“The Ripper”‘s letters
Several letters were sent to different institutions and the police.They included tips and messages from the murderer but most of them were considered to be a fake.I will present you three of the letters.
1. The “Dear Boss” letter
This letter was the first one, mentioning “Jack the Ripper” as a trade name. It was received by the Central News Agency in September, 1888.First it was believed to be a joke, but a few days later assassinations happened, almost exactly as described in the letter.Due to this fact, the police published the letter in newspapers, hoping somebody would recognize the handwriting.It comprised two pages.
Content:
Dear Boss,
I keep on hearing the police have caught me but they wont fix me just yet. I have laughed when they look so clever and talk about being on the right track. That joke about Leather Apron gave me real fits. I am down on whores and I shant quit ripping them till I do get buckled. Grand work the last job was. I gave the lady no time to squeal. How can they catch me now. I love my work and want to start again. You will soon hear of me with my funny little games. I saved some of the proper red stuff in a ginger beer bottle over the last job to write with but it went thick like glue and I cant use it. Red ink is fit enough I hope ha. ha. The next job I do I shall clip the ladys ears off and send to the police officers just for jolly wouldn’t you. Keep this letter back till I do a bit more work, then give it out straight. My knife’s so nice and sharp I want to get to work right away if I get a chance. Good Luck.
Yours truly
Jack the Ripper
Don’t mind me giving the trade name
PS Was not good enough to post this before I got all the red ink off my hands curse it No luck yet. They say I’m a doctor now. ha ha
2.The “Saucy Jacky” Postcard
This postcard was received in October, 1888 at the at the Central News Agency again.It was most probably written by “Jack the Ripper”,as it mentions the double murder which happened the next day and it tells about facts, refering to the victims of the “Dear Boss letter”.Also,the Postcard includes a similar handwriting to the first letter.
Content:
I was not codding dear old Boss when I gave you the tip, you’ll hear about Saucy Jacky’s work tomorrow double event this time number one squealed a bit couldn’t finish straight off. ha not the time to get ears for police. thanks for keeping last letter back till I got to work again.
Jack the Ripper
3. “From Hell” Letter
This letter was received in October,1888 by the president of the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee.It was sent together with a human kidney, preserved in wine.The kidney was similar to one of “Rippers” victims.
Content:
From hell.
Mr Lusk,
Sor
I send you half the Kidne I took from one woman and prasarved it for you tother piece I fried and ate it was very nise. I may send you the bloody knif that took it out if you only wate a whil longer
signed
Catch me when you can Mishter Lu
