Private individual

[Observer]

HeHeHe

Stranger things have happened Micheal, although I think Jack was probaly at home with the frying pan on at this time. Sauted kidney flambe, and chips come to mind.

All the best

Observer

[Jon Guy]

Hi, the following is the statement of James Harvey provided at Catherine Eddowes inquestApologies if it has been discussed before

“James Harvey, City constable, 964: On the night of Saturday, Sept. 29, I was on duty in the neighbourhood of Houndsditch and Aldgate. I was there at the time of the murder, but did not see any one nor hear any cry. When I got into Aldgate, returning towards Duke-street, I heard a whistle and saw the witness Morris with a lamp. I asked him what was the matter, and he told me that a woman had been ripped up in Mitre-square. Together with Constable Hollins I went to Mitre-square, where Watkins was by the side of the body of the deceased. Hollins went for Dr. Sequeira, and a private individual was despatched for other constables, who arrived almost immediately, having heard the whistle. I waited with Watkins, and information was sent to the inspector.”

Notice that Harvey makes a reference to a private individual who was despatched to find other constables. Is he referring to Morris, or was there another unknown individual at the scene?

Hello Observer

The private individual may have referred to one of the city street cleaners, a gang were working near Mitre Street at that time ?

[Monty]

Jon et al,

During our Mitre square work, Jake L came across a news reference that stated Morris was on duty with his son, who helped him out.

We ommitted this as there was no secondary source supporting this but we both suspected this to be true. Though we werent sure if Morris junior was there on the night of Eddowes murder.

Monty

[Monty]

Guys,

Just had a mail off Jake L.

There were 3 reports, or there abouts, mentioning a son. God knows why we didnt inlcude it.

Anyway, here is one of them...

....Echo, 1 October 1888

THE CONSTABLE'S SUGGESTION.

The constable points out that it is decidedly probable that the murderer, hearing his approach, left his ghastly work unfinished, and escaped by either of the narrow courtways above referred to. The murder must have been committed expeditiously and quietly, for the persons living in the house at the back of which the body was found, the policeman and his family, and the watchman (Morris), who was cleaning the warehouse, with the assistance of his son, all agree that no sounds were heard.

Monty

[Observer]

Hi Jon

City street cleaner? A possibility. If Morris's son was helping him at the time as Monty suggests then he would qualify as a potential canditate for the private individual who was sent to summon help.

It's a funny term for Harvey use anyway is it not? Private individual? It's almost as if he was purposely attempting to disguise the persons identity.

all the best

Observer


all the best

[Monty]

Observer,

Im pretty sure if Morris did have his son 'on duty' with him then he would have been reluctant to let this be known, with insurance and what not.

The Street cleaners were reported as being no more than twenty or so yards away. This could put them either in St James place, Mitre Street, King, Street, Duke Street or Aldgate as the crow flies. Seeing as Morris doesnt report anyone in Mitre street as he sort help, nor does he mention anyone in Aldgate as he talks to Harvey and Holland (Hollins in reports mentioned on this thread). Their exact location is unknown however the foreman of these cleaners does state they were ther around that time.

Monty

[Observer]

Thanks for that Monty

Our killer was a lucky man to avoid the gaze of everyone. It would be interesting to know the beats of the policemen he might of encountered on his way to Goulston street. another thread for that of course

all the best

Observer

[Monty]

Observer,

As Harvey was the most easterly of the City PCs, right on the Met/City Boarder as it were, we have to look for Met PC beat Bobbies.

Long was on one of the Mets most westerly beats so I suspect the Met policy was to pull the experienced Bobbies into the Spitalfields/Whitechapel territory. Bascially they felt the killer would venture that far west and into the City.

Just my take on things.

Monty

[Observer]

Hi Monty

I see. I suppose a description of the beats of the Met policemen who patrolled up to Houndsditch, and from there as far as Goulston Street are lost to us now?

all the best

Observer