Originally posted by MayBea
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The problem with this is, no such police report has survived. What we have is a report by Abberline on the murder where nothing found by the body was itemized. Likewise, a report by Insp. Chandler with the same problem, nothing is itemized.
There is one report, f. 146, where specifics are to be listed, and all we read concerning items found is:
"On person portion of an envelope stamped “Sussex Regiment” dated 23rd Augst. 1888"
The fact the envelope was not found "on her person" but in the yard only serves to illustrate that even notes made by police cannot be relied on entirely.
Why would Reid mention "six pence" instead of a "sovereign"?
It is strange that both Dr. Phillips and Insp. Chandler claim to have found the same items;
Chandler - a piece of coarse muslin, a small tooth comb, and a pocket hair comb in a case.
Phillips - a small piece of coarse muslin, a small-tooth comb, and a pocket-comb, in a paper case
But Phillips adds, "I also discovered various other articles, which I handed to the police."
(as you noted)
The existence of these farthings at the Chapman murder has been a contentious issue for a long time - there is no clear and certain 'proof' either way.
The difficulties appear to be threefold.
- If they did exist it is difficult to explain why they are not mentioned at the inquest.
- If they didn't exist, it is also difficult to explain why the rumor began in the first place.
- Also, if they didn't exist it is more difficult to explain why Det. Insp. Reid recalls them actually existing.
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