The Word of a Victorian Gentleman Versus Human Nature

[c.d.]

I have always been interested in the Macnaghten Memorandum in which he states that he is pretty certain that he knows who the Ripper was based on the private information that he received. I'm trying to put myself in the shoes of his superiors who received the memo. Did they simply say "well I wish you could tell us who the Ripper was but you gave your word to keep it confidential. Understood old boy. Think nothing more of it." Would that really trump human nature and the desire to know? I can't believe it made him a lot of friends among his superiors but who knows? Apparently he was able to keep the source of the information and the information itself to himself. Very remarkable.

c.d.

[Supe]

C.D.,

Apparently he was able to keep the source of the information and the information itself to himself.

You (and everyone else) really should read Jonathan Hainsworth's article, "Druitt's Ghost," in the latest issue of Ripperologist magazine. Hr addresses the question you ask and provides some insights into Macnaghten's character.

Don.

[Nemo]

Hi CD

I'm not sure that is what he said...

The McNaughten memoranda mentioned 3 suspects who were more worthy of attention than Thomas Cutbush

It was also stated that "from private information" he was sure the family of MJ Druitt believed him to be the killer.

Hope this helps

[ChrisGeorge]

I have always been interested in the Macnaghten Memorandum in which he states that he is pretty certain that he knows who the Ripper was based on the private information that he received. I'm trying to put myself in the shoes of his superiors who received the memo. Did they simply say "well I wish you could tell us who the Ripper was but you gave your word to keep it confidential. Understood old boy. Think nothing more of it." Would that really trump human nature and the desire to know? I can't believe it made him a lot of friends among his superiors but who knows? Apparently he was able to keep the source of the information and the information itself to himself. Very remarkable.

c.d.

Don't forget that by 1894 the Whitechapel murders were essentially over. So it was becoming more of academic interest than the need to catch a murderer red-handed. Plus if Macnaghten said that one likely suspect was already dead, that might kill the need to know. Case closed and on to more pressing problems.

Chris