Who Was the Body in the Thames?

[Allison Smith]

Hi, Allison. Yes, I agree with everything you are pondering because I ponder the same things. (I have read of other drowning suicides with rocks in their pockets. I assume it is an added inducement to go through with the act but I really do not know. Or that the body might stay down and be lost forever or something. But of course that would not work out with rocks that fit into pockets.)

I have really wondered about the checks, etc. The water was cold and perhaps he had a wallet or something.

Anyway I really should not say anything because I have not read Jonathan's book yet and I should before I say anything else. (I have a problem getting delivery of books at my home so I don't order them very often.)

Jonathan's book? Sounds like something I need to get my hands on! What's the title? (And how did I miss any mention of it?!)

[Allison Smith]

Other cases of bodies pulled out of the river after much longer, in one case after a year, paperwork; bills, cheques, invoices, etc., were still legible.

Yes, but HOW?! I find it super hard to believe that they were still legible. I have a friend that works in forensics for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, maybe I should ask her.

[Cogidubnus]

Jonathan's book? Sounds like something I need to get my hands on! What's the title? (And how did I miss any mention of it?!)

The book is called "Jack the Ripper - Case Solved, 1891" and it's by J.J.Hainsworth...You can't miss the slightly (?!) lurid yellow cover...

Dave

[Allison Smith]

The book is called "Jack the Ripper - Case Solved, 1891" and it's by J.J.Hainsworth...You can't miss the slightly (?!) lurid yellow cover...

Dave

*brings up Amazon * Oh, that is slightly lurid, isn't it?! Hahaha. Thanks!! That will surely be a great resource.

[Wicker Man]

Yes, but HOW?! I find it super hard to believe that they were still legible. I have a friend that works in forensics for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, maybe I should ask her.

Ah, I can't say "how", but what does "how" mean?
The "how" must be due to the water temperature, type of ink & paper.


I copied a couple of sections from the article. You can find the whole account in the Chelmsford Chronicle dated Apr. 26, 1867.
The body had decomposed, hence the arm that was brought up. The body came away in pieces.










Do you doubt the papers were readable now?

[Allison Smith]

Ah, I can't say "how", but what does "how" mean?
The "how" must be due to the water temperature, type of ink & paper.


I copied a couple of sections from the article. You can find the whole account in the Chelmsford Chronicle dated Apr. 26, 1867.
The body had decomposed, hence the arm that was brought up. The body came away in pieces.










Do you doubt the papers were readable now?

Hahaha. I didn't really "doubt" it per se before . . . it just seemed odd to me. As does the fact that anyone could be identified, visually, after being in the Thames for a month. But THANK YOU very much for the reference of the article. That will come in VERY handy - and save me another trip down the warren of rabbit holes I've been falling down lately. Much appreciated!

[Wicker Man]

...... As does the fact that anyone could be identified, visually, after being in the Thames for a month. .....

The identification was likely not visual, but by the intended recipient named on the cheques, at least that would be the starting point.

[Anna Morris]

Druitt had jewellery on his person also as I recall. A gold watch chain with a spade guinea. (I remember looking up "spade guinea" and trying to figure out if this had anything to do with Hutchinson's Mr. A. who had the chain and seal with red stone. I figure the answer is no.)

[Wicker Man]

Weird to imagine someone loaded up with all that wealth; gold coins, silver coins & two cheques totaling £60, and then throwing themselves in the Thames.
It's almost like his death was not planned, most suicides are.

[Anna Morris]

Weird to imagine someone loaded up with all that wealth; gold coins, silver coins & two cheques totaling £60, and then throwing themselves in the Thames.
It's almost like his death was not planned, most suicides are.

It is said that most who commit suicide or seriously attempt it do not actually want to die. What they really want is immediate relief from whatever extreme troubles they are experiencing at the moment.

I can understand the sentiment. Every time I get a severe migraine, especially the ones that last days and nights, I tell my body I will never eat again and that will be the end. It is usually not possible to eat during a migraine attack so it is an easy "promise" to make.