Kansas Physician Confirms Howard Report

[brentano]

I forgot to mention yesterday that if readers of this thread are finding difficulty following connections between the different topics brought up, they may be interested in reading these two books:

1) Secret Agent 666: Aleister Crowley, British Intelligence and the Occult by Richard B. Spence

2) Prostitution and Prejudice: The Jewish Fight Against White Slavery 1870-1939 by Edward J. Bristow

The first details how revolutionary political causes, like Irish Nationalism and the Bolshevik Revolution were exploited by British Intelligence. Also, Occultism was used to this end. Much of Crowley's "Magick" centered around controlling people by *psychologically* obliterating their identity. Crowley basically used same psych control methods that pimps use to control the whores who believe the pimp 'loves' them.

The second details international organized crime and its connection to state-sponsored terrorism, various intelligence communities, various militaries. Prostitution rackets were great informant networks; almost always state-sponsored (e.g. police cooperation, military funding, intelligence community patronage).

Prostitution is the common denominator that links the two books. Very lucrative. To have state funding though, organizers would need to guarantee girls clean-- the most organized international prostitution rings were run by medical doctors. (Ding, ding!) There was a lot of violence in this community. Lot of police protection. Lot of bodies, particularly young female ones. Lot of psychopaths.

[TradeName]

Brentano, I have read Secret Agent 666.

This thread is fairly discursive. An under-developed underlying theme may be something like the underside of the history of ideas.

An excerpt from an article discussing the people that used to hang out at John Anderson's tobacco shop.

The Daily Gazette (Wilmington, DE), November 29, 1881, Page 3, Column 3

A Fortune from Finecut
Career of John Anderson, the Veteran Tobacconist

[...]

Thirty or more years ago he kept a
little tobacco shop in Wall street, close
to Broadway. It was so small that three
men could not move freely before the
counter, yet it was haunted by the
conspicuous men about town. Gen. Winfield
Scott, Col. Monroe, son of the
President; Mr. Williams, the translator
of Eugene Sue's works, Park Benjamin,
of whom Mr. Anderson used to say that
"he was the editor of more papers than
there were streets in that ward," C.
Edwards Lester, who wrote, "The
Glory and Shame of England," and
many of tbe fops, the merchant princes,
and the politicians of the metropolis
were among the frequent visitors there.
Snuff taking was universal then, and
many of the young men felt privileged
to go behind the counter and mix the
snuff to suit themselves.


[...]


----end

According to this, Anderson gave Thomas Williams, a literary/bohemian type, $500 for coming up with a trademark for one of his tobacco products.

The True Northerner (Paw Paw, MI), March 10, 1882, Page 6, Column 4

"Solace"

(New York Mercury)

John Anderson, the great tobacconist,
millionaire and philanthropist, died
recently; and that reminds me that some
years since and not so very long ago, but
many livin' men remember it, John
Anderson, Ben Wood and Fernando
Wood sat on the same bench together
makin' cigars. Anderson used to keep a
cigar store on Broadway, opposite Pearl
Street, near a big hospital with green
shutters, that has long since moved up
town. But it was in a little store near
Ann street that he laid the beginnin' of
his success.

Anderson's big hit was made by his
"Solace tobacco," and this tobacco
owes most of its luck to a name;
and this name had its origin in the
brain of an old New York Bohemian
called William--Thomas Williams--who
was a very curious character, and had
led an eccentric existence. He was a
big fat fellow, very dignified, and carried
a heavy gold headed cane. He was an
Englishman, belonged to a "good
family," and at one time had handled a
good deal of money.

But he had two hobbies, both expensive
ones--the stage and the lottery.
He was all the time followin' actresses
about, and buyin' ticket in all sorts of
"schemes." He followed Mrs. Siddons
all over England, with some friends in a
four-in-hand coach, always takin' a
private box at all the lady's performances.

These two hobbies soon brought him
to grief, and he came to this country to
make a livin' with the only things he
had left--his education and his brain.
He got some translatin' to do, and he
worked awhile on a paper that was
popular in its day, called Winchester's New
World.

One day he dropped in at Anderson's
shop and saw Anderson there. The two
got talkin', and Anderson said he had
been tryin' for some time to think of a
nice name for some tobacco he had
wanted to introduce. "Can't you think
out a name for me?" he said to Williams.
Williams tried the tobacco Anderson
spoke of, liked it very much, and said
he would take some of it to his rooms to
serve him as a "solace in his lonely
hours."

"By the by, Anderson," he said, "I
believe I have hit the very name you
want--'Solace.' That's it. Call your
tobacco the 'Solace' tobacco."

Anderson did so, and either the name
or the tobacco made a tremendous hit.

About eighteen months afterwards
Anderson met Williams on the street
and asked him to call at his store the
next day. Williams, wonderin' what
was up, did so, and, to his great surprise
and no little gratification, Anderson
handed him a check for $500.

"What's this for?" asked Williams.

"Why, its for one word," answered
Anderson.

"Five hundred dollars for a word!"
says Williams. "That's mighty good
pay."

"Pshaw!" replied Anderson; "I have
made over five thousand by it."

And then he explained to Williams
that this money was in return for the
lucky idea that Williams had given him
that day on the word "Solace."

----end

A link to a translation that Thomas Williams did for the New World.

New World, Volume 5, August 20, 1842, Page 120-121

Incidents of Travel
Mount Vesuvius, Herculaneum and Pompei in 42

Translated, for The New World, from the French by
Thomas Williams Esq.



An article about the 1838 disappearance of Mary Rogers, with some editorializing about women working in shops.

The Native American (Washington, DC), November 03, 1838, Page 1, Column 5

The Pretty Segar Girl

The well known
Pretty Segar Girl who attended Anderson's
store, next door to the Hospital, has eloped
under very distressing circumstances. Her name is
Mary Cecilia Rogers, and her mother resides in
Pitt street. She wrote a letter to her, in which
she expressed her determination to commit
suicide from a love affair, as 'tis supposed. Great
anxiety is manifested to procure some intelligence
of her, although it may turn out that she has gone
off with some person.

Generally speaking, we approve of females
attending various stores; we think every avenue
should be open to them whereby they can honorably
earn a living and become independent; there
are also several light trades in which they may be
occupied, and in many instances ladies would
rather be waited upon by females than by males,
but we do object to setting them up to public gaze,
and making them the peculiar feature of attraction,
particularly in a Segar Store in the most frequented
part of Broadway. All the young men in town
who smoke, were tempted to purchase their
shilling's worth of segars at this store, and those who
were not in the habit were led to commence the
practise in order to see and talk with that pretty
girl. The temptation was mutual, the men
purchased the segars which her taper fingers culled
from the box--she handed the slip of paper to be
lit from the lamp on the counter to ignite the
segar--all this took time, and enabled each to say
something complimentary to her; they gazed on
her beautiful and expressive face, and she in turn
drank whole draughts of flattery--the result is
either an elopement with some individual, or in
a romantic fit from disappointed or betrayed love,
she has made way with herself.

The principle and practise, as carried out in
this instance, are altogether wrong.

Hamlet. If you be honest and fair, you should
admit no discourse to your beauty!

Ophelia. Could beauty, my lord, have better
commerce than with honesty?

Hamlet. Aye, truly; for the power of beauty
will sooner transform honesty from what it is, to
a bawd, than the force of honesty can translate
beauty into his likeness.''--N. Y. Star.

----end

[TradeName]

A footnote in the Mabbott introduction to Marie Roget:

John Anderson is listed in the New York Business Directory, 1840-1841, as “Importer of Havana & Principe Segars in all their varieties, 321 Broadway, sign of the Indian Chief.” On September 13, 1840, the New York Sunday Morning Atlas carried a woodcut of a dark-haired beauty proffering a cigar as “The Cigar Girl,” No. 22 in an illustrated series, “Portraits of the People.” The picture was accompanied by an essay on the recently adopted English practice of hiring pretty girls as clerks in cigar stores for the purpose of attracting the “men about town.” Following the essay was a “brief history” emphasizing the dangers of such employment, although in the narrative the virtue of the fictional heroine triumphs and is rewarded. The Atlas picture was used again in that paper for August 6, 1841 as a portrait of Mary Rogers (see Walsh, Poe the Detective, p. 59).

----end

A 1995 book reproduced the woodcut mentioned above. (Not sure if the link will work for everyone.)

The Mysterious Death of Mary Rogers: Sex and Culture in Nineteenth-Century New York (New York: Oxford University Press, 1995), Page 135
By Amy Gilman Srebnick


I found a copy of the article mentioned, but unfortunately some of the text is not clear because of crinkles in the newspaper.


Richmond Palladium (Indiana), November 07, 1840, Page 1, Column 1

The Cigar Girl

From the Sunday Morning Atlas [New York]

It is but a few years since cigar stores sprung
up among us. Before they were opened in this
city, cigars were retailed almost exclusively at
hotels, groggeries, and groceries. Some calculating
Yankee who had travelled, or scheming
Englishman who thought he might make money by
adopting a custom of his country, doubtless was
the first to open a store in Gotham for the exclusive
sale of cigars. In a place that may almost
be called a city of smokers, the cigar store is a
great convenience, for there are many gentlemen
who inhale the weed who would not like to enter
a public house for a supply, which they must
previously have done, had they not supplied themselves
with a box at a time.

One custom brings on another very rapidly.

When the fox got his head into the house it was
not long before his tail came following after.--
The cigar stores, which depended exclusively upon
the excellency of their commodity to insure
custom, the more effectually to bring grist to the
mill.

In London there are a great many individuals
called "men about town." These are formed of
bucks, bloods, sporting characters and exquisites.
There all are, or effect to be, great admirers of
pretty women. Wherever a pretty woman is,
there they must be. It is thought that Madame
Vestris made her Olympic theatre so long a
profitable concern, not so much by her own exquisite
singing and dancing, nor by the inimitable
performances of Liston--natures droll--as by the
quantity of sweetly pretty women who she always had
upon the stage. Many of the cigar store keepers
in London were determined to try the experiment--
they did so, and succeeded. The "young
men about town" crowded the stores where pretty
girls presided, and expended their money
plentifully for the benefit of the proprietor. Now the
fact is, there are many "young men about town"
in this city--exquisite fellows in their own opinion,
whose lives are spent in the sublime art of
dressing and cultivating whiskers--those who
have any--and imperials and mustaches--in
discovering the most delicate scents to perfume
their bodies with--these beings are monomaniacs
--but very harmless ones. They go in extacies [sic]
at the performance of a pleasing dancer, and have
been known in their raptures to strike their
white kid gloves together with a force that would
produce a sound audible to any person who sat
next to them and who was blessed with good
ears, and furnished with a good ear trumpet.--
They have also been known to throw a delicate
wreath or a small boquet [sic] upon the stage when
[???????] dancer has been pirouetting before
them--but then they have always been in the
stage box upon such occasion, and to deposite [sic]
their favors on the stage has not required more
strength than would force them some two or
three feet. These "men about town" have two
articles of faith. First, they are the only
connoisseurs of beauty; and secondly, that they
are irresistably captivating. These animals are
well to do in the world, they are flush of money;
and it is to catch them & others not quite so weak
and insane as they are, that the Cigar Girl is
placed behind the counter. She is the magnet
of attraction, and the cigars go off as that very
erudite and philosophic Sam Veller would say,
"in consequence of the maneuver."

(To the following brief history we give neither
date nor location.)

In a back room, barely furnished with a bed,
a small deal table and two wooden chairs, sat
two females. The eldest looked exceedingly
sorrowful, the youngest wore a bonnet half pushed
from her head, as she sat with her face buried in
her hands, which were supported upon the table.
The long ringlets that escaped from her bonnet
and served entirely to conceal her feature, were
of raven blackness and silkiness. As she lifted up
her head, her face, which was of great beauty,
was set with tears. It was a sad thing to see so
much misery between these two lovely
beings.

"I can get no more work, mother," said the
youngest. "Mr. Brown says that the times are
so hard he has been compelled to discharge forty
hands, and that there is no prospect of doing
any thing for a long time."

"The Lord have mercy upon us!" exclaimed the
old woman.

"There is one chance left for us--one that I
dread to think of--but which is better than to see
you starve."

"What is that? what is that?" enquired the mother
with some quickness, and a heightened color.

"Mr. James has opened a cigar store, and he
wants a young lady to attend it--one who is--
is--good--a--"

"I understand you my child--good looking you
would say, and few would stand a chance with
you on that score. But no dear--we must not--
I, your mother, dare not think of it. You would
be exposed to the rude gaze of every creature, who
in laying out his beggarly trifle, expecting that
the exhibition of a pretty girl was included in
his charge, and that he had paid for the privilege
of staring you out of countenance. You
might be exposed to impertinence, or even insult.
No, no, my child, we must think of it. Go out
again Ellen among other clothing stores, something
surely will be obtained. We will economise,
and if we get but little, remember that
'God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb.'"

Ellen's eyes were dry on the instant, and lighted
up with hope She kissed her mother and
departed. The old lady fancying that any sacrifice
while her daughter was with her, was preferable
to parting with her soul's treasue. It
would have taxed a nice calculator however, how
two beings who scarcely could be said to have
partaken of a meal a day, would have economized
unless it was living without nutriment altogether,
and to this straight they seemed likely to
be reduced. Ellen returned. Her mission was
vain. No employment was to be had. For several
days the mother and the child rather existed
than lived. At length the subject of a cigar
store was brought up.

"Mother, we cannot starve. I must accept
Mr. James' offer-- at least till something else
turnes up. You do not fear that I have strength
to maintain myself with respect, and honor to
you."

"No my dear Ellen. I have no fear on that
score. Your heart is pure--your principles are
sound. It is not by such creatures as could
address you in such a situation that a virtuous mind
could loose it glory and clothe itself with shame.
My only fear was the pain of exposing you to
the gaze of the many that will be attracted by
your beauty, and remarks you will be forced to
listen to."

"I shall not heed them, dear mother--no more
than the many profane remarks that I hear occasionally
in passing through the streets. I will
pray for their reformation."

"I believe, Ellen, I am wrong. It is our
province to fulfil [sic] our duty in whatever situation
Providence may please. Go, Ellen, go. He who
watches even a sparrow's fall will not desert a
trusting heart that confides in him."

The extraordinary beauty of Ellen drew many
customers to Mr. James' store, and so well was he
pleased with her attraction that he raised her salary.
Ellen's situation was at first very irksome,
and she concealed from her mother--anxious to
know every thing that occurred--some of those
little annoyances which she felt might pain her
parent or render her unhappy. She felt that she
was bound to do her duty unflinchingly in the
situation in which Providence had placed her, and
she proved that there is no situation in life, in
itself honest that may not be maintained with
respect and honor.

Over the crowd that assembled daily to see her
beauty, she exercised a perfect control. Civil
and affable to all, was that in her look and bearing
which awed rudeness and even its conception.
It is said that before the firm and steadfast look
of man the lion quails, and that the maniac in its
wildest passion cowers and trembles--such spell
has virtue over vice--such spell had Ellen Somers
over the majority of those who visited the store.

Among the frequenters of the place were three
persons known in common parlance as gentlemen.
One was a thin young gentleman with a foreign
air, one who would unquestionably be taken by
any person unacquainted with him for one of
those Count Feignwells who have made so
much capital out of our fashionable citizens.
Another was a tall, stout, rosy cheeked, good
looking gentleman--the third had nothing to
distinguish him beyond a quiet propriety of dress, and
a gentlemanly figure and deportment.

The three gentlemen declared Ellen to be
devilish pretty, and the two first resolved to call her
their own. They even [?????????] to bet
on who should be the happy man to make the divine
creature his god[d]ess of pleasure. The third,
Henry Wilkinson, said nothing upon this subject,
and would by no means enter upon the bet
engaged in by the others. He watched the result
however, with much interest.

This was the crisis of the Cigar Girl's life.
All the arts that professed libertines use; were
to be put in force to gain their end. Each
anticipated a speedy victory--each was disappointed.
They commenced by being very liberal, much to
the good of the store, it advanced them nothing
--they endeavored to force upon her costly
presents, it was vain. One, upon an occasion, proposed
to her to take a ride in his barouche--they
never made a similar offer.--They retired from
the siege awed, abashed, and crest fallen. They
had never even an opportunity of pouring sophistry
or their slang into the maidens unpolluted ears
--and they finally hated her, while they respected
her, for they felt she was a superior being to
themselves. In this discomfiture of retiring like
used up hound their only conclusion was, they
were both in the same contemptible situation, and
that one could not triumph over the other.

It was at this period that Henry Wilkinson
became a frequent visitor. His advances were made
gradually. He entered into conversation with her,
and was surprised to find that her mind was as
in beauty, as her countenance. He saw the
position that she held and the manner in which she
held it. He admired her, and he caused by his
pleasing manner, a reciprocity of feeling.

Ellen's mother had always been in the habit of
calling at night for her daughter, and of
accompanying her home. She was, however, confined
to her bed for a time with illness. During this
period, Henry Wilkinson saw her home, and in
their walks the affection that had sprung up
between the young people grew into the warmest
feeling and each mutually confessed the passion.

It was on the evening of a dull day, in which a
drizzling rain had been most uncomfortably incessant,
that Henry appeared, according to custom,
to see Ellen home. He brought with him a
remarkable old looking umbrella, at which Ellen
laughed heartily. They had not been out long
before it was found to be totally inefficient.
Henry, professed to be deeply chagrined at this,
insisted upon ordering a barouche, which Ellen
resisted. Her lover, however, overcame her scruples
and they entered the carriage. Henry was
in the highest spirits, and so entertatning that
Ellen was totally abstracted in his remarks for some
time. At length she was recalled to passing events.

"What a time we have been," she said--"Why
you have told a story that must have occupied
half an hour at least, and--good heavens! we are
out of the city! stop the man, Henry, he does not
know where he is driving us."

"Yes he does. It is all right."

"O my poor mother!"

"She shall be well provided for."

"Cease, sir, to shock me by any illusions to
baseness. Oh, Henry, turn back, for the love of
heaven! and I will forgive you, and pray heaven
to forgive you too, Oh Henry, I would not think
you capable of this."

Here the poor girl shed tears like rain. Henry
was affected and it was some moments before he
spoke. At length he said.

"This is vain--I have gone too far to recede.--
It is useless for you to oppose my wishes. What
can you do?"

"I can die."

The whole of that night was passed by Mrs. Somers
in the greatest anxiety. Her only hope was,
that in consequence of the uncomfortable state
of the weather, Ellen had been induced to stay
with Mr. James family. Early in the morning
the mother hurried to the store and there learned
from Mr. James himself, that Ellen had gone the
night previously at the usual hour with a gentleman,
a friend of hers, who had been in the habit
of seeing her home nightly.

"It is my fault--it is my fault!" exclaimed the
distracted woman. "I should have known better
--I have sold her for filthy [lucre]. What says the
Bible? 'Lord, deliver us from temptation,' and
I, her mother, who taught her to breathe that very
prayer--I have placed her in temptation's way
myself. Oh! she is lost, so lost!"

More dead than alive [?????] mother tottered
home. On entering her apartment, there
stood before her, her daughter [and] Henry.

"O Ellen, Ellen Somers!" she exclaimed.

"Not Ellen Somers, but Ellen Wilkinson," exclaimed
Henry.

"Is it so, my child? speak!"

"It is, dearest mother," and the child and parent
were buried in each other's embraces.

It was even so. Henry had been struck with
Ellen's manners at first. [????] the libertines
won his admiration. The graces of her
mind, more than her person, [????] his love and
respect. He deemed the last [??} trial to which
he put her, necessary, and [????] that she
passed unsullied through the final ordeal.

After the scene narrated in the carriage, the
vehicle stopped at his country [residence], and there
in the presence of his family Ellen and Henry
were married.

That in every station in life the most humble,
as well as most lofty and [virtuous] mind may
support itself with respect [and] honor, may be
learned from the history of [the] Cigar Girl.--
At the same time, that [expressive] portion of
the Lord's prayer should be [???] present to us.
"Lead us not into temptation."

----end

I don't know how this story played in 1840, but it seems pretty messed up to me.

[TradeName]

A brief history of the New York Atlas, which published the 1840 story about a "beautiful cigar girl."

Journalism in the United States, from 1690-1872 (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1873), Pages 338-339
By Frederic Hudson

In 1838, two printers, Anson Herrick, of the Express, and Jesse A. Fell, of the Daily Whig, started the Sunday Morning Atlas. They had no money. They were not supplied with an overplus of industry. But a paper issued once a week they thought they could manage without injury to their health. The News was selling at sixpence a copy. These two disciples of Faust calculated that if they could publish a paper at three cents they would obtain a large circulation, and make the concern a success with advertisements. The editorials were supplied gratuitously for a week or two by Samuel J. Burr (one of the editors of the Daily Whig),Worthington G. Snethen (formerly of John Gibson's True American, of New Orleans), and Frederick West, who issued the first penny paper in Philadelphia called the Transcript, afterwards merged with the Public Ledger. On the issue of the third number, West, with a limited credit of $50 per week obtained of Dudley Persse, of the firm of Campbell and Persse, for paper, became editor and a partner in the Atlas. West was a happy man. He was a clever little Englishman, ready to assist any one with poetry or pennies. Shortly after, Fell fell out of the concern, and John F. Ropes was roped in, and then the firm was Herrick, West, and Ropes. Herrick and Ropes became politicians, and published a daily paper for a short time, to the depletion of their bank account. Then the former was elected an alderman of the metropolis, and the latter held a sinecure in the Custom-house. Herrick was afterwards elected to Congress, and, for obvious reasons, was called a deacon. He died a few years since. The Atlas, we believe, is now published by his son.

----end

P. T. Barnum writes about his association with the Atlas.

Life of P. T. Barnum (London: Sampson, Low, 1855) Pages 356-358
by Phineas Taylor Barnum


This is not exactly the place to introduce a newspaper, but the incidental mention of Mr. [Frederick] West suggests the "Sunday Atlas," which was always a favorite of mine. I knew its proprietors, West, Herrick and Ropes, when they commenced its publication. They were my early friends, and rendered me many favors, which I cheerfully reciprocated whenever opportunity offered. My European correspondence, before alluded to, was written for this paper.

The incident I am about to relate requires me to mention, that the proprietors of the Atlas had published my portrait with a brief sketch of my life, interspersed with numerous anecdotes.

At the time Adams was murdered by Colt, the excitement in New-York was intense; and when the body of the victim was discovered, cut up, packed in a box, and shipped for New-Orleans, a pamphlet was issued purporting to give a correct portrait of the murdered Adams. Like thousands of others, I desired to know how the poor man looked, and greedily purchased a pamphlet. I found that the stereotype of my portrait had been purchased from the Atlas, and was published as the portrait of Adams! I fancied then, as well as many times before and since, that "humbug" did not belong exclusively to the "show " business.

In about 1843, the editors of the Atlas were much annoyed by a series of libel suits. The first case required bonds of $5000. I gave them. A second suit from the same party was immediately instituted, and I again gave the same amount of bonds. A third suit followed, and I again offered myself as their bail. The lawyer of the plaintiff, having hoped by bringing so many suits to give the defendants trouble in obtaining bonds, was much annoyed at my continually offering myself as their bail.

On my third appearance before the judge for that purpose, the lawyer being much vexed became impertinent, "Mr. Barnum," said he, "you have already given bail to the amount of $10,000, and now you offer yourself for $5000 more. Are you worth $15,000, sir?"

"I am, sir," I replied.

"Of what does your property consist, sir?" he asked peremptorily.

"Do you desire a list of it?" I inquired.

"I do, sir, and I insist upon your giving it before you are accepted as further security," he replied firmly.

"With pleasure, sir. Have the kindness to mark it down as I call it off."

"I will, sir," he answered, taking a sheet of paper and dipping his pen in the ink for that purpose.

"One preserved elephant, $1000," said I.

He looked a little surprised, but marked it down.

"One stuffed monkey skin, and two gander skins, good as new— $15 for the lot."

"What does this mean? What are you doing, sir?" said he, starting to his feet in indignation.

"I am giving you an inventory of my Museum. It contains only five hundred thousand different articles," I replied with due gravity.

"I appeal to the court for protection from insult," exclaimed the lawyer, his voice trembling with anger, and the blood rushing to his face as he spoke.

Judge Ulshoeffer decided that I was doing just what the lawyer had required, and that if he was unwilling to take an affidavit as to my responsibility, I must go on with the "catalogue" of the Museum. The lawyer mutteringly decided to accept the affidavit and bail without going further into the "bill of particulars."

----end

The Knickerbocker notes that Frederick West, editor of the Atlas, had a poem published in a magazine edited by Edgar Allan Poe.


The Knickerbocker; Or, New-York Monthly Magazine, Volume 15, April 1840, Page 359

‘The GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, PHILADELPHIA.--Among the papers we have found leisure to peruse in this periodical for March, the only number we have seen for many months, we find two cantos of an elaborate historical poem, entitled ‘Columbus,’ from the pen of our correspondent “QUINCE,' in other words, FREDERICK WEST, Esq., editor of that lively and entertaining journal, the ‘Sunday Morning Atlas.' The writer displays an intimate knowledge of his subject, and brings a subdued imagination happily in aid of history. The progress of the autobiography is natural, the rhythm easy and flowing, and the images felicitous, yet not profuse. The whole poem, unless it should greatly deteriorate in its closing portions, will reflect much credit upon the author. We observe, also, in the same number, a continuation of the ‘Journal of Julius Rodman, being a minute account of the first passage across the Rocky Mountains ever achieved by civilized man.' We think we discover the clever hand of the resident editor of the ‘Gentleman's Magazine,' Mr. E. A. Poe, in these records; the more, perhaps, that the fabulous narrative of ‘Mr. ARTHUR GORDON PYM,’ of Nantucket, has shown us how deftly he can manage this species of Crusoe matériel. The number is accompanied by a view of the pretty little white house in the Highlands, owned, or occupied for two or three summers, by our worthy poetical and military contemporary of the ‘New-York Mirror,” but for some time past the property of Mr. Tompkins, of Staten Island, the original owner. A few good-sized trees, and a little easier access, would add to its attractions as a summer residence, though it would still scarcely be “the gem of the Hudson," as it is termed in the description, which was evidently penned "a long time ago.” It should be remembered that there are several “gems" of country-houses on our glorious river-—if not more . This "gem," however, says the description, acquires additional value, from being the spot where, under the inspiration of the scene, several of our amiable poet's cleverest lyrical effusions have been "ripened for the world."

----end

West's poem about chastity, children, death and the torments of conscience.

The Knickerbocker; Or, New-York Monthly Magazine, Volume 15, January, 1840, Page 71

Cabinet Pictures
by Quince [Frederick West]

CHASTITY

THE purely chaste, are those who're chaste in thought;
An angel’s purity within them lives:
Their unstained souls with Heaven's own fire are fraught,
Which its great glory to their being gives.
The unsunned snow upon the eternal hills,
The crystal ice, in regions where no ray
Of warmth the frozen air one moment fills,
To thaw its everlasting front away,
May not example peerless CHASTITY:
For they, removed from their peculiar sphere,
Lost in a moment to themselves would be;
But the chaste soul Temptation's self may dare,
And win itself from man a glorious crown,
On which the gods approvingly look down.

CHILDREN

MIRTH, pleasure, innocence, delight and joy,
Encompass children of a tender age;
Grief, sorrow, agony — sin's dark alloy,
Stamp no impression on that sunny page:
The untainted spring of life's mysterious river
Here owns its clear, its crystal fountain-head;
Pure as it flowed from the all-pure All-Giver,
Its light unclouded radiantly is shed.
We gaze on children sporting in their glee,
And pause to watch them as they gaily move,
And wonder what the infant charm can be,
That binds them to us in the bonds of love:
Ah! know we not that it is heaven we see?
That heaven itself exists in purity?

CHURCH-YARD

I wander in the city of the dead,
Midst streets of corses, mouldering to decay!
Where is the pride of riches? — it is fled!
Where pomp and circumstance – all passed away!
The loved and lovely lie together sleeping,
The high and lowly in one dust are laid;
A solitary mourner here is weeping
O'er the last tenant Nature's debt has paid;
Soon Time, Grief's great assuager, will dry up
The flowing tears, leaving the dead unwept.
Drink, then, proud mortal from the better cup
Of wholesome truth. Wake up!—too long thou'st slept.
High as thou art, lowly in death thou’lt lie;
The CHURCH-YARD calls to thee, ‘Prepare to die!'

CONSCIENCE

PAINT hell in horrors: picture liquid fire,
In which the quivering spirit ever lives
Where the fallen angels, now fell demon's, ire,
The eternal lash to the racked sufferer gives.
Crown him with scorpions, let each piercing fang
Stab him continuous, and let heaven's bright bliss
Live in his sight, to add a keener pang
To his dread suffering — picture thou all this!
'T is not more dreadful than the awful voice
Of CONSCIENCE torturing the sinful soul,
"Till madness is a blessing. Oh, rejoice,
Thou whose pure life gives Conscience no control.
In good men's hearts Conscience as love doth dwell;
It is the evil-doer's burning hell!

----end

Links to poems by West (or "Quince") appearing in the Gentleman's Magazine.

Burtons' Gentleman's Magazine and American Monthly Review, Volume 6, March, 1840, Pages 127-138

Columbus.
A Historical Poem

Canto First and Canto Second

By Frederick West, Esq., New York


April, 1840, Pages 172-178

Canto Third


May, 1840, Pages 216-223

Canto Fourth


Volume 7, September, 1840, Pages 121-124

Morning
by Frederick West


November, 1840, Page 233

Cabinet Pictures
by Quince

[TradeName]

I noticed in an ad for John Anderson's tobacco an endorsement by a chemist, James R. Chilton. Chilton was also involved in the introduction of the daguerreotype to the United States, and one of his sons may have taken a picture of Edgar Allan Poe.

A brief notice of Chilton's death.

Chicago Daily Tribune, July 30, 1863, Page 2, Column 8

Dr. James R. Chilton, the well known
chemist and physician of New York, died on
last Friday evening [24th], at Yonkers, in the fifty-
fourth year of his age. He had been in an
extremely delicate state of health for some time
preceding his death, and had gone to Yonkers
for the purpose of gaining strength and vigor
wasted in the pursuit of his exhausting
profession. Dr. Chilton was one of the most
distinguished chemists of New York, and
figured very prominently in many of the
causes celebres which have come before the
courts. The last case in which he participated
was that of the Rev. Rev. Mr. Harden,
tried in Belvidere, N. J., for the murder of
his wife. He was a graduate of the College
of Physicians and Surgeons of New York.

----end

The Anderson advertisement.

New York Daily Tribune, March 16, 1844, Page 4, Column 6

AD: Tobacco and Snuffs--John Anderson & Co.

[...]

I have analyzed a sample of Mr. John Anderson's "Fine
Cut Honey Dew Tobacco," and find it to be pure Tobacco,
without any mixture of those substances with which much of
the ordinary Chewing Tobacco is contaminated.

JAMES R. CHILTON, M. D., Chemist, &c.
New-York, April 9th, 1842.

----end

Another product endorsed by Chilton.

The New York Herald, September 26, 1848, Page 3, Column 4

AD: ANTIPUTRID.--A NEW DISINFECTING AGENT

Discovered by Dr. Lewis Feuchtwanger.--This preparation
claims no relationship to any other now in use. The following
certificates are but few from ever 100 others, equally flattering,
viz:--I have tried the Disinfecting Liquid, prepared by Dr. Lewis
Feuchtwanger, and finding that it removes the unpleasant odor
occasioned by sulphuretted hydrogen, and other deleterious gasses,
which arise from utensils of the sick room, from privies, &c.
JAMES R. CHILTON, M. D, &c.
New York, Anguet 31, 1848.

[...]

----end

Chilton endorsed something called "Elixir of Opium."

The American Journal of Science and Arts, Volume 44, 1843, Pages xii-xiv

AD: Dr. McMunn's Elixir of Opium

This is a new chemical preparation, containing all the valuable medicinal qualities of Opium, in a natural state of combination, to the exclusion of its noxious principles.

Full proportions of the greatest number of the noxious principles of Opium are contained in Laudanum, Paregoric, Black-drop, Denarcotized Laudanum, Extract of Opium, and such other opiate preparations of this class hitherto made, and to which are justly attributed those disagreeable effects upon the stomach and nervous system, which so frequently follow their operation and limit their usefulness.

This Elixir may be adopted in all those cases in which either Opium or its preparations are administered, with the certainty of obtaining all their sedative, anodyne, and antispasmodic effects, without any of those disagreeable consequences of headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, tremors, and a train of other unhappy symptoms, which are often as distressing as those which it was applied to remove.

The Elixir of Opium is not only superior to the artificial compounds of Morphine, in its being more mild, permanent, and uniform in its effects, but the preparation possesses also a superior advantage to their solutions, in not being liable to decomposition or deterioration from variable temperature or long keeping-—a serious objection to which the latter are exposed.

Finally, Morphine, not being the full representative of Opium, cannot alone, and that in artificial combination, too, produce all the characteristic effects of so triumphant a remedy, when so many of its other valuable principles, as Codein, Narcein, and Meconic Acid, are excluded.

Those who take Opium and its ordinary preparations, cannot be gnorant of the fact that its distressing and pernicious effects result from the operation of its deleterious principles, and that the tremors, languor, and lassitude with which its devotees are afflicted, and for which they repeat the dose to relieve, are sensations of its own creation. But in consequence of the exclusion of those deleterious principles from the Elixir of Opium, it is not liable to derange the functions of the system, nor injure the constitution and general health; hence its high superiority in all those cases in which the long continued and liberal use of opiates are indicated and necessary to allay pain and spasmodic action, and induce sleep and composure, as in cases of fractures, burns or scalds, cancerous ulcers, and other painful affections.

And to those persons who, from necessity or other causes, have been accustomed to the use of Opium, this preparation will afford a gratifying substitute, as it operates effectually, as an anodyne, relieving pain and spasmodic action, which is the grand desideratum in its use.

TESTIMONIALS.

From Dr. Chilton, the eminent Chemist of New York, in proof of the accomplishment of this discovery.

Dr. John B. McMunn having made known to me the process by which he prepares his Elixir of Opium, and wishing me to state my opinion concerning it, I therefore say, that the process is in accordance with well known chemical laws, and that the preparation must contain all the valuable principles of Opium, without thote which are considered as deleterious and useless.

J. R. CHILTON, M. D., Operative Chemist, &c.

New York, December 29, 1836.

[...]

----end

From the same journal, an ad for Chilton's store, which sold various "philosophical instruments."

Pages xviii-xix

AD: J. R. Chilton, Practical Chemist, &c.,

No. 263 Broadway, New York,

Keeps constantly for sale at his establishment, a general assortment of Philosophical and Chemical Apparatus, Chemical Preparations, and every thing necessary for the study of Chemistry and other branches of Natural Philosophy—-among which are the following:

Pixii's French Air-pumps, With Glass Barrels; other airpumps with brass barrels, single and double, of various sizes, together with the various apparatus used with them.

Large and small Plate Electrical Machines, Cylinder Electrical Machines, and a variety of Electrical Apparatus.

Electro-magnets, mounted on frames, of various sizes, capable of supporting from 20 to 3000 lbs.

Page's Compound Magnet and Electrotome, for producing brilliant sparks and powerful shocks. The same instrument, with a contrivance attached by which the intensity of the shocks can be modified at pleasure, which renders it one of the most convenient instruments for the application of electricity as a remedial agent in the cure of disease, and for physiological experiments.

Small working models of Electro-magnetic Machines, of different kinds, and a great variety of Electro-magnetic Instruments for the purpose of illustrating the theory of Electro-magnetism.

Galvanic Batteries on Prof. Faraday's plan, and others, for deflagration, &c. Calorimotors of different sizes.

Gas-holders—-Compound Blowpipes—-Portable Pneumatic Troughs-—Mercurial Troughs—White and Green Glass Retorts and Receivers, Flasks, Tubes, and Evaporating Dishes-—Porcelain Retorts, Tubes, and Evaporating Dishes, Funnels, Mortars, &c.—-Iron Retorts, of different sizes—-Bell Glasses, plain and stoppered, Graduated Bell Glasses, Tubes, &c.-—Woulf's Apparatus, Glass Alembics, Stoppered Funnels, Precipitating Jars.

Nooth's Apparatus for impregnating water with carbonic acid.

Apparatus for solidifying carbonic acid.

Glass Condensing Syringes or Fire Pumps-—Magic Lanterns, with Astronomical and other Slides-—Agate and Steel Mortars.

Porcelain, Wedgwood, Hessian, and Black Lead Crucibles—-Muffles and Cuppels.

Berzelius's Spirit Lamps, with Stands and Rings, Glass Spirit Lamps—-Models of Crystals in wood, in boxes containing one hundred different forms-—Daguerreotype Apparatus complete.

An assortment of Platina vessels, such as Crucibles, Capsules, Spoons, Forceps, &.c.—-Platina Wire, Foil, &c.—Sets of Blowpipe Apparatus neatly fitted up.

A large collection of Minerals, for sale by the single specimen or in sets.

->Particular attention paid to the analysis of ores, minerals, mineral waters, &c.

New York, June 19, 1841.

----end

[TradeName]

Chilton's endorsement of a brand of bitters.

Round Table (New York), Volume 1, December 26, 1863, Page 31

"In Hoc Vinces"

Romaine's Crimean Bitters

We present a summary of facts already advertised, viz: that CRIMEAN BITTERS were first used in a modified form In FRENCH ARMY HOSPITALS during the late Crimean war; (hence the name); that their efficiency as a REMEDIAL AGENT, was then fully established. But to guard against any possibility of subjecting the American public to imposition or hazarding our own reputation, we submitted the compound for examination and recombination to two of our most distinguished analytical Chemists, viz.: Professor James R. Chilton and Julius G. Pohle, whose joint certificate speaks for itself.

New York, Feb. 14, 1863

From a knowledge of the ingredients and their proportions entering into the composition known as ROMAINE'S CRIMEAN BITTERS, we are enabled to speak of it in terms of high commendation. CALISAYA, or Peruvian Bark, being one of its principal constituents, together with Herbs, Roots, and Extracts, having decided medicinal properties, we have no hesitation In recommending it to physicians, and the public generally, as an invigorating Tonic, intended to stimulate the digestive organs.

From its alterative properties. It is calculated to prevent, by its dally use In moderate quantities, CONSTIPATION, FEVER AND AGUE, mild forms of NEURALGIA, and RHEUMATISM. It is an antidote to the effects produced by the change of water and diet, correcting DIARRHEA, curing DYSPEPSIA, COLIC, SICK and NERVOUS HEADACHE, NAUSEA, SEA SICKNESS. It is expressly adapted to females of delicate constitutions, and the infirmities of age.

The preparation is composed exclusively of vegetable materials, containing no metallic or mineral substances whatever. Its taste is aromatic, warming and acceptable to palate and stomach.

JAMES R. CHILTON, M.D.
JULIUS G. POHLE, M.D.

That they have been administered to invalid soldiers by the head Surgeon of the U.S. Hospital at Newark, N. J., for months, with the most gratifying success-—the unanimous report of himself and seven Ward Physicians. That during this period they were placed for trial in families of the highest respectability and wealth in New York, Brooklyn and other adjacent cities, with results justifying our most sanguine expectations of their remarkable

TONIC AND RESTORATIVE PROPERTIES.

That they have the indorsement of the highest Medical authority of the U.S. Army, viz.:

SURGEON-GEN. HAMMOND,

AND

ASSISTANT SURGEON-GEN. BARNES,

founded on a knowledge of their merits from trials in U.S. Hospitals, but more particularly from long personal use, to whom we are permitted to refer.

We have numerous testimonials like the following: FROM HON. J. A. McDOUGALL, UNITED STATES SENATOR OF CALIFORNIA.

Washington, D. C., Nov. 3, 1863. Messrs. W. Chilton & Co.;

You wish to know the medicinal effects of Romalne's Crimean Bitters, as experienced by myself. I very cheerfully comply with your request.

They are excellent for digestion, correcting diarrhea, nausea, irritation of the stomach, and for the creation of a wholesome appetite. They pleasantly exhilarate, but followed by no stupefying reaction, and are extremely palatable.

In all respects they are the Best Bitters I have ever used.

Respectfully yours,

J. A. McDOUGALL.

EXHILARATING TONIC, our compound is the perfection of Chemical and Medica [sic] Art, as by its alterative properties It prevents constipation, and though it highly exhilarates,

NO DROWSY OR STUPEFYING REACTION FOLLOWS.

In this regard we CHALLENGE THE WORLD to equal it. Here lies the objection, even If there were no others, against the use of other Exhilarant Bitters known to us, that they one and all excite the brain for a brief time, then a dull, sleepy state ensues, thus unfit for the sick and convalescent, the student, and those of all other sedentary occupations, as well as exciting an Inordinate appetite for ardent spirits. Those who have used the CRIMEAN BITTERS for months uniformly declare the above to be true, and among them are Clergymen, Lawyers, and Students, whose names and post-office address will be given to any who will call at our office.

Put up in quart bottles, securely packed up in cases of one dotcn each, with directions for use. All orders promptly executed.

FOR SALE BY ALL DRUGGISTS.

W. CHILTON & CO., Marble Store, No. 22 Walker st., New York.

----end

Romaine's logo and an endorsement from a Freemason.

Vermont Phoenix, July 28, 1865, Page 4, Column 2

AD: Romaine's Crimean Bitters



[...]

Dyspepsia--From the Hon. Robert Morris, of Kentucky,
so extensively known to the Masonic Fraternity of the
United States:

New York, July 16, 1864.

Dear Sir: I have lived n the Southern States--much of
thee time In Mississippi for more than twenty years, and
have had my share of those complaints that affect the liver
and produce Dyspepsia. This has rendered a regular use of
tonics a medical necessity to me, and I am familiar with the
action of nil the standard "bitters" of the day. In my
opinion none of them are so efficacious in the Congestion of the
Liver and Dyspepsia as Crimean bitters. I say this after a
fair trial upon my own system and upon others to whom I
have recommended them. I believe if they were freely used
by persons whose systems are enervated, they would relieve
and eventually cure a large proportion of such cases.

[...]

----end

Endorse from a New York wine merchant.

Daily National Republican, June 08, 1863, SECOND EDITION, Page 3, Column 6

AD: Romaine's Crimean Bitters

Frederic S. Cozzens,
Importer of
Wines, Brandies, and Segars,
Penna. Avenue, Cor. 14th Street
Washington, D. C.,
And 73 Warren street, opposite the
Hudson River Railroad Depot,
New Yorks.

[...]

FRED'C S. COZZENS,
Sole Agent for Washington and Baltimore.

I have always refused to sell any of the
compounds known as tonic bitters, as I believe them
to be generally injurious, and composed of
deleterious drugs but from a careful trial of the
"Crimean" Bitters, backed by the certificates of
Drs. Chilton and Pohle, ot New York, I have no
hesitation In recommending them to my friends
and customers. FRED'C S COZZENS.

Washington, D. C. May 20, 1863.

----end

A police investigation in which Chilton was consulted. The Herald had been pushing this as a murder but it was found to be a suicide.

The New York Herald, August 29, 1845, Page 3, Column 1

Police Intelligence

The Case of Sophia Smith--Result of the Investigation

The Chief of the Police and Jonas B.
Phillips, Esq, acting District Attorney, completed
their investigation into the causes of the death of
Sophia Smith, late of No 80 Chambers street, this afternoon.
Upwards of twenty witnesses have been examined,
including several respectable physicians. The
result of their labors appears to have terminated in the
opinion, that the deceased came to her death by suicide.
In justification of this opinion, we present from the
mass of evidence, the testimony of Dr. Israel Moses and
Dr James Chilton.

Dr Moses, deposed as follows:--"I have no doubt that
the death of Sophia Smith was produced by strangulation,
and my firm opinion is, that it was produced by her
own hands. My reasons for this are, that she premeditated
suicide from the evidence of conversations with
others; the next place, the materials with which she
strangled herself and stuffed her mouth, had evidently
been cut off leisurely from a petticoat with a pair of
scissors. Another reason is, a chemise and another
petticoat were smoothly laid on the floor underneath her
body. The position of the knife in the hand, was such
as women are frequently in the habit of assuming, and
was evidently placed in the hand before death. The
general position of the body being natural. The ligature
being several times around the throat, indicated suicide,
whereas in a case of murder by strangulation, a ligature
passed once firmly round, would have affected the
purpose. If resistance bad been offered, so much cloth
could not have been stuffed into her mouth by a second
person; and again the ligature around the neck was not
so tightly drawn, but many respirations could have been
taken, allowing ample time for the infliction of the
wounds upon her person, by her own hands; but it
compressed the air passage so, as not to allow sufficient pure
air to enter the lungs to carry on their functions perfectly.
The appearances too, of the lungs, viz: the congestion
spoken of, was not so great as would have resulted from
sudden strangulation, From all these indications I have
arrived at the conclusion that the deceased committed
suicide. From the appearance of the intestines it was
evident that she had been laboring under some fever
previous to her death.

James R. Chilton, M. D., practical Chemist of the
City and County of New York, being duly sworn,
deposeth and saith, that he has made a chemical analysis of
the stomach and contents from the body of Miss Sophia
Smith, lying dead at No. 80 Chamber street, and
after a careful set of experiments, he has detected
nothing of a poisonous character, except a minute
indication of opium, so slight as scarcely to be able to
identify it. Deponent was also present at an examination of
the body of the deceased: the tongue was very much
coated and thickened; elevated, inflamed patches along
the intestinal canal, indicated recent fever, of a typhoid
character, which was very likely to have produced
delirium. From all the circumstances attending this case,
as well as from deponent's own examinations, he is of
opinion that the deceased committed suicide.

Samuel Smith, farmer at Shandakin, Ulster county,
father of the deceased, deposed that she was 25 years of
age, that she left home in 1840 to come to New York to
learn the milliner's trade; that she has been at home on
a visit every year except the last; that he came down in
the latter part of June last, to take her sister, Rebecca,
homw, as also Sophia, if she would go, but she could not
on account of her business; that the deceased was a very
affectionate girl; remarkably lively, cheerful and amiable
in disposition; and further, that so far as pecuniary
circumstances, she had always a good home to go to,
whenever she was disposed to avail herself of it.

In regard to the handkerchief that was tied roand [sic] her
head, with the name of C. Whitney upon it, Miss Whitney
deposed that the deceased and herself boarded together
at 64 Ludlow street for a considerable time, and
that during that time they interchanged handkerchiefs,
which is now more than one year ago.

It appears also that the deceased was addressed by a
young man named Edward Gray, to whom she was engaged
to be married, and that under the promise of
marriage he succeded [sic] in seducing her.

It also appears that the goods in the store No. 191
Greenwich street, belonging to Mrs. Hazard, and of
which store the deceased was to have half the profits of
the sales for attending, were seized by virtue
of an execution, and removed to he sold, and her business,
consequently broken up. This produced great depression
of spirits, and added to the sudden departure to
the South of Edward Gray, to whom she was engaged to
be married, caused, it is believed, an alienation of mind,
that led her to the commission of suicide.

----end

[Varqm]

Chronicles of Bow Street police-office: With an Account of the Magistrates, "Runners," and Police (London: Chapman and Hall, 1888), Volume 2, Pages 252-266
by Percy Hetherington Fitzgerald

CHAPTER XIII.

THE WATERLOO BRIDGE MYSTERY


Some accounts claim that the "Mystery" was a hoax.

Glimpses of Real Life as Seen in the Theatrical World and in Bohemia (Edinburgh: Nimmo, 1864), Pages 304-305
by James Glass Bertram

When I was starving in a cheap lodging-house in Pemberton Row, Gough Square, I became acquainted with a fellow in misfortune who was great at inventing for the newspapers occurrences that had never taken place. I was admitted to his confidence, and we once or twice contrived to set the town in a blaze. I was forcibly reminded of him at the time of the Waterloo-Bridge mystery, and guessed he had had a hand in that pie. I think my old acquaintance, Jim Blank, who had been a medical student, and was a contemporary of a clever gentleman-showman recently gone across the bourne, must have managed the matter from beginning to end. I was informed that about the date of that strange circumstance, my friend Blank had got married, and was rather in a flourishing way than otherwise. How it was all done, I can surmise. Blank, through the friendship of some of his old college chums, could easily procure the headless trunk of a human body; and the "liner,'' after encasing it in a suit of foreign-looking clothes, purchased for the purpose, would have it packed in a carpet-bag, and lowered from the bridge into the water. The body in due time is found, and the active reporter is thus enabled to grow many columns of matter out of the event for the morning' papers; and straight the wonderful circumstance of a headless body, apparently boiled and perforated with stabs, being found on the buttress of one of the Thames bridges, takes rank (by the careful cultivation of the reporter) as one of the mysteries of the age, and spreads over the country with wonderful rapidity. But it is no mystery to Blank and his confederates; with them it is just a good "lark." I have no doubt whatever of the whole plot having been invented in a garret of Bohemia over a modest supper of bread and cheese and beer. The "penny-a-liners," as they are called, are not slow in seasons barren of fires or murders to use their inventive powers; and many are the "Strange Circumstance" and "Mysterious Event" which they have chronicled,—the real place of their occurrence having been, in all likelihood, a public-house parlour.

Some Account of the Parish of Saint Clement Danes (Westminster) (London: Diprose,Bateman & Co.,1876), Volume 2, Pages 173-175
by John Baker Hopkins

The Waterloo Bridge Mystery. The following is a statement which appeared in an Indian paper, and was copied into many of the London newspapers :—

"A statement having appeared in an Indian paper which has just reached England to the effect that a soldier at Lucknow had told the authorities at the military prison there that he was the person who, towards the end of 1857, placed on Waterloo Bridge the carpet-bag which gave rise to what was termed 'The Waterloo Bridge Mystery,' the following letter is published by a contemporary from 'An Old London Sub-Editor,' which explains the whole 'mystery.' He says :—' Sitting in the sub-editorial chair in an office in the Strand, on the night of the 9th of October (not November), 1857, a well-known 'liner' rushed in, and in an ecstasy of delight exclaimed, 'I have got something stunning for you tonight.' As things of interest were rather dull, I told him I was rejoiced to hear the good news. He then produced a sheaf of flimsy copy, all cut-and-dried, purporting to be a full report of what was afterwards designated 'The Waterloo Bridge Mystery.' The passage of a man with the carpet bag over Waterloo Bridge; the finding of the bag by the lads rowing in a boat on the Thames; the conveyance of the bag to Bow Street Police Station; the description of the human remains and the clothes found in the bag; remarkable disappearance of friends and relations; startling rumours and grave deductions, were all woven together with the cunning that distinguishes the London 'liner.' I knew this reporter; I knew he was in low water at the time of his visit; I knew he was a manufacturer of what he technically called 'the 'orrible'; I knew that from the time the bag was stated to have been found, and the time he brought me (if my memory serves me right) from one column and a half to two columns of copy, it was impossible to produce such a quantity ; and I at once came to the conclusion that the story had been cooked up for the newspaper market. Still, the 'liner' shook my credulity by declaring that the story was as true as gospel, and without one word of exaggeration. And so 'The Waterloo Bridge Mystery' appeared next morning in our paper and in all the other London papers from the pen of the same 'liner.' I still had my doubts of the authenticity of the story told by the 'liner,' and these doubts were very much strengthened when certain hints reached my ears to the effect that the police, newspapers and public had all been very cleverly done. Here is my version of the story; and I may say that the author of the 'mystery' and his companions—there were three in all—when pointedly asked by me if the 'mystery' was real or conco[c]ted, always evaded a direct answer to the question. The 'liner' who brought me the copy had chambers in an Inn now demolished to make way for the New Law Courts. These chambers were in close proximity to the rear of an hospital. A brother 'liner' was acquainted with one of the officials of this hospital. From this official a bag full of human remains and some human blood were procured from the dissecting-room, and carried to the 'liner's' chambers in the Inn. A suit of clothes was then got; these were cut about with a knife and smeared here and there with blood. After a full description of everything had been taken by the two 'liners,' the human remains and bloody clothes were placed in the bag. This was the transaction of one night. Early next morning the 'liners' set to work, and, taking the American papers as their model, wrote up a long account of what they said they had good reason to fear was a barbarous and cruel murder, entering into a full description of the mysterious contents of the bag which was afterwards found on the stonework at the base of one of the pillars of Waterloo Bridge. This report was duplicated, and left ready addressed for the morning papers. This was the work of a day. Night crept on, and the question of depositing the bag in some outlandish, yet conspicuous place, where it could be easily found, arose. An old man, who had seen better days, and acted as carrier for the two 'liners,' was let into the secret. This old man disguised himself as a female, and, with the bag in his hand, in the darkness of night, made for Waterloo Bridge. Tying a rope to the bag, he carefully swung it over the Bridge, and let it gently drop on the shelving mason-work at the foot of one of the pillars. He then watched ; but, no one appearing, he went home, and came again early in the morning. After waiting a while, he saw a boat being rowed towards the pillar of the Bridge, the bag taken into the boat, and the boat again propelled towards the shore. He immediately set off for the Inn, and informed the anxious 'liners 'how well their plans had so far succeeded. One set off to the river side, the other to Bow Steeet Police Station. The river side 'liner' having seen the bag safely in the custody of the police, waited till it was examined, and then sent a short paragraph, mentioning the finding of the bag and what it contained to an evening newspaper. This paragraph, which was intended as a decoy-duck to the managers of the morning papers, appeared in the second edition. By this time the Bow Street police were on the scent, the terrible discovery was in the hands of the officers of the law, and the 'liner's' triumph was complete. The 'liner' having set the mystery ball a-rolling, the police and that numerous class of persons in large cities with 'missing friends' did the rest. The 'liner-in-chief' having made assurance doubly sure by looking in at Bow Street on his way to the Inn, came round to my office with his already prepared bundle of copy having previously started off his old copy-bearer to the other morning papers with duplicates. From day to day the awful 'mystery' was elaborated by my friend the 'liner,' for, with the true instinct of his class, he reserved a few tit-bits of description for daily use over a full week. The three persons immediately concerned in concocting a plot and fabricating a story which spread the utmost alarm all over the country are now dead, and I believe died in possession of their secret. I am certain that, after a short while, the police found out that they had been duped, although they still laboured on in the work of discovery; for, 'the gentlemen of the force' cannot—-must not—-admit that they have been the victims of a daring imposition. At all events, this I know, the Scotland Yard authorities suffered the matter to gradually die out."

Interesting,in 1850s and 1860's,sounds similar to the Thames/Pinchin torso.Seems like to sell newspapers,to make money,like John Cleary.So they purchase a headless body and display it.The Waterloo Bridge mystery is new to me.
Anyway was the doctor,found by Winslow,whether Jack or not, confined to the asylum found out?

----

[Varqm]

Interesting.It could have been a prank.

http://www.murdermap.co.uk/pages/cases/case.asp?CID=676260345&Case=The-Waterloo-Bridge-Mystery

Waterloo Bridge, London. October 8, 1857. 11.30pm. Out of the darkness shuffled an elderly woman carrying a large, heavy bag.

The toll keeper on the Strand side of the Thames, Henry Errington, watched as she laid a halfpenny on the iron plate and struggled to push through the stile. The bag was too big, perhaps three foot deep and two foot wide,.


----

[TradeName]

Varqm, I've never come across information about a committed doctor that matched the description in the Forbes Winslow interview.

[TradeName]

A collection of the works of Poe includes a portrait derived from a daguerreotype obtained by a collector from a "Mrs. Chilton."


The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Volume IV (Chicago: Stone & Kimball, 1895), link
By Edgar Allan Poe, Edmund Clarence Stedman, George Edward Woodberry



Portrait from a daguerreotype in the possession of Thomas J. McKee.

----end

A description of the origin of the picture.

The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Volume X (Chicago: Stone & Kimball, 1895), Page 260
By Edgar Allan Poe, Edmund Clarence Stedman, George Edward Woodberry

Vol. IV.-— "Portrait from a daguerreotype in the possession of Thomas J. McKee."

We are indebted to Mr. McKee, the eminent New York student and collector of literary and dramatic Americana, for the privilege of reproducing this likeness. While very interesting, it is sharply distinguished, except in costume and bearing, from other pictures of the poet,—-most of which have so much in common. The expression is one of care and serious reflection, and the general presentment that of a man older in years than the original of any other portrait save that in our sixth volume. As opposed to this, it is said in a footnote to selections from Poe's correspondence, in the "Century Magazine," October, 1894, that this portrait "so closely resembles that printed with Hirst's Biography in the 'Philadelphia Saturday Museum,' March 4, 1843, as to suggest that the latter, though very rude in execution, was copied from it." The suggestion renders it possible that this is the earliest, rather than one of the latest, of the likenesses given. Mr. McKee purchased this daguerrotype, together with plates of Halleck, Bryant, Webster, and others, from a Mrs. Chilton, "whose husband and his brother were daguerrotypers, on Broadway, New York, somewhere back in the forties." The evidence of its genuineness is thought to be complete, and the original case bears the poet's name.

----end

Links to the magazine articles referenced above.

Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine, September, 1894, Volume 48, Pages 725-737

Poe in Philadelphia
Selections from the Correspondence of Edgar Allan Poe
edited by George E. Woodberry


October, 1894, Pages 854-866

Poe in New York
Selections from the Correspondence of Edgar Allan Poe
edited by George E. Woodberry

[TradeName]

Links to the other volumes in the Stedman/Woodberry edition of Poe.

The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Volume I (Chicago: Stone & Kimball, 1894), link
By Edgar Allan Poe, Edmund Clarence Stedman, George Edward Woodberry


The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Volume II (Chicago: Stone & Kimball, 1894), link
By Edgar Allan Poe, Edmund Clarence Stedman, George Edward Woodberry


The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Volume III (Chicago: Stone & Kimball, 1894), link
By Edgar Allan Poe, Edmund Clarence Stedman, George Edward Woodberry


The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Volume IV (Chicago: Stone & Kimball, 1895), link
By Edgar Allan Poe, Edmund Clarence Stedman, George Edward Woodberry


The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Volume V (Chicago: Stone & Kimball, 1895), link
By Edgar Allan Poe, Edmund Clarence Stedman, George Edward Woodberry


The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Volume VI (Chicago: Stone & Kimball, 1895), link
By Edgar Allan Poe, Edmund Clarence Stedman, George Edward Woodberry


The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Volume VII (Chicago: Stone & Kimball, 1895), link
By Edgar Allan Poe, Edmund Clarence Stedman, George Edward Woodberry


The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Volume VIII (Chicago: Stone & Kimball, 1895), link
By Edgar Allan Poe, Edmund Clarence Stedman, George Edward Woodberry


The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Volume IX (Chicago: Stone & Kimball, 1895), link
By Edgar Allan Poe, Edmund Clarence Stedman, George Edward Woodberry


The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Volume X (Chicago: Stone & Kimball, 1895), link
By Edgar Allan Poe, Edmund Clarence Stedman, George Edward Woodberry

[TradeName]

A 1982 book available in Google books only in "snippet view" mentions that Howard Chilton, son of Dr James Chilton, was a partner in a photographic business in 1843.

Anthony, the Man, the Company, the Cameras: An American Photographic Pioneer (Pine Ridge, 1982), Page 25
by William Marder, Estelle Marder

Edward Anthony and Howard Chilton became partners in a photographic business during 1842 and 1843. Howard Chilton was the son of Dr. James Chilton, chemist and owner of the drug store where the first American daguerreotype had been exhibited. The year before his partnership with Anthony, Howard Chilton had his own daguerreotype studio in his father's store at 163 Broadway, and it was with his father's backing that he formed the partnership with Anthony.

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Entries from an 1843 directory relating to the Anthony/Chilton firm.

The New York City Directory for 1843 & 1844 (New York: John Doggett, Jr., 1843), Page 20

Anthony, Edwards & Chilton, artists, 247 Broadway

Page 69

Chilton Howard artist, 247 Broadway
Chilton James R. Chemist 263 Broadway

Page 381

Co-partnership directory

Anthony (Edward) Edwards (Jonas M.) & Chilton (Howard)

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Anthony, Edwards and Chilton won second prize at a trade fair in 1843.

Annual Report of the American Institute, Volumes 2-3 (Albany: 1844), Page 59

LIST OF PREMIUMS

Awarded by the Managers of the Sixteenth Annual Fair, of the American Institute. October, 1843.

[...]

Daguerreotype Likenesses And Plates.

John Plumb, 251 Broadway, N. Y., for the best daguerreotype likenesses, (for the coloring.) Diploma.

E. White, 175 Broadway, N. Y., for the best daguerreotype likenesses, (for the grouping and general effect.) Diploma.

Anthony, Edwards & Chilton, 247 Broadway, N. Y., for the second best daguerreotype likenesses, (for coloring and general effect.) Diploma.

John Plumb, Jr., 251 Broadway, N. Y., for an electrotype copy of a daguerreotype. Diploma.

T. M. L. & W. H. Scoville, Waterbury, Conn., J. B. Curtis, agent, 208 Greene-st., N. Y., for daguerreotype plates and matting. Diploma.

Joseph Corduan, 106 Laurens-st., N. Y., for daguerreotype plates. Diploma.

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The next edition of the NY directory shows Howard Chilton as associated with a Robert S. Chilton in the firm of Chilton & Co. at 281 Broadway. This could be the Chilton brothers mentioned in the description of the Poe portrait mentioned in a post above.

The New York City Directory for 1844 & 1845 (New York: John Doggett, Jr., 1844), Page 70

Chilton, Howard, artist, 281 Broadway, h. 103 Crosby
CHILTON JAMES R. chemist, 263 and 756 B'way
Chilton Robert S. dauer'type, 281 B'wy h. 263 B'wy
Chilton & Co. daguerrotypers, 281 Broadway

----end

A recommendation for the firm of Chilton, Sunshine & Co., at 281 Broadway.

Brother Jonathan, Volume 4, March 18, 1843, Page 314

Have you had your likeness done by the sun–-drawn by Apollo with a sunbeam for a pencil? In other words have you sat to CHILTON, SUNSHINE & Co. for your portrait in daguerreotype. If you have not, and wish for a few minutes astonishment, pray go to 281 Broadway, and bring away a reflex of yourself “done to a hair” for the trifle of two or three dollars. Somebody well calls this photographic art “sublime.” It is certainly the most remarkable of modern discoveries. The likeness (taken of you in two minutes) is faithful in the minutest particular-—except only in color—-and for resemblance, even with that deficiency, no painting by the most skilful hand can at all compete with it. It takes you as you are at the moment, seizing what artists strive for so much and so vainly the colloquial expression of the face. The absence of color affects the likeness of but few persons—-those of ruddy complexion, and, of all pale persons, the resemblance must of course be infallible. Many are prejudiced against daguerreotypes from seeing the comparative failures of the first experiments; but improvements are constantly making in them, and Mr. Chilton has had singular success in perfecting his practice. The specimens at his rooms are worth the seeing of every person with an enquiring mind. And, by the way, those who wish for good miniatures should sit first for a daguerreotype. It saves at least four out of six sittings to the artist, and as a guide to paint from at the artist's leisure, it is an inestimable advantage. Mr. HITE, the admirable miniature-painter in Park Place, follows this plan, we understand, and gives one of his highly finished pictures with very little trouble to the sitter. His prices, we may add, too, are such as “suit the times.”

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[TradeName]

The Wikitree entry for James R. Chilton lists Howard and Robert S. Chilton as his brothers, not his sons. Their father was George Chilton.

An obituary for George Chilton.

The American Journal of Science and Arts, Volumes 31-32, 1837, Pages 421-424

Obituary-—the late Mr. George Chilton. This excellent chemist and most worthy man, was extensively known to the cultivators and amateurs of science, not only in this country, but in Europe. He was a native of England, and emigrated to the United States in the year 1797, at the age of thirty. Soon after he settled in New York, he commenced a course of instruction in chemistry, natural philosophy, and astronomy. Among the gentlemen who attended his early lectures, were the late Dr. Mitchell, President Vethake, G. C. Verplanck, Esq. and the late Dr. Bruce.

Dr. Kemp of Columbia College, and Dr. Romeyn, were his firm friends and patrons, as, indeed, were most of the prominent and scientific men of our city at that time. In 1803, he delivered, in New York, a course of lectures on natural philosophy, to a large class of ladies, many of whom still remember the pleasure and profit they derived from them. In 1805, when the yellow fever prevailed in New York, Mr. Chilton was invited to deliver a course of lectures on chemistry and natural philosophy at Newark, in which he succeeded to the satisfaction of his numerous hearers.

He commenced the manufacture of the chrome yellow in 1808, but had the greatest difficulty in prevailing upon the painters to make trial of it. After their prejudices were overcome, the demand for it rapidly increased, and had he but gone more largely into the manufacture, he doubtless would have realized an independent fortune by it. He continued making it until the company at Baltimore reduced the price so low that it became no longer a source of profit. It is gratifying to his friends to observe, that even to this day a dollar a pound is offered in New York, by several chair painters, for the article such as he used to manufacture; the price of the chrome yellow commonly sold being but twenty eight cents.

In 1811, he established a laboratory in New York, for the manufacture of the pigments of chrome, from the ore discovered a short time before in the neighborhood of Baltimore, and also for the preparation of the finer chemical articles. Shortly after the late war with England was declared, he removed to Scotch Plains, in New Jersey, to take charge of the powder mills of Decatur & Atterbury. Here, however, he still continued the manufacture of chemical products, a laboratory having been provided for him by the proprietors of the mills. In 1822 he returned to New York, and established himself as an operative chemist and analyst. He also manufactured and imported materials and philosophical apparatus for numerous colleges and institutions of learning. Shortly after his return to New York, he delivered, by invitation, a popular course of scientific lectures to a large class, in St. Stephen's church in this city. In 1823 Prof. Silliman, who was prevented by ill health from attending to the duties of his professorship, engaged Mr. Chilton to act as his substitute, in delivering the chemical lectures in the laboratory of Yale College, which is a sufficient evidence of the estimation in which he was held by that gentleman.

In this course, he acquitted himself with his wonted ability, exhibiting an accurate acquaintance with the state of the science, while in the experimental illustrations he was ably assisted by Sherlock J. Andrews, Esq. then an experienced assistant in the department of chemistry, mineralogy and geology in Yale College, and now an eminent lawyer in Cleaveland [sic], Ohio.

Mr. Chilton's mind was early directed to inventions relating to science and the arts. He invented an hydrometer, which in accuracy is thought to be superior to any other, and may probably be hereafter made known to the public. The account of his rain gage was published in this Journal, Vol. VII, p. 326.

He constructed also a barometer, and some of these instruments have been sold and have given great satisfaction. A hydrographic map of his invention was pirated, and a patent taken out for it by some one who had no claim to it.

He made various improvements in chemical as well as other apparatus. He was naturally possessed of a great deal of mechanical ingenuity, and owing to the difficulty of procuring, at that time, the necessary instruments, he himself constructed the whole of his beautiful philosophical and astronomical apparatus.

In July, 1834, Mr. C., for the benefit of his health, and also for professional improvement, made a visit to Europe, from whence he returned in August, 1835. He was favorably received by many of the scientific men of England, Scotland and France. He attended the meeting of the British Association, at Edinburgh, and prepared a paper for that learned body, which the celebrated Dalton volunteered to present.

Mr. C. appeared to be greatly improved in health by his visit to the old world, but shortly after his return his strength declined, and his old disease, which was hydrothorax, with an enlargement of the heart, returned, so that he was unable to attend to the duties of the laboratory.

Although Mr. Chilton was a laborious chemist, and was accomplished in his profession, he published but little. To the Mineralogical Journal of the late Dr. Bruce, he however contributed several valuable articles, and some of his papers are inserted in this Jourmal. His reputation as a scientific and practical chemist was so extensive, that for many years he was consulted in the line of his profession by persons in all parts of our country, and in the city of New York, in almost every case that occurred in the courts of justice, where the opinion of an accurate chemist was needed, Mr. C. was the person selected. As a private citizen and friend he was greatly respected for his virtues and his amiable character; in the domestic circle he was affectionate, and in his protracted and painful illness he was sustained by the hopes of the Christian.

He retained his interest in science even after his infirmities became both distressing and alarming. He brought with him from Europe the latest improvements in apparatus and processes, and was always frank and liberal in communicating his knowledge. He was the principal mover of the effort to arrange the public course of geology, which was given in April and May, 1836, in Clinton Hall, and although his unrelenting malady, which then pressed heavily upon him, prevented his attendance on the fectures, he participated with a most respectable audience, in the interest excited by that sublime and delightful science.

We understand that the well known establishment, 263 Broadway, for chemical and philosophical apparatus and supplies, so ably and faithfully conducted by the late Mr. Chilton, will be continued under the care of his son, Dr. James R. Chilton. This gentleman, trained by his father, and having already much experience in the business, is well worthy to receive a transfer of the confidence so long reposed in his predecessor. From much experience of the fidelity and capacity of this house, we can and do cordially recommend it to all who may have need of such assistance, or of the efforts of analytical skill. We understand that the department of analysis will be conducted as heretofore. It is a subject of congratulation to the cultivators of science, that this country now affords so many facilities for its prosecution, and the establishment mentioned above is well entitled to rank among the best in the United States.

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Obits for Robert S. Chilton, who went on to a career at the State Department.

New York Sun, May 20, 1911, Page 2, Column 6

Obituary

Robert S. Chilton, a former employee of
the State department and later American
consul at several posts in Canada, died at
his home in Washington on Thursday at
the age of 89 years. He was born in Westfield,
N. J., and was a son of Dr. George
Chilton, a prominent analytical chemist in
New York in the early part of the last century.
He came to Washington in 1848 and
entered the Patent Office as librarian. In
1852 he was transferred to the State
Department. He served as private secretary
to Secretary of State Seward and had much
to do with the handling of the Confederate
documents and papers which were
surrendered to the Federal Government at
the close of the civil war. On Octoher 16,
1866, Mr. Chilton was appointed Commissioner
of Immigration. He entered the
consular service on February 2, 1871, as the
American reprsentative at Clifton, Canada.
He also served at Fort Erie and Goderich,
where he remained until he resigned about
ten years ago. He is survived by a wife
and ten children. One of his sons, Robert
S. Chilton, Jr., is now American Consul at
Toronto and was formerly chief clerk of
the State Department.

----end


New York Tribune, May 20, 1911, Page 7, Column 6

ROBERT S. CHILTON.

Washington, May 19, Robert S. Chilton,
formariy consul at several Canadian posts
and for half a century in the government
service, died here late last night and will
be buried to-morrow. Mr, Chilton was an
intimate fnend of John Howard Payne and
the author of the lines on Payne's tomb
at Tunis. He wrote and delivered the poem
at the unveiling of the monument to Payne
in this eountry. He was a contributor to
the old "Knickerbocker Magazine" and
served under Daniel Webster in the State
department. He leaves a wife and ten
children, lncluding Robert S. Chllton, Jr..
consul at Toronto.

----end

Profile of Robert from a book about authors.

Fifty Years Among Authors, Books and Publishers (New York: G. W. Carleton, 1884), Pages 641-644
By James Cephas Derby

Robert S. Chilton

Although the subject of this sketch has never published a volume, he has written enough good prose and poetry to make a very creditable volume if put in book-form.

Mr. Chilton has been a resident of Washington the greater portion of his life, and was personally acquainted with the authors and artists who have resided temporarily at the capital. Among his special friends, were the late Frederick S. Cozzens, Lewis Gaylord Clarke, Charles L. Elliott, and Emanuel Leutze.

During my residence in Washington in the winter of 1861-2, I saw much of Mr. Chilton, who at that time was the head of one of the Bureaus in the Department of State. His position brought him into personal relations with the United States representatives abroad-—among others, Mr. W. P. Chandler, who succeeded John Howard Payne, author of "Home Sweet Home," as United States Consul at Tunis.

Mr. Chandler had in his possession, and submitted to Mr. Chilton, the MSS. left by John Howard Payne, which contained, with other interesting letters, the correspondence between the latter and the widow of Percy Bysshe Shelley. Mr. Payne had introduced Mrs. Shelley to Washington Irving, who became greatly attached to the latter. The former said in one of her letters that Mr. Irving was the only man in the world that she could marry, and not lose her station as the widow of Shelley. In the correspondence it appeared that Mrs. Shelley was very much in love with Irving, and that the latter felt rather shy of her.

When the handsome monument was recently erected in Washington by that noble philanthropist and patriot William W. Corcoran, the latter selected Robert S. Chilton to write the ode on the occasion of its unveiling, which he read as follows:

"The exile hath returned, and now at last
In kindred earth his ashes shall repose.
Fit recompense for all his weary past,
That here the scene should end—the drama close.

"Here, where his own loved skies o'erarch the spot,
And where familiar trees their branches wave;
Where the dear home-born flowers he ne'er forgot
Shall bloom, and shed their dews upon his grave,

"Will not the wood-thrush, pausing in her flight,
Carol more sweetly o'er this place of rest?
Here linger longest in the fading light,
Before she seeks her solitary nest?

"Not his the lofty lyre, but one whose strings
Were gently touched to soothe our human kind,—-
Like the mysterious harp that softly sings,
Swept by the unseen fingers of the wind."

"The home-sick wanderer in a distant land,
Listening his song hath known a double bliss,
Felt the warm pressure of a father's hand,
And, seal of seals! a mother's sacred kiss.

"In humble cottage, as in hall of state,
His truant fancy never ceased to roam
O'er backward years, and—-irony of fate!—-
Of home he sang, who never found a home!

"Not e'en in death, poor wanderer, till now;
For long his ashes slept in alien soil.
Will they not thrill to-day, as round his brow
A fitting wreath is twined with loving toil?

"Honor and praise be his whose generous hand
Brought the sad exile back, no more to roam;
Back to the bosom of his own loved land—-
Back to his kindred, friends, his own Sweet Home!"

Mr. Chilton, in a recent note to me, says:

"A singular and pleasing incident occurred while I was reading the third stanza of the poem, "Will not the wood thrush, etc." I had just uttered these words when a bird-—a thrush, I think—-perched and sang from the limb of a tree over my head and towards which I chanced to look. Others observed this and spoke of it afterwards. Wasn't it strange? For the moment it possessed me with a feeling I cannot well describe."

Mr. Chilton relates the following anecdote, which was told him by his friend, the late Frederick S. Cozzens.

"When Thackeray was in New York in 1856, he often spent an evening at the Century Club, with many of whose members he became quite intimate. Frederick S. Cozzens ('Sparrowgrass') being of the number, at whose home at Yonkers (Chestnut Cottage) Thackeray once dined and passed the night. Before going to bed at a late hour, he asked his host for a book, stating that it was his habit to read himself to sleep. 'Give me something new, something that I hav'n't seen before, if you can,' said he. Having just received a copy of Lewis Gaylord Clarke's 'Knick-Knacks from an Editor's Table,' Cozzens handed him the volume, thinking it might amuse him. It was brought down by Thackeray in the morning and placed upon the library table with the remark-—'Cozzens, you couldn't have been happier in your selection of a book for me last night. It was just what I wanted, for I hadn't finished reading the first page before I was so overcome with sleep that I had to put the light out.' This was rough on poor Clarke, but the dear old boy enjoyed the joke, when it was told him, as keenly as anybody—-as who that knew him could doubt?"

Among Mr. Chilton's intimate friends, was the late Charles S. Elliott, whose portrait of Fletcher Harper is believed to be as near a perfect representation of the human face as was ever produced by a portrait painter. He relates of him the following amusing incident.

"Among the many anecdotes told of Elliott, the painter, which I recall, the following as illustratinga strong trait of his amiable character-—a disposition to encourage young and struggling members of his profession-—and being highly comic withal, is one of the funniest, and, as I happen to know, founded on fact.

"Elliott at one time occupied a studio on the upper floor of a building on Broadway opposite the Art Union Gallery. On the floor beneath, a young landscape painter, newly come to the city and quite unknown, had set up his easel and painted a few pictures. He had called several times upon Elliott, whom he greatly admired as artist and man, and begged him to call at his studio to look at what he had been doing, which Elliott had promised to do, and did so one day; unintentionally, however, for he was making his way, not without labor, to his own room on the floor above, and thought he had reached it, when he entered the young painter's studio, considerably 'set up,'as unfortunately was too often the case with him, poor fellow. He perceived his mistake, but made the best of the situation, and seated himself opposite an easel on which his young friend placed a half-finished landscape for his inspection. 'That's good, ' said Elliott, 'very good, 'at's capital head—good modelling, good color, I like the beard. ev'so much.' 'But Mr. Elliott,' said the young artist, who had begun by this time to take in the situation, 'this is a landscape you are looking at. You know I paint nothing but landscapes.' 'O!' said Elliott, settling himself back in his chair and stroking his long beard, 'is 'at so? a landscape painter, eh? Well, s'pose you paint my landscape, jus' 's I am!'"

Mr. Chilton is at present filling the post of United States Consul at Goderich, Ontario.

----end

Privately-published collection of Robert's poems.

Poems (Goderich: 1885), link
By Robert S. Chilton

[TradeName]

The name of John Howard Payne came up in connection with Robert S. Chilton. Here's a biographical sketch of Payne.

The New International Encyclopædia, Volume 18 (New York: Dodd, Mead, 1917), Page 213
edited by Frank Moore Colby, Talcott Williams

PAYNE, JOHN HOWARD (1791–1852). An American actor and playwright, best known, however, as the author of Home, Sweet Home. Born in New York, he lived in childhood at East Hampton, L. I. Payne showed great precocity. At 13 years of age, while a clerk in a mercantile house in New York, he secretly edited a weekly paper, the Thespian Mirror. He was a student of Union College, when the bankruptcy of his father interrupted his education, and he decided to go on the stage as the best means of supporting the family. He made his début at the Park Theatre, New York, Feb. 24, 1809, as Young Norval in Douglas. This enterprise proved an artistic and pecuniary success, and he subsequently appeared before large and enthusiastic audiences in Boston, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. In 1813 he sailed for England and made his appearance in London at Drury Lane Theatre as Master Payne, “the American Roscius,” in his original part of Young Norval. His performances were well received by the public. After this he supported himself in Engnd as actor, manager, and playwright, but, owing to his lack of business ability, was often in financial embarrassments. In 1815 Payne published in London a selection of poems called Lispings of the Muse. His fugitive writings, besides verse, include many articles in criticism, one of the best known being an essay on “Our Neglected Poets,” published in the Democratic Review in 1838. Payne adapted many plays from the French and produced a number of original ones, among them Brutus, or the Fall of Tarquin, Thérèse, Virginia, and the comedy of Charles II. The song Home, Sweet Home occurs in his opera of Clari, or the Maid of Milan, which was produced at the Covent Garden Theatre in May, 1823. The music was adapted by Henry R. Bishop from an old melody which Payne had heard in Italy. The publishers of this song are said to have cleared 2000 guineas by it within a year, and the opera was very successful; by all this, however, Payne himself profited but little. In 1826–27 he edited in London a periodical called the Opera Glass. In 1832 he returned to America. He was appointed American Consul at Tunis, Africa, in 1842, was recalled in 1845, and reappointed in 1851. He died there April 9, 1852, and was buried in the cemetery of St. George at Tunis. In 1883 his remains were brought to Washington. Consult: G. Harrison, John Howard Payne (new ed., Philadelphia, 1885); C. H. Brainard, John Howard Payne: A Biographical Sketch (Washington, 1885); W. T. Hanson, Early Life of John Howard Payne (Boston, 1913).

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As a young actor Payne appeared opposite Edgar Allan Poe's mother, Elizabeth Arnold Poe.

Alumni Bulletin, Volume 2, April, 1909, Pages 131-195
by University of Virginia

Poe Centenary


Page 192

Where Poe was Born
by Walter Kendall Watkins

[...]

Near the theatre, on Berry street, one William Payne kept a school, when the Poes first came to Boston. A son, John Howard Payne, was born in New York in 1792. He made his first appearance as an actor in New York Feb. 26, 1809. April 3, 1809, he appeared in Boston, in "Douglas." In an after-piece, "We Fly by Night, or Long Stories," as Emma, Mrs. Poe sang "When Edward Quits His Native Plain."

As a lively and sprightly support to the youthful star of seventeen, Mrs. Poe was selected to appear on April 7 as the Juliet to Payne's Romeo. On the tenth in "Barbarossa" Payne's Selmi had as Irene Mrs. Poe. James Thomson's "Tancred and Sigismunda" were performed respectively by the star and Mrs. Poe. On April 17 Payne had his benefit night and played Hamlet, while Mrs. Poe was the gentle Ophelia. "For the Benefit of Mrs. Poe. Mrs. Poe respectfully informs the public, in consequence of repeated disappointments in obtaining places during Master Payne's engagements he has consented to play one night longer at her benefit. This evening, April 19, will be presented for this night only the celebrated play called Pizarro. Rolla (first time), Master Payne." On this occasion an original address on the drama, by a gentleman of Boston was recited.

Payne received for his six nights in Boston $800. His fame does not rest, however, on his acting or dramatic works, but on his authorship of "Home, Sweet Home." [...]

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This books has a chapter which elaborates on the correspondence concerning Payne, Mary Shelley and Washington Irving, which was mentioned in the sketch of Robert S. Chilton.

The Romantic Life of Shelley and the Sequel (New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1911), Pages 361-384
by Francis Henry Gribble

the Sequel
Mary Shelley's Suitors


[...] this preface brings us to a curious three-cornered love affair in which the three names involved are those of Mary Shelley, John Howard Payne, the author of "Home, Sweet Home," and-—Washington Irving. That story is new as well as strange. There is no word about it in the Lives of any of the three actors in the drama. Mrs. Shelley's name is not even mentioned in the Lives of Washington Irving and Payne. Payne's and Washington Irving's names are not even mentioned in any of the Lives of Mrs. Shelley. Payne was the only one of the three to whom the things which happened mattered; and he did not speak about it. The record of them, however, was among his papers, which passed through the hands of autograph collectors for a long time before their significance was recognized; and from those papers the story can be reconstructed.

[...]

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[TradeName]

John Howard Payne was also notable for his connection with convicted murderer John C. Colt. Dr. James R. Chilton was also a witness at Colt's trial.

A summary of the case.

Remarkable Trials of All Countries (New York: Diossy & Cockcroft, 1867), Pages 226-310
by Thomas Dunphy, Thomas J. Cummins

John C. Colt

It was only four years after the murder of Helen Jewett, that the citizens' of New-York were again startled by another assassination, equally appalling in its character, causing intense excitement among all classes of the community. The perpetrator of the deed was John C. Colt, a teacher of book-keeping, and brother of the well-known Colonel Samuel Colt, of patent revolver notoriety. His victim was Samuel Adams, a printer, both residents of New-York.

The atrocity of the deed or any of the palliating circumstances which may have surrounded it, is not a fit subject for us to dilate upon. We will leave the public to form their estimate in this connection on reading the report of the trial, which follows this preliminary sketch, together with the statement of the prisoner, which was read in court by his connsel, Mr. Robert Emmett.

John C. Colt was born in Hartford, Conn., and at the time of the murder was abont thirty-two years of age. He lived with his mistress, Caroline Henshaw, at No. 42 Monroe street in this city, and occupied a room for his business in the granite building corner of Broadway and Chambers street,now the well-known Delmonico's. Few who to-day enter this celebrated establishment are aware of the fact that within its walls was enacted one of the most remarkable tragedies of the nineteenth century.

No human eye other than that of him who did the deed, witnessed the killing of Mr. Adams; but from the evidence brought forward on the trial, and the statements of Colt, there seemed to be no doubt as to the manner in which the unfortunate deceased hurried into eternity.

It appears that Adams and Colt had business transactiens, the former being engaged in printing a work on book-keepmg for the latter. A small bill of some fifty or sixty dollars was due to Adams by the prisoner, and on the seventeenth of September, 1841, he called at the latter's place of business, corner of Broadway and Chambers street, in relation thereto. Colt's statement of the affair is that words came between himself and Adams as to the correctness of the bill. Adams called Colt a liar, when the latter resented the insult by slapping the former in the face. A scuffle then ensued. Adams seized Colt by the throat, and matters began to look serious. Colt, fearing for his life (according to his own statement) stretched out his hand for a hatchet, which lay near, and struck Adams a heavy blow on the forehead, which levelled the unfortunate man to the floor, and he died in a few minutes. Colt was now at a loss what to do. He left his room and locked the door, wending his steps to the City Hotel, where his brother, Samuel Colt, then stopped, to whom he intended to impart his secret, and consult as to his future movements. Samuel Colt was in the barroom speakmg to some friends, and he desired John to go up to his room, and he would rejoin him in a lew minutes. The prisoner waited some time, but his brother not making his appearance, he hurried back to the corner of Broaddway and Chambers street. The body lay there covered with blood. He took a large box, crammed the body into it, wrapped in a piece of canvas, tying up the legs close to the trunk, and then scattered salt and saw dust over all. There were marks of blood upon the wall and flooring which he washed off, and poured ink upon them, so that they could not be noticed. He remained in the room until late at night, when be returned to his home in Monroe street. Next morning at nine o'clock he hastened to his place of business, procured a carman, and sent the box, which he had previously nailed up, on board the steamer Kaiamazoo, lying at the foot of Maiden Lane. The box was directed to a gentleman in St. Lonis, by way of New Orleans.

Adams being missed by bis family, inquiries were made, and it was ascertained that he was last seen going into the apartments of Colt. Those who occupied rooms in the building, had heard suspicions noises in Colt's room, the day of Mr. Adams' disappearance. These incidents, together with the fact of tbe body being fonnd boxed up on board the Kalamazoo, led to the arrest of Colt.

A trial took place, which we append in full, as reported in a newspaper of that date. The jury, believing that Colt committed the murder wilfully, and not crediting the plea of self-defence which he set up, convicted him, and he was sentenced to be hung, but the law was robbed of its victim, as on the day set down for his execution, Colt committed suicide by stabbing himself to the heart with dagger, furnished him for the purpose by some of his friends.


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Chilton's testimony.

Page 242

Dr. Chilton sworn—-I am practicing physician. Was called to the room of Mr. Colt, corner of Broadway and Chambers streeis. Saw spots on the wall, some of them an eighth of an inch in diameter. I preserved them for examination. Did not observe any on the base. There were an immense number of spot's on the folding doors. Also took the hatchet, which was placed in my charge; also a piece of the floor, having a stain on it. That was all I took at the time. I applied the test, and the spots proved to have been blood. Blood was on the hammer side of the hatchet, which had been inked over, as also on the handle, near the eye of the hatchet, which had been inked. Examined the spot on the piece of floor, which proved to be blood; oil had been thrown round the base of the floor, under which was blood. There was also a piece of newspaper, which had much stains upon it. It was opened, and showed much blood on it, and was also much torn. It was part of the New York Herald of June 13, 1841. Applied the tests to this, too, and found the spots to be blood. A key and pen-knife was also subsequently handed me by an officer, but I did not perceive any blood on them.

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An account which mentions Payne as one of a group of visitor's to Colt's cell shortly before Colt's suicide.

Pages 307-310

An Account of Colt's Suicide by Mr. L. Gaylord Clarke

A very interesting account of the circumstances anterior to and succeeding the suicide of Colt, has been written by Mr. L. Gaylord Clarke, which we append :—

I have no doubt that hundreds and hundreds of people, in this State, and in border States, are at this moment in the full and undoubting belief that John C. Colt, who took the life of Adams in 1842 [sic], is still in existence!—-that he never entirely "killed himself," but that he was "spirited away" from the triple-barred and triple-guarded "strong immures" of the Tombs, and is now in a foreign land, safe from farther peril!

Why, not two months since, I heard a magistrate from one of the lower counties of New Jersey say—-a man accustomed to deliberate, and carefully weigh evidence, that "he has no more doubt that John C. Colt was among the living, than he was that he himself was alive!"—-and I have heard at least fifty persons affirm the same thing.

Few persons took a deeper interest in the case of Colt, from the very beginning, than myself. Firmly believing that the killing was never premeditated, but was the result of a quarrel and a blow suddenly given, when the parties stood face to face, with each other (and this was shown by the cast of the head, showing the mark made by the hatchet, which Dr. Rogers and a committee, of which I was one, took up to Albany, and laid before Governor Seward) say, firmly believing all this, I never could consider Colt a deliberate murderer.

Nor was he. He was convicted for concealing the body of his unfortunate victim. Does any one suppose that if Colt had rushed out into the hall, after having struck the fatal blow, and said, "I have killed a man!-—we have had a little difficulty=—I have struck him with a hatchet, and have killed him!" does any one now believe he would ever have been convicted? Never! But this apart.

I believe I am the only survivor of those who left John C. Colt in his cell at the Tombs, in company alone with his brother Samuel, some three quarters of an hour before the time appointed for the execution.

The late Rev. Mr. Anthon, John Howard Payne, Samuel Colt, the unhappy condemned, and myself were the only persons in the cell at this time. It was a scene never to be forgotten.

The condemned had on a sad colored morning-gown, and a scarf tied loosely around his neck. He had a cup of coffee in his hand, and was helping himself to some sugar from a wooden bowl, which stood on an iron water-pipe near the head of his bed. His hand was perfectly steady, as he held the cup and put in the sugar; and the only sign of intense internal agitation and excitement was visible in his eyes, which were literally blood red, and oscillated, so to speak, exactly like the red and incessantly-moving eyes of the Albinoes.

Our interview was prolonged for half an hour, which was passed in conversation with Dr. Anthon, Mr. Paine [sic], and his brother. And when we were about to depart, and some one, looking at his watch, said that he thought he must be some ten minutes fast, poor John replied, "May you never see the time that when those ten minutes will be as precious to you as they are to me! But, after all, we have all got to go sooner or later—-and no man knows when!"

As we closed the cell door, leaving him alone with his sorrowing, faithful brother, the unhappy man kissed us all on each cheek, and bade us "Farewell!" with emotion, too deep for tears—-for not a drop moistened his throbbing, burning eyes.

We made our way witb difficulty from the Tombs, by the aid of the surrounding police, who opened a space for our carriage through the crowd, which, in every direction, for two or three blocks, filled the adjacent streets, and reached, on Franklin street, nearly if not quite to Broadway.

I resided at that time in Seventh street, between Eighth and Ninth avenues, and Rev. Dr. Anthon lived in St. Mark's Place, in Eighth street. We deposited the good doctor at his door, and after calling at the same time to acquaint the family with the last sad scene we had witnessed, Mr. Payne and I were driven quickly over to the New York University, in the southern tower of which, in the upper story, Mr. Samuel Colt had his incipient pistol-manufactory, or rather his Invention and Improvement Office.

As we entered, he was sitting at a table, with a broad-brimmed hat drawn over his brow, his hands spread before his eyes, and the hot tears trickling through his fingers.

After a few moments silence, at his request, I took a sheet of paper, and commenced, at his dictation, a letter to his brother, Hon. Judge Colt, then of St. Louis.

I had not written more than five lines, when rapid footsteps were heard on the stairs, and a hackman rushed into the room, exclaiming in the wildest excitement:

"Mr. Colt! Mr. Colt your brother has killed himself—-stabbed himself to the heart! And the Tombs are a-fire! You can see it a burning now!"

"Thank God! thank God!" exclaimed Mr. Colt, with an expression almost of joy.

We raised an eastern window of the tower, stepped out upon the battlement, and by a short ladder, stepped out on to the roof of the chapel, or main edifice, and saw the flames licking up and curling around the great fire tower of the Tombs.

There was something peculiar about the air—-the atmosphere-—on that day. One felt as one feels on a cold autumnal night, while watching, uncovered in the open air, the flickering of the aurora borealis in the northern sky. As early as half past three o'clock that afternoon, two stars were distinctly visible through the cold thin atmosphere. This was regarded at the time as a remarkable phenomenon.

Now everybody knows, or should know, that the body of John C. Colt was found as exactly as described by the hackman; that life was totally extinct; that the corpse was encoffined. removed, buried, and "so remains unto this day."

The Tombs tower caught fire from an over-heated stove ; and yet, all the doubters of Colt's suicide, whom we have ever met, contend that the burning was part of the plan; that it was hired to be set on fire, and that in the confusion the condemned man escaped.

L. Gaylord Clarke.

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Account of Payne's trial testimony.

The New York Herald, January 27, 1842, Page 1, Column 1

Colt's Trial

[...]

John Howard Payne examined--Became acquainted
with John C. Colt in 1839. Saw him for
some months throughout the year 1839. I've been
absent from the city the last two years. Took an
interest in the publication of "Delafield's Antiquities."
Saw him frequently during that publication.
I have the highest opinion of him in every way.

Cross-examined.--Never saw him under circumstances
calculated to excite or irritate him.

[...]

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Link to an edition of Delafield's "Antiquities" which ists J. C. Colt as publisher.

An Inquiry Into the Origin of the Antiquities of America (New York: J. C. Colt, 1839), link
by John Delafield, James Lakey



Link to a posthumous edition of Colt's text on bookkeeping.

The Science of Double Entry Book-keeping (New York: Nafis and Cornish, 1846, 12th ed.), link
By John Caldwell Colt