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11/14/2005
Ripper Letters: Genuine or Hoax?
Hundreds of letters allegedly from the murderer were sent to the police, news agencies and individuals associated with solving the crimes. Only three of these letters have provided lasting food for Ripper scholars. Two, in particular, which are written by the same individual, actually gave rise to the name "Jack the Ripper." Before that time, the name had not been coined.
The following letter, written in red ink, gave the notorious murderer his name. It was received by Central News on September 27, 1888 and was addressed to The Boss, Central News Office.
I keep on hearing the police have caught me but they wont fix me just yet. I have laughed when they look so clever and talk about being on the right track. That joke about Leather Apron gave me real fits. I am down on whores and I shant quit ripping them till I do get buckled. Grand work the last job was. I gave the lady no time to squeal. How can they catch me now. I love my work and want to start again. You will soon hear of me with my funny little games. I saved some proper red stuff in a ginger beer bottle over the last job to write with but it went thick like glue and I cant use it. Red ink is fit enough I hope ha.ha. The next job I do I shall clip. The lady's ears off and send to the Police officers just for jolly wouldn't you. Keep this letter back till I do a bit more work then give it out straight. My knife's so nice and sharp I want to get to work right away if I get a chance.
Good luck.
Yours truly
Jack the Ripper
Don't mind me giving the trade name
Then on the same letter, written horizontally was the following message:
wasn't good enough to post this before I got all the red ink off my hands curse it. No luck yet. They Say I'm a doctor. now ha_ha
11:31 Posted in Ripper Letters: Genuine or Hoax? | Permalink | Email this
Comments
It might be of interest to know that despite receiving hundreds of letters purporting to come from the killer, the Victorian authorities only succeeded in prosecuting one 'ripper' hoaxer.
Her name was Maria Coroner and she appeared at Bradford Borough Court on the 19th October 1888 charged with a 'breach of the peace.
She is described as 'a very respectable young woman.' She sent two letters, one to the local Chief inspector, the other a local newspaper. She signed both 'Jack the Ripper' and wrote that he intended to visit Bradford to 'do a little business'
In court she said she had done it as a joke, but magistrate remanded her. She appeared again on 23rd October and was "bound over for six months" and was told that id she transgressed again she would go to gaol.
Posted by: Richard Jones | 12/11/2005