Patrick Hickie 1881 Painter

[Cap'n Jack]

Patrick was an impoverished painter, who had a penchant for writing letters.
Here is an example:

'This was headed "Death," with a drawing of a pistol, a skull and bones, and a tombstone inscribed, "In memory of Buckshot Foster, M.P. R.I.P.""London, 14th July, 1881.'

Remind us of anything?

[Cap'n Jack]

8th October 1888:

[Cap'n Jack]

From one of his other letters, as read to the Old Bailey by Littlechild:

'You ought to watch him. He is tall, wears a soft American hat, long overcoat, with velvet cuffs and collar, and dark pants. You will see by the letter that he is to do

See original
the act on Sunday next. Look after him at once, before it is too late. I am, dear Sir, AN HONEST ENGLISHMAN."

That surely is a description of the man seen with Kelly on the night of her murder?

[Natalie Severn]

Gee----thats an image that cheers you up

[Natalie Severn]

Yes AP,that definitely calls up Mr fur collar and cuffs! So who was he and ----did he go to prison or what?
Most intriguing

[Cap'n Jack]

Yes, Natalie, he went to prison, but he was released well before 1888.
We have two letters now, written in 1888, that directly reflect the letters Patrick was writing in 1881, and both of them are illustrated.
The 'Skull & Crossbones' and the 'Astrakhan Man'.
I do believe that me old mate Cornwell is arguing that these 1888 letters were in fact written and illustrated by Sickert, but you'll be pleased to hear that I believe these letters were in fact written and illustrated by Patrick Hickie.
Who was an artist.