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A rare set of "The Times" of London convering the "Jack The Ripper" terror...



Item # 610195

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THE TIMES, London, England, three bound volumes including all issues dated July 1 through December 31, 1888.

This set encompasses the entire period of the “Jack The Ripper” mania, when this notorious murderer terrorized the Whitechapel section of London. The case captured the attention of not just England but much of the world as coverage can be found in American newspapers of the period. But certainly reports in “The Times” of London remain the most desired.
 
These three bound volumes were bound for an institution and do not include the first 2 or 3 leaves as they were replete with advertisements & considered superfluous to the interests of the patron for scholarly research. The noted leaves were not removed; they were never bound within. Consequently there are no front pages, however each issue has the date at the top of each page. The issues do contain all news reports of the day—obviously including the “Jack the Ripper” content noted in the descriptions below. There are but 3 exceptions to this being a complete set of all Ripper reports in the Times: issues of September 22, 24 & 26 had the Ripper content on the reverse of an advertising page & consequently are not within these volumes.
 
These issues were printed on “rag” paper, newsprint of very high quality meant for institutions where long-term storage required high quality paper that would last for centuries. Consequently the condition of all pages is excellent with not the least bit of fragility or foxing. There is no staining, tearing or other disfigurements save for the November 10 issue which has a light bit of rubbing to the Ripper article, causing no loss of readability.
 
The volumes are bound in blue cloth library binding, some age staining to the covers, tightly bound, gold ink at the spine. The bindings are in very nice condition.
 
The details noted below were taken from our database as we have previously sold all of the issues individually. Each of the issues has a “stickie” bookmark at the top margin which includes the page & column reference to the Ripper article, in addition to a stickie noting the article as well.
 
The collective value of these issues as sold by us individually through the years exceeds $7,900. This set is offered at $2,850, postpaid. A fine opportunity for a tremendous wealth of Jack the Ripper reports, in the “Times” of London, in beautiful condition. A total of 155 issues are within the volumes, of which 59 issues have Ripper content.
 
 
 
Victim of Jack the Ripper?...
THE TIMES, London, England, August 10, 1888 The London Times index notes this as the first report in its newspaper of a possible suspect of Jack the Ripper appearing under the "Whitechapel Murder" reports. This would turn out to be the death of Martha Tabram, with further details provided by Wikipedia: "Martha Tabram was killed on 7 August 1888; she had suffered 39 stab wounds. The savagery of the murder, the lack of obvious motive, and the closeness of the location (George Yard, Whitechapel) and date to those of the later Ripper murders led police to link them. However, the attack differs from the canonical five (Nichols, Chapment, Stride, Eddowes and Kelly) in that Tabram was stabbed rather than slashed at the throat and abdomen. Many experts today do not connect it with the later murders because of the difference in the wound pattern."
Yet there is some doubt, and the report certainly gives evidence of much brutality. She was one of the eleven suspected victims of Jack the Ripper but not among the "canonical five" victims generally accepted as Ripper victims (see above).
Page 12 has: "The Murder In Whitechapel", with bits including: "...respecting the death of the woman who was found on Tuesday last with 39 stab wounds on her body, at George-yard buildings, Whitechapel...found the deceased lying on her back in a pool of blood..." with more gruesome details.
 
Jack the Ripper's first victim ?
THE TIMES, London, Aug. 24, 1888  Page 4 contains a nearly full column report headed: "Inquests" which begins with the consideration of the: "...death of the woman who was found dead...on the early morning of Tuesday, the 7th...with no less than 39 wounds on various parts of her body. The body has been identified as that of Martha Tabram..." Tabram is thought to be the first victim of the notorious Jack the Ripper. The report has much detail with comments from various witnesses.
 
 
 
First of the "canonical five" Jack the Ripper victims...
THE TIMES, London, Sept. 1, 1888  Page 6 has two-thirds of a column taken up with: :"Another Murder In Whitechapel" which begins: "Another murder of the foulest kind was committed in the neighbourhood of Whitechapel in the early hours of yesterday morning..." and continues on with much detail, eventually noting that: "...taken to the mortuary and identified the body as that of Mary Ann Nicholls, also called 'Polly' Nicholls..." with more.
Although it was presumed there were several woman prior to Nichols murdered by Jack the Ripper (including Martha Tabram), Nichols is the first of the generally accepted "canonical five" victims. An extremely early report as the murder happened just the day previous.
 
Jack the Ripper's first victim...
THE TIMES, London, September 3, 1888  Page 12 has a report headed: "The Whitechapel Murder" which takes over a full column. Part of the report includes:"Up to a late hour last evening the police had obtained no clue to the perpetrator of the latest of the three murders...The murder...of the woman now known as Mary Ann Nichols, has so many points of similarity with the murder of two other women in  the same neighbourhood...All three women were of the class called 'unfortunates'..." and more. Included is an interview with the victim's father.
Mary Ann Nichols was one of the "generally accepted" victims of Jack the Ripper, and in fact the first. Others are alleged Ripper victims but they lack a conclusive link.
 
 
 
On the first victim of the Jack the Ripper case...
THE TIMES, London, England, Sept. 4, 1888 This issue has on page 8: "The Whitechapel Murder" which takes most of a column, much of it taken up with inquiries by the coroner concerning the death of Mary Ann Nichols, the first victim of Jack the Ripper. Some interesting & quite detailed.
 
Funeral for the first victim...
THE TIMES, London, Sept. 7, 1888  Page 8 has a very brief item at the bottom of the page headed: "The Whitechapel Murder" which begins: "The funeral of Mrs. Nicholls took place yesterday  afternoon..." with other details (see). This was Mary Ann Nichols, believe to be the very first of the five "Jack The Ripper" victims. Others were thought to have been murdered by him but evidence was not as conclusive as for the "canonical five".
 
"Jack the Ripper" terrorizes London...
THE TIMES, London, Sept. 10, 1888  Page 6 has an uncommonly lengthy article headed: "Another Murder At the East-End" which begins: "Whitechapel and the whole of the East of London have again been thrown into a state of intense excitement by the discovery early on Saturday morning of the body of a woman who had been murdered in a similar way to Mary Ann Nichols...victim of the outrage had her head almost severed from her body & was completely disemboweled..." with much more. This was Annie Chapman--identified as such later in the article--and the reporting is considerable & quite detailed, even at this early date.
Annie Chapman was one of the generally accepted "canonical five" victims of Jack the Ripper, although many more are thought to have been his victims.
Following this nearly full column report is an article headed: "Another Account" which takes over a full column.
A tremendous amount of reporting and terrific to have in the "Times" of London. 
 
Jack the Ripper, in a London newspaper...
THE TIMES, London, Sept. 11, 1888 Page 6 has nearly 2 1/2 columns taken up with reports concerning this case, headed: "The Whitechapel Murders" which begins: "Two arrests were made yesterday, but it is very doubtful whether the murderer is in the hands of the police...opened by a Polish Jew named Pizer, supposed to be 'Leather Apron'...at once took hold of the man, saying, You are just the man I want'. He then charged Pizer with being concerned in the murder of the woman Chapman..." with much more. There is also much text under: "The Inquest".
A criminal who went by "Leather Apron" was believed, at some point, to be "Jack The Ripper".
 
Jack the Ripper in a London newspaper...
THE TIMES, London, Sept. 12, 1888 On page 6 of this issue is over a full column of text headed: "The Whitechapel Murder", which is coverage of the Jack the Ripper case. A tremendous amount of detail and great to have in this famous London newspaper! Some tears at top margins with a small piece from the top of the front leaf, otherwise very nice.
 
On Jack the Ripper, in a London newspaper...
THE TIMES, London, England, Sept. 12, 1888  Page 6 has an uncommonly lengthy report concerning the Jack the Ripper case, taking over a full column while most reports are a few paragraphs. The article is headed: "The Whitechapel Murder" and begins: "The latest reports as to the search for the murderer are not of a hopeful character...John Piser, the man who was detained on suspicion of being concerned in causing the death of the woman Annie Chapman, was still in custody today...decided to release him. Many reports of a startling character have been circulated respecting the acts of violence committed by a man wearing a leather apron..." with much, much more. This is then followed by a letter to the editor concerning the Jack the Ripper case, the writing theorizing that: "...the murderer of the three victims in Whitechapel is one and the same person...method in madness so there was method shown in the crime and in the gradual dissection of the body of the latest victim..." with more.
This is one of the better Jack the Ripper reports to be had.
 
Investigating the second murder by Jack the Ripper...
THE TIMES, London, Sept. 13, 1888  Page 5 has a lengthy article taking nearly two columns headed: "The Whitechapel Murder", which is much more reporting than is typically found from the era. Bits include: "The police continue their inquiries & investigations...The relatives of the murdered woman Chapman, who occupy respectable positions in life, have taken charge of the remains...Assuming the various witnesses have spoken the truth...the murder must have been committed between half past 5 and 6 o'clock..." with much, much more testimony by various witnesses (see for portions). Annie Chapman was the 2nd victim of Jack the Ripper.
 
Jack the Ripper: the Annie Chapman case...
THE TIMES, London, Sept. 14, 1888  Page 4 has an uncommonly lengthy article headed: "The Whitechapel Murder" taking 1 3/4 columns. Near the beginning is: "...Coroner...resumed his inquiry...Whitechapel road, respecting the death of Annie Chapman, who was found murdered in the back yard...last Saturday morning..." followed by much very detailed testimony. Annie Chapman is considered the second victim of Jack the Ripper.
Most reports in the Times might be one-third of a column so this account is much lengthier.
 
A suspected "Jack the Ripper"... Annie Chapman is buried...
THE TIMES, London, Sept. 15, 1888  Inside has one-third of a column taken up with: "The Whitechapel Murders", being the London district where the murders happened. The report includes: "The police...have made another arrest on suspicion in connexion with the recent murders...his movements are stated to have created suspicion among various persons...On being searched...most extraordinary accumulation of articles were discovered--a heap of rags, comprising pieces of dress fabrics, old & dirty linen, two purses of a kind usually u8sed by women...He has a very careworn look..." with more. The last paragraph notes: "Annie Chapman, the victim of the crime, was buried early yesterday morning at Manor Park Cemetery. Some of her relatives attended the funeral." 
Annie Chapman was the second of only five "canonical victims" of Jack the Ripper, 9 other victims having less evidence tying their deaths conclusively to Jack the Ripper.
 
 
Following up on every clue...
THE TIMES, London, England, September 17, 1888  Page 5 has a somewhat brief item headed: "The Whitechapel Murders" which reads in part: "The detective officers continued their investigation yesterday...no arrest had been made...The public of the neighbourhood continue to make statements...the police have been made cognizant of what the informants consider to be suspicious movements of individuals...Every 'clue' given by the public in their zeal to assist the police has been followed up..." and a bit more.
 
Investigating the first of the Jack the Ripper murders...
THE TIMES, London, England, Sept. 18, 1888  This issue has a much lengthier report than is commonly found. Page 12 has: "The Whitechapel Murders" taking nearly 1 1/2 columns on the: "...inquiry at the Working Lads' Institute, Whitechapel, respecting the death of Mary Ann Nicholls who was found brutally murdered in Buck's Row, Whitechapel...". Nicholls was the first of the Jack The Ripper murders. The inquiry is extensive with many interviews by the coroner by those in the vicinity.
 
 
Jack the Ripper...
THE TIMES, London, Sept. 19, 1888  Page 3 has nearly half a column headed: "The Whitechapel Murders" which discusses several leads in the case of Jack the Ripper from the very early period of the terror. One report notes a man hurriedly changing his closes, and notes: "...obviously difficult to conceive why the murdered, having possessed himself of a change of clothes, should pass from Whitechapel to Ludgate Circus & change his dress in a quasi-public place...". Plus there are reports of another suspicious character.
This report is followed by a letter to the editor headed "At Last" which begins: "Whitechapel horrors will not be in vain if 'at last' the public conscience awakes to consider the life which these horrors reveal. The murders were, it may almost be said, bound to come..." with much more.
All of this text relating to the Jack the Ripper case takes almost an entire column.
 
 
Much detail into the inquest for Annie Chapman...
THE TIMES, London, England, Sept. 20, 1888  Page 4 has a lengthy article headed: "The Whitechapel Murder" which takes 1 1/3 columns with much detail. It includes in part: "...Mr. Wynne Baxter, coroner...resumed his inquiry...respecting the death of Mary Ann Chapman who was found murdered in the back yard...on the morning of the 8th..." with much detail on the inquest as to who saw her last, where, the time, etc., etc. One bit notes: "...court cleared of all women & boys, the witness proceeded to give medical & surgical evidence totally unfit for publication of the deliberate, successful & apparently scientific manner in which the poor woman had been mutilated...the mode in which the knife had been used seemed to indicate great anatomical knowledge..." with more (see). One small item notes: "No further arrest in connexion with the Whitechapel murders had been made up to last night , and the police are still at fault."
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jack the Ripper: investigating the Annie Chapman case...
THE TIMES, London, Sept. 27, 1888  Page 5 has an uncommonly lengthy article headed: "The Whitechapel Murder", which is the section of London where the murders occurred. This article takes 1 1/2 columns, while many other issues of this newspaper devoted several paragraphs or half a column to Jack the Ripper news. Near the beginning is: "Yesterday...Mr. Wynne Baxter, the coroner...resumed his adjourned inquiry at the Working Lads' Institute, Whitechapel, respecting the death of Annie Chapman...who was found brutally murdered in the back yard...on the early morning of...the 8th..." Annie Chapman was the second victim of Jack the Ripper and one of only 5 "canonical victims" of Jack the Ripper about whom there is almost no doubt as to the murderer. There were 9 other "alleged" Ripper victims.
The article continues with much about Chapman, noting in part that:"...she had lived apart from her husband..." who died in 1886, "...She had evidently lived an immoral life for some time, and means had failed..." followed by considerable detail as to her actions, when last seen, etc. Then the report turns to the murder, noting: "...From the evidence...The wretch must have then seized the deceased, perhaps with Judas-like approaches. He seized her by the chin. He pressed her throat & while thus preventing the slightest cry, he at the same time produced insensibility & suffocation. There was no evidence of any struggle. The clothes were not torn...Her throat was then cut in two places with savage determination & the injuries to the abdomen commenced...The body had not been dissected but the injuries had been made by some one who had considerable anatomical skill...There were no meaningless cuts. The organ had been taken by one who knew where to find it..." with so much more. 
 
Medical profession reacts to the theorized perpetrator...
THE TIMES, London, England, Sept. 28, 1888  Page 4 has at the top: "The Whitechapel Murders" mentions that: "A man...gave himself up at ...Police station...& made a statement to the inspector on duty to the effect that he committed the murder in Hanbury Street...It is believe that the man had been drinking to excess for some days past."
This is followed by a letter: "To The Editor of the Times" which takes about the death of Annie Chapman, the 2nd confirmed victim of Jack the Ripper, which includes in part: "The statement made by the coroner to the jury in the inquest on the death of the woman Chapman...considering that the character of the mutilation in question justifies the assumption that the perpetrator was probably one who possessed some knowledge of anatomy...That a lunatic may have desired to obtain possession of certain organs for some insane purpose is very possible, & the theory of the murdering fiend being a madman only derives confirmation from the information obtained..." with more in defence of the medical profession. And this is followed by a brief note mentioning: "The theory of the coroner is too horrible...Have the remains of the other murdered women been exhumed to confirm the suggestion & to connect the three murders with the same diabolical trade?"
 
On Jack the Ripper, in a London newspaper...
THE TIMES, London, England, September 29, 1888  Page 6 has a brief report with small head: "The Whitechapel Murder" includes: "...John Fitzgerald...who has been detained...on his own confession with having murdered Annie Chapman...has been liberated, exhaustive inquiries having proved his statement to be entirely unfounded." with a bit more.

 
 
 
 
Lengthy report on Jack the Ripper, in the London Times...
THE TIMES, London, England, Oct. 1, 1888  Pg. 6 has nearly three full columns under the heading: "More Murders at the East End" beginning: "In the early hours of yesterday morning two more horrible murders were committed in the East-end of London, the victim in both cases belonging, it is believed, to the same unfortunate class..." with much more details (see photos for the text). At one point is: "...The murder in the city was committed in circumstances which show that the assassin, if not suffering from insanity, appears to be fere from any fear of interruption while at his dreadful work..." with more. Further on one of the victims is identified by name: Elizabeth Stride, now considered as having been the third victim of Jack the Ripper.
Simply far too much great content to mention here.
 
 
Very lengthy Jack the Ripper report...
THE TIMES, London, Oct. 2, 1888  Page 6 has an uncommonly lengthy article headed: "The Murders At The East End" which has considerable reporting on the Jack the Ripper case, taking over half of the page. Much of the coverage is taken up with depositions of various witnesses, with a prefacing note: "Yesterday, Mr. Wynne E. Baxter, coroner for the South-Easter Division...opened an inquiry at the Vestry-hall...respecting the death of Elisabeth Stride who was found murdered in a yard ...on Sunday morning...The jury having viewd the body, the following evidence was taken..." and what follows is various testimony. Elizabeth Stride was the third of the five "canonical five" victims positively murdered by Jack the Ripper. There were an additional nine other alleged Ripper victims.
The reporting and detail of the text is considerable, much lengthier than is typically found in newspapers of the day.
 
 
 
 
 
Lengthy report on Jack the Ripper, in the London Times...
THE TIMES, London, Oct. 3, 1888  This report is much lengthier than most. Pg. 10 has nearly three columns of reporting headed: "The East-End Murders" and "The Mitre-Square Victim Identified". Most of the reporting involves the cross-examination between the coroner and the witnesses (see photos). The beginning of the report includes: "Yesterday...Mr. Wynne Baxter, coroner...resumed his inquiry...respecting the death of Elizabeth Stride, who was found murdered in Berner Street on Sunday..." Stride was one of the "canonical five" victims of Jack the Ripper, the third, while 9 others are alleged Ripper victims but without sufficient evidence to tie their deaths to him.
The early part of the testimony focuses on the finding of the victim. 
 
Very lengthy on the Jack the Ripper case...
THE TIMES, London, England, Oct. 4, 1888 This issue has an uncommonly lengthy account headed: "The East-End Murders" being essentially a verbatim transcript of the coroner's inquiries of various people in the area regarding their knowledge of Elizabeth Stride, the most recent victim of Jack the Ripper. In includes talk of discovery of the knife:"...I crossed over, and saw a knife lying on the doorstep...The handkerchief produced was wrapped round the handle...the handkerchief was blood-stained..." with much more. Further on is: "An America, who refuses to give his name or any account of himself, was arrested last night on suspicion of being the East-end murderer....".
The various reports take 3 1/2 columns on page 10.
 
 
Testimony on one of Jack the Ripper's victims...
THE TIMES, London, Oct. 5, 1888 Page 4 has an uncommonly lengthy & detailed article headed: "The East End Murders" which takes 2 1/2 columns reporting on the inquest of Catherine Eddowes who was the fourth of the five "generally accepted" victims of Jack the Ripper. Others are alleged Ripper victims but they lack a conclusive link. This lengthy text gives the testimony of various people. This report is much more detailed than most in this title.
 
 
 
Jack the Ripper stalks London...  In a London newspaper...
THE TIMES, London, England, October 6, 1888  The top of the first column of page six has the headline: "THE EAST-END MURDERS" which is an uncommonly detailed & lengthy account of the inquest in the death of Elizabeth Stride. Stride is believed to be the third victim of the notorious Jack the Ripper. This report takes fully 2 1/2 columns.
Near the beginning of the article is found:"...Mr. Wynne E. Baxter, coroner for the South-Eastern Division of Middlesex, resumed his inquiry...respecting the death of Elizabeth Stride, who was found murdered in Berner Street, St. George's on the early morning of Sunday last..." with much, much more on the inquiry.
Page 12 has even further reports concerning the Jack the Ripper problem. Articles are headed: "Whitechapel--To the Editor of the Times" which is an article concerning the need for citizens who live in that area to have: "...the final responsibility for the maintenance of order & decency in its streets...". Another is titled: "The East End" which concerns the problems with house values in the area; yet another: "A French Chapter of Whiechapel Horrors" which postulates that: "...these horrible outrages were not the act of a maniac, but had been coolly committed by a sane person who wished to earn a few pounds by gratifying the whims of an eccentric American anatomist...".
Other articles on pg. 12 include: "Friendless and Fallen in Whitechapel" which concerns the Jack the Ripper fears, and "The Homes Of The Criminal Class" which related to the same events as well.
 
Asking for a reward for "Jack the Ripper", and more...
THE TIMES, London, England, October 8, 1888 Page 6 has an uncommonly lengthy report headed: "The East-End Murders" which takes over half a column, and begins: "Fears were expressed among the police on Saturday that the night would not pass without some startling occurrence & the most extraordinary precautions were taken in consequence...is fully understood that the murderer, finding his favourite haunts too hot for him, may transfer his operations to another district...Up to a late hour last night an important arrest had been reported in connection with the murders at the East End...". Included also is a letter form the Queen's office which includes: "...praying that a reward may be offered by the Government for the discovery of the perpetrator of the recent murders in Whitechapel..."
A nice report, lengthier than most. 
 
 
Funeral report of a Jack the Ripper victim...
THE TIMES, London, England, Oct. 9, 1888  An inside page has a report headed: “Whitechapel” which is a letter to the editor from a local bishop which begins: “Will you kindly allow me in your columns to reply to many correspondents who have desired to be informed of the best way to befriend the poor women in Whitechapel, Spitafields, and the neighbourhood, whose miserable condition has been brought before the public so prominently by the late murders?...I know full well the circumstances of these poor creatures…” and much more.
Yet another report headed: "The East-End Murders" begins: "No arrest in connexion with the atrocious murders at the East-end has been reported up to a late hour last night...The funeral of Catherine Eddowes, the victim of the Mitre-square murder, took place yesterday..." with a bit more on the funeral. Catherine Eddowes was one of the "canonical five" victims generally accepted as having been murdered by Jack the Ripper. Nine others are suspected but evidence linking their deaths to Jack the Ripper was inconclusive. Near the end of this article is: "...definite instructions have been issued to the police that in the event of any person being found murdered under circumstances similar to those of the recent crimes, they are not to remove the body of the victim..." with more.
A bit unusual to find two separate articles concerning Jack the Ripper.
 
Much on use of bloodhounds to track criminals...
THE TIMES, London, England, Oct. 10, 1888  An inside page has a report headed: “The East End Murders” and gives much detail on the breeding and use of bloodhounds for tracking people, noting: “Sir Charles Warren witnessed a private trial of bloodhounds in one of the London parks…the dogs were hunted on a leash, as would be the case if they were employed in Whitechapel…” and more. 
 
 
Investigating "Jack the Ripper"...    Lengthier than most...
THE TIMES, London, England, Oct. 11, 1888  Page 5 contains two reports on this case, with headings: "The East-End Murders" and "Whitechapel", the latter being the site of the brutal murders, and the former beginning: "A good deal of fresh evidence will be given at the adjourned inquest..." (see). And page 3 also has two reports, headed: "The Detection of Crime" which mentions the Whitechapel murders with: "...the fact that the perpetrator of the Whitechapel murders has hitherto escaped detection may be held to prove that the police force is...inefficient..." with more. There is also the article: "Bloodhounds" concerning the use of dogs to find criminals.
 
Nice & detailed content on the Jack the Ripper case...
THE TIMES, London, Oct. 12, 1888  Page 4 has a very lengthy account headed: "The East-End Murders" which is a very detailed inquest of the coroner & others concerning the death of Catherine Eddowes, one of the five "generally accepted" victims of Jack the Ripper. This testimony takes 3 columns, a one small bit includes: "...were not inflicted by a person of great anatomical skill. He equally agreed that the murderer had no particular design on any particular internal organ..." and:"...the death must have been so instantaneous after the severance of the blood vessels and the windpipe..." with much, much more.
 
Relating to Jack the Ripper...
THE TIMES, London, Oct. 13, 1888  Page 7 has an article headed: "Whitechapel" which was the London district where the Jack the Ripper murders occurred. The article takes over half a column and discusses the problem with prostitution and vice in that section of the city. This is followed by: "Bloodhounds as Detectives" which discusses the use of dogs to track murderers: "...to whether the splendid animals in question would be likely to track to his hiding place a murdered who committed a crime similar in character to those which have lately horrified the whole country..." with more.
Page 6 has: "The East-End Murders" concerns suspicions against two people.
 
Jack the Ripper, in a London newspaper...
THE TIMES, London, England, October 15, 1888.This issue contains a Ripper report on page six, referring to the Whitechapel case, and providing a letter to Scotland Yard, signed "Jack the Ripper".  The letter states:  "I write you a letter... I think you are all asleep in Scotland-yard with your bloodhounds...I am going to do a double event, but not in Whitechapel. A fine opportunity for a desirable title with Jack the Ripper content. 
 
London Times with letter signed "Jack the Ripper"...
THE TIMES, London, England, October 15, 1888  This issue is particularly special & desirable as it contains a letter signed in type by "Jack The Ripper". This is one of only three issues of the "Times" with a letter signed by him.
This page 6 report headed "The East-End Murders" refers to the Whitechapel case, and includes a letter to Scotland Yard, signed "Jack the Ripper".  The letter states:  "I write you a letter... I think you are all asleep in Scotland-yard with your bloodhounds...I am going to do a double event, but not in Whitechapel..."

 
 
London newspaper with a "Jack the Ripper" report...
THE TIMES, London, England, October 16, 1888  This issue is particularly special & desirable as it contains reference to a letter signed by "Jack The Ripper". This page 10 report headed "The East-End Murders" refers to the Whitechapel case, and includes"...afterwards it was found that his signature corresponded with the facsimile letters signed 'Jack the Ripper' and that the description of the man also corresponded with that of the Whitechapel murderer circulated by the Metropolitan Police..." with more (see). Reports which actually include the words "Jack The Ripper" are very uncommon, and desirable. 
 
 
Chasing down Jack the Ripper...
THE TIMES, London, England, Oct. 18, 1888 Page 7 has a report at the top of the page headed "The East-End Murders" includes: "...that the marked desire evinced by the inhabitants of the Whitechapel district to aid the police in the pursuit of the author of the recent crimes has enabled him to directed that, subject to the consent of occupiers, a thorough house-to-house search should be made within a defined area..." with more. This is followed by another article which includes: "...number of conflicting rumours in connexion with the murders in the East  end...There is little, however, in all these stores which indicates that the police have succeeded to any appreciable extent in tracking the author of the crimes..." with much more.
 
 
 
Two letters from Jack the Ripper... Gory details...
THE TIMES, London, England, October 19, 1888  Page 5 has two-thirds of a column taken up with a report headed: "The Murders In London" with the article including: "...received several letters purporting to be from the perpetrator of the Whitechapel murders...accompanied by a cardboard box containing what appeared to be a portion of a kidney. The letter was in the following terms: "...From Hell. Mr. Lusk, Sir, I send you half the kidney I took from one woman...other piece I fried and ate it; was very nice..." with  some other gory comments. Other portions include: "...recollection that the left kidney was missing from the woman Eddowes who was murdered & mutilated in Mitre square..." Catherine Eddowes was one of the "canonical five" victims generally accepted as having been murdered by Jack the Ripper. Nine others are suspected but evidence linking their deaths to Jack the Ripper was inconclusive. Further on in the article is a portion of another letter received from the presumed "Jack the Ripper".
 
"Jack the Ripper" mentioned twice in the report...
THE TIMES, London, England, October 20, 1888  The top of page 7 has a report headed: "The Murders In London" which is very rare in that it is one of just a few we've found thus far which actually mentions the words "Jack the Ripper" within the body of the text, and this issue has the words mentioned twice. The report takes less than 5 inches, portions including: "...The house-to-house search is completed and has led to no discovery of any value...Intelligence was received by the detectives that yesterday afternoon in Islington a strange man was observed to write on a wall the words, 'I am Jack the Ripper.' He was pursued for some distance but got clear away. The horrible incident of the box containing a portion of a kidney sent to Mr. Lusk...is not generally regarded as a practical joke...the last letter sent by 'Jack the Ripper' was read over to them...the writer intimated his intention of committing further murders last night..." with a bit more.
 
Jack the Ripper, in the London Times...
THE TIMES, London, England, Oct. 22, 1888  Page 10 has a quarter of a column headed: "The Murders In London" with some of the text noting: "No further arrests have been made & it is probable that the sensational discoveries & reports of the last few days will turn out to be hoaxes...Particulars transpired on Saturday morning of a further discovery of human bones..." with more on this, then further on: "...these letters, as stated by the chief constable, purported to be written by  'Jack the Ripper', whose object in visiting Bradford...was to do a little business before starting for some other places on the same errand..." but they were in fact written by a woman who: "...had done it in a joke…”.
 
Jack the Ripper evidence a practical joke?
THE TIMES, London, England, Oct. 23, 1888 Page ten has a brief item headed: "The East-End Murders" noting: "As we indicated yesterday, the horrible parcel sent to the Chairman of the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee is still the subject of examination. The opinion is said to gain ground that a practical joke has been played upon the committee. As regards the medical examination, it seems doubtful whether the inferences that have been drawn from it are warranted."
 
 
Petitioning to the Queen concerning the Jack the Ripper terror...
THE TIMES, London, England, October 25, 1888  Page ten contains an article: "The Queen and the East-End Murders". The article has a prefacing note: "During the three days of the week following the Sunday on which the two murders were committed the following petition to the Queen was freely circulated among the women of the labouring classes of East London..." with the complete text of the letter sent to Queen Victoria, which begins: "Madam--We, the women of East London, feel horror at the dreadful sins what have been lately committed in our midst..." with more, followed by the response from the Queen's office.
 
 
Bringing Christ to the women of Whitechapel...
THE TIMES, London, England, Oct. 26, 1888  An inside page has an interesting article headed: “A Whitechapel Fund” which is a letter to the editor from Mary J. Kinnaird which begins: “I have begun to raise a fund, to which I invite contributions from your readers, with a view of powerfully bringing the teachings of Christianity to bear on that dark corner in Whitechapel which has been disgraced by such hideous crimes. If the Gospel sufficed to change the cannibal inhabitants of the Fiji Island into a nation of Christian worshipers, it is sufficient and alone sufficient, to turn the darkest spots in London into gardens of the Lord…” followed by a list of her use of raised funds.
 
 
Concern for potential "Jack The Ripper" victims...
THE TIMES, London, Oct. 30, 1888 Page 6 has a brief report headed: "Funds For Whitechapel" which has an oblique reference at best to the Jack the Ripper situation, focused primarily on possible confusion of contributions to a fund for the care of those in Whitechapel, the section of London where the murders have been happening.
 
Concern for potential "Jack The Ripper" victims...
THE TIMES, London, Nov. 6, 1888  Page 8 has a report headed: "Whitechapel Fund", which largely does not make any direct connection to the on-going murders, however does have a paragraph noting: "...The recent terrible crimes in Whitechapel have drawn public attention to the condition fo the people in that district, and our committee, feeling it incumbent upon them to do their utmost to meet the wants of the clergy in this emergency have just made a second grant to the parish of St. Mary, Whitechapel..." with more. The balance of this issue provides a sense of what daily life was like in London during the time of the terror.
 
The case of Mary Jane Kelly…
THE TIMES, London, Nov. 10, 1888  Nearly half of page 7 is taken up with a lengthy & very detailed article headed: “Another Whitechapel Murder” which has the specific of the murder which happened very near to residence of: “…the unfortunate woman, Mary Ann Nicholls was so foully murdered. Although the victim, whose name is Mary Ann (or Mary Jane) Kelly…” with much, much more, and near the end: “…latest account states …indisputable authority that no portion of the murdered woman’s body was taken away by the murderer…the post-mortem examination was of the most exhaustive character & the surgeons did not quit their work until every organ had been accounted for & placed as closely as possible in its natural position…”.
 
Jack the Ripper in the London "Times"...
THE TIMES, London, England, Nov. 12, 1888  This issue has an uncommonly lengthy article, taking 1 1/2 columns on page 6, under the heading: "The Whitechapel Murder" beginning by reporting two false arrests for the Jack the Ripper crimes. Much is on the investigate of the murders, one paragraph beginning: "Great difference of opinion exists as to the exact time...the murder of Mary Jane Kelly took place..." and another begins: "The police, on making a more minute search of the room in which the body was found...discovered in the fireplace the charred rim & wirework of a woman's felt hat..." and "...After the discovery of the murder on Friday morning great curiosity was express as to whether bloodhounds would be used to endeavour to trace the murderer to his hiding-place..." with much more. 
 
Nice & detailed content on the Jack the Ripper case...
THE TIMES, London, Nov. 13, 1888  Page 10 has over two columns taken up with some great content headed: "The Whitechapel Murder" which includes much comment from area residents concerning the Jack the Ripper situation and the on-going investigations. The article begins: "During yesterday several arrests were made, but after a short examination in all cases the persons were set at liberty as it was felt certain they had no connexion with the crime..." Further on is:"...opened the inquiry into the cause of the death of Mary Jane Kelly, the young woman who was found dead & horribly mutilated on Friday morning last..." followed by much testimony who knew her.
Mary Jane Kelly was the fifth, and considered last, of the "canonical five" victims of Jack the Ripper. Other murders of women in the vicinity could not be conclusively tied to the work of Jack The Ripper.
Also on page 10 is: "The East-End Murders And What Is To Be Done" being a letter to the editor which has some fine content & includes: "...this crisis I share with my neighbours in the horror of the situation. Our hearts are disquieted within us, & the fear of death is fallen upon us..." with more.
 
Details on Jack the Ripper & Mary Jane Kelly, by an eye-witness...
THE TIMES, London, England, Nov. 14, 1888  An inside page has a half column report headed: "The Whitechapel Murders" which begins by reporting the arrest of a man: "...found to have in his possession a somewhat formidable looking knife with a blade about ten inches long...confused & contradictory accounts which  Murphy gave of himself..." & further on is a report noting: "...The funeral of the murdered woman Kelly will not take place until after the arrival from Wales of some of her relatives & friends...If they are unable to provide the necessary funeral expenses, Mr. H. Wilton...has guaranteed that the unfortunate woman shall not be buried in a pauper's grave...". Mary Jane Kelly was one of the "canonical five" victims generally accepted as having been murdered by Jack the Ripper. Nine others are suspected but evidence linking their deaths to Jack the Ripper was inconclusive.
What then follows is a fascinating & detailed account of an eye-witness to a meeting between the victim Mary Jane Kelly and the man presumed to be Jack the Ripper, bits including: "...I met the woman Kelly, whom I knew very well, having been in her company a number of times. She said, 'Mr. Hutchinson, can you lend me a sixpence?' I said I could not...The man who as standing at the corner...then came towards her & put his hand on her shoulder & said something to her..." with much more (see). Near the end the witness testified: "...went down to the Shoreditch mortuary today & recognized the body as being that of the woman Kelly, whom I saw at 2o'clock on Friday morning..." with more. One of the better reports we have seen on Jack the Ripper.
 
Suspicion of being "Jack the Ripper"...
THE TIMES, London, Nov. 15, 1888  Page 12 has at the top a one-quarter column article headed "The Whitechapel Murder" which includes: "During yesterday several persons were detained by the police on suspicion of being concerned in the Dorset Street murder, but they were, after a short detention, allowed to go away...was quietly walking along the road when suddenly some persons called out that he was 'Jack the Ripper'. Within a few seconds some hundreds of people surrounded the constable, who tried to evade them by increasing his pace...A man stared into the face of a woman in the Whitechapel Road, and she at once screamed out that he was 'Jack the Ripper.' The man was immediately surrounded..." with more.
This was during the midst of the Jack the Ripper hysteria in London when accusations ran high at every turn of a crime. 
 
Mention of the phrase "Jack the Ripper"...
THE TIMES, London, England, Nov. 16, 1888 Page 9 has a brief yet interesting item headed: "The Whitechapel Murders" which reads: "The police received another letter from 'Jack the Ripper' yesterday. It began 'Dear Boss' and went on to explain that the writer always addressed his cousin in those terms. He threatened to commit another murder in the locality on Wednesday next, on which occasion he would inflict injuries on his victim identical with those inflicted on the last.". Rare to find a period report which actually uses the phrase: "Jack the Ripper". '
Suspect questioned & released…   Funeral services for a victim…
THE TIMES, London, England, Nov. 19, 1888  Page 6 has a relatively short report, headed: "The Whitechapel Murders" which notes: "...a man who had just arrived from Birmingham & who described himself as a doctor. Upon being questioned the suspect made certain statements as to his whereabouts at the times of the murders which the police are now investigating. The man was subsequently released. The funeral of the murdered woman Kelly will take place to-day, when her remain will be buried in the Roman Catholic Cemetery...".
 
 
Funeral of one of the five "canonical" victims of Jack the Ripper...
THE TIMES, London, England, November 20, 1888  Page 10 has a relative brief article but with a nice heading: "The Whitechapel Murder" which includes: "The funeral of Marie Jeannette Kelly took place yesterday at Leytonstone Cemetery. Several thousand persons had gathered outside Shoreditch Church. Shortly after half-past 12 the coffin was borne from the mortuary...If the public wish to bear any share in the expense they can send their subscriptions to Mr. Wilton at the church. Should there be a surplus a tombstone would be erected." See the photos for the full text.
This is the funeral report of Mary Jane Kelly, the last of the only five "generally accepted canonical victims" of Jack the Ripper. Although there were a number of other alleged Ripper victims, only five had sufficient evident to conclusively link their deaths to Jack the Ripper.
 
Jack the Ripper stalks London... In a London newspaper...
THE TIMES, London, England, November 22, 1888  Page 5 has a nearly half column article headed "Murderous Outrage In Whitechapel" which is a great & detailed report on the attack of a prostitute by the name of Annie Farmer. Portions include: "Considerable excitement was caused throughout the East end yesterday morning by a report that another woman had been brutally murdered & mutilated in a common lodging house in George Street, Spitafields...an attempt had been made to murder a woman of the class to which the other unfortunate creatures belonged, but cutting her throat, & the excitement in the neighbourhood for some time was intense. Whether the woman's assailant is the man wanted for the seven recent murders committed in the district of Whitechapel is, or course, not known, although his description tallies somewhat with that given by one of the witnesses at the last inquest..." with much more.
Annie Farmer was one of the nine "other alleged Ripper victims" beyond the "canonical five" for whom conclusive evidence was found to link their deaths to Jack the Ripper. The other nine were presumed murdered by Jack the Ripper but a sufficient amount of evidence was lacking to make the connection conclusive.
 
Attacked by Jack the Ripper?
THE TIMES, London, England, Nov. 23, 1888  From the period of the Jack the Ripper frenzy, but this issue has just a brief report about a murder not originally thought to have been committed by him: "The Whitechapel Outrage" and which notes: "The man who committed the assault on Annie Farmer on Wednesday morning...has not yet been captured. It is now believed that the wound to Farmer's throat was not made with a sharp instrument...The authorities appear to be satisfied that the man has no connexion with the recent murders..." with more. The case was never conclusively closed on whether this was a Jack the Ripper attack or now (see the hyperlink for more on Annie Farmer). "Casebook" lists her as one of  13 "other alleged Ripper victims" on their website.
 
Was it "Jack The Ripper"?
THE TIMES, London, November 27, 1888 Page 5 has a report headed "Murder At Havant" which includes: "An Atrocious murder was committed last evening at Havant...heard screams coming from the direction in which Searle had gone...found the body of the boy lying against some palins still alive. He had four terrible gashes in his throat. His fact was covered with blood. He died immediately afterwards...the large blade, which was open, was stained with blood from one end to the other. The general opinion was at the outset that this was the work of 'Jack the Ripper', a letter read a few days since & some writings on the shutter in Hanover street, Portsmouth, giving some colour to this supposition..." with a bit more.
Although not the work of Jack the Ripper, the hysteria at the time made him the immediate suspect given the brutality of the murder.
 
Was he really "Jack The Ripper"?
THE TIMES, London, December 12, 1888 Page 11 has a report headed "Inquest" which is a lengthy account of a verbal assault on a young woman, and a physical assault on a man resulting in his death, with the capture of the man presumed responsible for both attacks. Within the text is: "...they thought the men were trying to take the young woman away, and that they ought to be watched. The accused man James then came up and said he was 'Jack the Ripper'. (Laughter in Court.) Witness took no notice of this, but went to the young woman & asked her if she was aware in whose company she was..." with more.
Although this is not a case involving Jack the Ripper, the claim by the accused that he was just fed into the hysteria at the time.
 
Reference to Jack the Ripper...
THE TIMES, London, Dec. 20, 1888  This issue has just passing reference to the Jack the Ripper case. Page 10 has half a column headed: "The Assizes" concerning the murder of an 8 year old boy, with an 11 year old charged, and at one point the report notes: "...evening of the 28th the prisoner came up to a boy flourishing a knife in his hand & said he was 'Jack the Ripper', but meant no harm...".
 
Reference to Jack the Ripper...
THE TIMES, London, Dec. 21, 1888  This issue has just passing reference to the Jack the Ripper case. Page 5 has over half a column headed: "The Havant Murder" which makes some reference to the unsolved murders in London, trying to tie in some possible connection.
 
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Category: Post-Civil War