrobe - though this may be what he possesses in 1889. The blue ruff, if a scarf, could be a comment on the witness description of a man with a red neck scarf in the Eddowes case. This may be an admission that it was not him at the entrance to Church passage.This in turn would alter the time available to the killer to mutilate Eddowes
Long hair no beard and none on chin
Is this him for real? Long hair and no facial hair - he doesn't say whether he is dark or fair haired
Do neither smoke swill or touch gin
He stresses that he does not drink, unlike others he sees
This is the end of the first page. Terry Lynch places the following (below) as the next page, whereas Evans & Skinner in Letters from Hell, place the pages differently. The next line for Evans & Skinner is...
At Finsbury St Paul's ward (hard) near
I never dossed (dost) the rents are too dear
Evans & Skinner's placement of the pages actually makes more sense, as the continuation from the bottom of the second page onto the third page reads...
2nd page
I spoke to a policeman who saw the sight
And informed me it was done by a knacker (knocker) in the night
3rd page
I told the man you should try and catch him
Say another word old chap I'll run you in
----------------------------------------------------
I told the man you should try and catch him
Say another word old chap I'll run you in
Though common phraseology, "Old chap" may be some indication of the writer's age. ie he is not a youth and is probably at least the age of the policeman he refers to. Could this be Hutchinson approaching the policeman on the Sunday following the murder?
Think (Flunk) old donkey, say he can me catch
This is almost certainly "Frank" rather than "think" or "flunk", referring to Forbes Winslow. Old donkey could be construed as a horse-slaughtering reference
He would soon find in me his match
A mental match? ie Forbes Winslow may try but he will not catch him? It is possibly a physical threat to Forbes Winslow implying that the writer is fit enough to kill again at the time of writing
The detectives of London are all blind (Hind)
The last word is almost certainly "blind". Interesting that detectives are mentioned rather than policemen
They know they cannot me search and find
This does not seem derogatory to the police, who are often ridiculed and insulted in the usual Ripper communications. Here he merely states fact
I think (Flunk) you should a spark make
This is almost certainly "Frank" again rather than "think" or "flunk". You should a spark make - ie you should have a good idea / inspiration (I'm not sure "spark" is correct)
He would soon be tired and try to escape
This doesn't seem to apply to the "spark" in the previous line. "Trap" or "net" would be more appropriate. A snark (Lewis Carroll) would be very appropriate to a vivisectionist
Operations will (you'll) begin this month again
This doesn't appear to be a threat by the Ripper to kill again. It more seems to be a comment on the inevitable (and probably futile) police operations (see next line)
Despatch the police and good strong men
Whitechapel alone is the place
He confirms that any Ripper murder would be in the vicinity of Whitechapel (The Abyss?) Is it the place to find society's dregs?
The knife (man) is keen quick and leaves no trace
As compared to a gun? Are other weapons available to him? Forbes Winslow's lodger was said to possess 3 revolvers
My blood boils and with indignation rages
To perpetuate more bloody outrages
He is driven to kill by indignation - ie righteous anger. This is a statement, not a threat
Destitution (Prostitution) against which I desperately fight
If the first word is "prostitution" then this line continues coherently below as a comment on his chosen victims. If the word is destitution, then is the writer telling us that his blood boils when he is fighting off destitution, and he sees whores and others spending money on beer, gin, and music-hall shows?
([To]) Destroy the filth ........hideous whores of the night
He has seen these hags - so he is often out late. He probably sees these women as the lowest of the low and viable victims
Frequenters of Music Halls and drinkers of Hellish Gin****
Dejected (ejected) lost cast down ragged mean and thin****
For some reason, in Letters from Hell, these two lines are transposed, though it makes little difference to the flow of the letter
My knives are sharp and very keen
The Ripper has multiple knives? A vivisection kit?
Determined I swear what I mean
Is this a comment on himself and others? Does he see himself as morally correct, possibly referring to his honesty - including threats maybe? ie that if he threatens to kill someone, then it should be taken literally.
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At Finsbury St Paul's ward (hard) near
I never dossed (dost) the rents are too dear
A comment on Forbes Winslow's theory that the Ripper lodged near St Paul's Cathedral - the writer denies ever staying near St Pauls
Whitechapel High Street ward (St hard) near my home (near army home)
He lodges / lives in Whitechapel - possibly near the army home (a reference to George Hutchinson?)
I always do my work alone
A flat denial that any accomplice is involved or possibly more likely a description of his employment
Some months hard gone near Finsbury Square
The writer never stayed at Finsbury, but coincidentally, he may have been introduced to vivisection by a man who resided at Finsbury square
An eccentric man lived with an unmarried pair
The eccentric man may have been the house owner considering his activities
Mad on vivisection (the cutting up of animals) he gave me a treat (threat)
The last word is probably treat. The writer indicates a liking for the art of the vivisectionist. The majority of people would be horrified at witnessing such acts. The writer feels the need to clarify what is meant by vivisection, missing out the important word "live" ie the cutting up of live animals. Human vivisection was known and practiced at this time. Is he differentiating between the eccentric man cutting up animals and his own actions vivisecting humans?
He would get hold of a dog or cat for a joke
With one cut of the knife sever its throat
This was unlikely to be all that happened to the dog/cat. This is obviously a useful technique for the Ripper. The practice was to silence the animal as well as to kill it.
He was very dark, teeth (if new) pocked and marked (pocked marked) disease on nose, I did him meet (did him meet)
A quite distinctive description. He mentions false teeth, as does Forbes Winslow in reference to his suspected lodger. The writer of this letter seems to be trying to match Winslow's suspect to his own story, as if there is an element of truth in Winslow's suspicions. is this a description of Blotchy? Did the writer and this man work together both in vivisection & the murders? The preceding 4 lines break the sequence of coupled rhyming lines
The tale is false there never was a lad
Who wrote essays on women bad
This denies quite a substantial part of Winslow's theory in that the lodger supposedly wrote extensively about fallen women etc
I'm not a flash away Belgravian Swell
The writer is stating that he is not a man of substance as Winslow's lodger appears to be. It could also be a reference to George Hutchinson's Toff
Although (Altho) self taught I can write and spell
The writer has missed out on schooling for some reason - compulsory education was introduced in 1870. Does "self-taught" imply he was an orphan or similar?
The Miller's Court murder a disgusting affair
Done by a Polish knacker rather fair
Is this a description of himself? I think it more likely to be what was being said about the murderer/suspect. The Ripper possibly recognises the murder of Kelly as "disgusting" after the fact. Could the ripper have horrified himself into stopping killing?
The morn (of the morrow (murder))I went to the place
He describes returning to Millers Court on the morning of the 9th
Had a shine but left by (in) haste
Does the Ripper carry a lantern? Did he check his handiwork through the window? Were his footsteps heard around 6am?
I spoke to a policeman who saw the sight
This must have been later in the day. It seems the Ripper may have been excited by returning to the crime scene very soon after the actual crime, possibly hanging around for a good while. He must have been local to get washed etc before he returned so early. He also seems to have a penchant for approaching the police. He seems like a man who would revel in the discussions about the murder and being literate, the press coverage in particular
And informed me it was done by a knacker (knocker) in the night
He was told of a knacker perhaps linked with the earlier comment regarding the fair haired knacker
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This is the end of the 2nd page where Evans & Skinner move to the line....
I told the man you should try and catch him
Say another word old chap I'll run you in
Terry Lynch moves to the page as below, which seemingly links the "Swellish flash away" more closely with the Kelly murder. In this context, it does appear to be a comment on George Hutchinson's story ie The Ripper himself has seen Toffs/Dandys inviting whores to their home. It again seems to be a comment on their immorality.
Is there an outside possibility that this poem was written by Hutchinson? A number of lines appear to relate to his story
The swellish flash away I echo (Techs) I very often see
Terry Lynch has that phrase as "I echo" and Evans/Skinner as "Techs". I think the most likely word here would be "looks"
Treating whores and asking them to tea
See above
One night hard gone I did a policeman meet
Treated and walked with him down High Street
Another time when the Ripper approached and chatted to a policeman. The PC seemed quite at ease walking with this man down the High St, so the man must have looked reasonably respectable. Does "treating" imply he spent money on the PC? I think this would be doubtful. Perhaps the writer peddles some commodity such as food or coffee etc which he treated the PC to while walking. A coffee seller would greatly ingratiate himself with the beat PC by supplying free hot drinks
The letter addressed to 22 Hammersmith Road
The letter to Forbes Winslow that appears to have been posted on Oct 19th 1889 (Letters from Hell pg 163). It threatens another killing on the 5th or 9th of November 1889. I am not aware that this letter was published between Oct 1889 and Nov 8/9th. How did the author know of this letter? The writer of this poem has certainly seen this letter. Within the Oct 1889 letter, the writer refers to Forbes Winslow as seemingly "old sir Funk" which is reflected at times within this poem. Both funk and flunk can be possibly considered as derogatory terms for Forbes Winslow who by his own admission was well known in the East End
Was written by some vulgar lying toad
He seems to object strongly to something within this letter. Why this letter and not some other (which were still being received but possibly not publicised)? It mentions a threat to Forbes Winslow, to attack him in his own house. It also states that "someone told him" about the murders about to occur. Despite the threat that Jack will visit, the letter is not from Jack. It is curiously signed PSR Louigi but then the "o" is crossed out to read PSR Luigi at the "Poste haste Charing X address". I think the poem writer objects to the letter writer suggesting that the Ripper has given him information.
Old Frank (Funk) thinks me a flash away swell
A first rate man and in a fine house I dwell
A reference again to Winslow's theories and possibly indicating that the Ripper thought that Winslow's theory was partly inspired by Hutchinson's Toff
A fourpenny doss I have at a common east End dosshouse
And do not dine on aristocratic grouse
A straight description of his circumstances. It's in the present tense also (1889)
When by luck some browns and bobs do make
He has the capability of earning shillings for whatever service he provides. He is not in regular employment and has not got a steady income
Sometimes early, but at others very late
This could mean early / late in the day, or early / late as far as paying the rent or feeding himself is concerned.When he is abroad throughout the night, he may have no money at all, possibly implying a robbery aspect to the murders
He thinks a large fortune I have got
And love (loves) to ridicule and me mock (knock)
The writer perceives that Forbes Winslow mocks and ridicules him - possibly connected with Forbes Winslow's plans to trap him. The writer seems to think himself morally superior to his peers, but is the subject of ridicule due to his circumstances and possibly his occupation
He well knowing the reason that I kill
Possibly, the Ripper agrees with the lunacy / periodic mania theory, or could the Ripper have been a patient under Forbes Winslow's care?
The whorish women then I him (and them thin)
I am not sure what the last 2 or 3 words are in this line, but the last word should really rhyme with "kill" - is it "The whorish women and them I will" ?
Money (of which) Sir I have none
But I detest ridiculous sarcastic puns and fun (I detest ridicule of my sarcastic plans and fun)
Does this refer again to Forbes Winslow mocking him because of his social status? Or is he talking in general ie is he a horse-slaughterer (whore-slaughterer) commonly referred to as a knacker? Both these descriptions can be the subject of ridicule/puns etc which may wind him up (irritating incessant (cockney) humour / ribbing)
J Ripper
This does look like a proper signature in it's placement on the page, and has slight similarities to the original "Dear Boss" letters and signatures. This letter does not end with the usual threats, but in quite a friendly tone in that he promises to tell more at a later date.
I will write more in a few days
This was written in red ink. I'm not sure if he did write further or not, as later letters are not reproduced in "Letters from Hell" so I can't compare handwriting. There was one short communication that basically just said "Goodbye" from the Ripper, and another intriguing one that stated that a murder had been committed in a "secret place" (Letters from Hell)
Although this letter may not be a true Ripper letter, it does raise the vivisection angle gleaned from French sources in 1888
I'll follow this post up with more from the vivisectionist and anti-vivisectionist literature, some of which is at least if not more horrific than the Ripper crimes themselves. Also, there is a connection here between the philosophy and beliefs of the Theosophists as regards the body immediately after, just prior to, or during the process of death / dying
The Finsbury Square location could possibly be connected to a doctor/taxidermist (vivisectionist?) suspect, J.D. Lampard mentioned recently in another thread.
Lampard was reported (Scotland Yard Investigates pg 164) as frequenting the "Ram & Magpie" in Shoreditch, which is in the same general area (as far as I can locate). He is described as a frequent dosshouse lodger with "a great taste for anatomy & had dissected and stuffed different animals and birds. He was a good scholar and I have heard him speak of the human body in a very learned manner".
He used Americanisms such as referring to people as "Boss" and was once affluent and well travelled but was now little more than an East End beggar. His clothing description and demeanour could be described as shabby genteel, seeing that "Even when badly dressed, he still retained a gentlemanly appearance". He also had a red face - Blotchy?
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