The name

[charles nevin]

Dear Ripperologists, Some of you might recall that I was the Daily Telegraph journalist who first publicised the Swanson Marginalia. I was, and remain, a general sort of hack rather than a specialist. And, in that lazy hack's way, I wonder if I could crave a favour from you in return for my minor contribution of long ago to your studies. I am presently writing a kind of dictionary of the famous and fascinating people who have been called Jack. And what I want to know is the current state of play regarding how the name came to be given to the Whitechapel murderer. I remember that an earlier hack was presumed responsible. Is there any more known? Any help would be much appreciated. Charles Nevin

[Mike Covell]

Hi Charles,

I would suggest a look through the "Letters Section" which is just to the left of this page, here you will find the letters claiming to be from "Jack the Ripper".

There are also several worthy dissertations on the subject under "Dissertations"

Or have a look through the message boards.

If it is Ripper letters your after I would suggest reading the excellent,
"Jack the Ripper, Letters From Hell", By Stewart P. Evans and Keith Skinner.

Mr. Evans is a member of the forums, and the leading authority on the case.

[Jon Guy]

Hi Charles

Pleased to help.
Please find below part of the famous "Littlechild" letter of 23/9/1913.
The full copy is found under Police documents in the menu to the left :

"With regard to the term 'Jack the Ripper' it was generally believed at the Yard that Tom Bullen of the Central News was the originator, but it is probable Moore, who was his chief, was the inventor. It was a smart piece of journalistic work. No journalist of my time got such privileges from Scotland Yard as Bullen. Mr James Munro when Assistant Commissioner, and afterwards Commissioner, relied on his integrity. Poor Bullen occasionally took too much to drink, and I fail to see how he could help it knocking about so many hours and seeking favours from so many people to procure copy. One night when Bullen had taken a 'few too many' he got early information of the death of Prince Bismarck and instead of going to the office to report it sent a laconic telegram 'Bloody Bismarck is dead'. On this I believe Mr Charles Moore fired him out. "