|
 |
 |
|
|
|
** This is an archived, static copy of the Casebook messages boards dating from 1998 to 2003. These threads cannot be replied to here. If you want to participate in our current forums please go to https://forum.casebook.org **
U.S. State Department Papers
Casebook Message Boards: General Discussion: Research and Dissertations:
U.S. State Department Papers
Author: Billy Markland
Wednesday, 20 November 2002 - 03:21 pm |        | I wonder were this guy was during the time of the murders?
High Constable's Office
Salisbury
6th December 1890
Description of a man giving the name of Ernest William Travers Surveyor & Electrician, who was found wandering in this City on Wednesday last the 3rd instant and have since been certified to be a person of unsound mind and sent to the County Lunatic Asylum.
Age 45. Height 5 feet 9 inches. Full of face. Dark complexion. Brown hair and moustache. Brown eyes. Dressed in dark clothes. Black bowler hat. Respectable appearance.
States he belongs to Macon - State of Georgia America and that Lady Bertha Robilliards is his sister. He is also known to the American Minister in London.
He was carrying a black bag containing Electric Wire &c.
Will you kindly cause inquiry to be [done?] to ascertain if he has any friends in London, and inform me of the result at your earliest convenience.
I am Sir
Your obt. Servant
[A. Marber?]
Head Constable
To: Assistant Commissioner of Police
Criminal Investigation Department
London
_________________________________________________
Transcript of a letter from Mr. Travers himself.
Alderbury Union Workhouse
Salisbury
December - 1890
Sir,
I appeal to you I am an American citizen from Macon, State of Georgia formerly of Grundy, Illinois. I have been Kidnapped and locked up in this Infernal Den. I came over here in the first place to find my sister Lady Bertha Robilliard she married one of the Maryland Robilliards, I have not seen her for some years if you could give me any idea where she lives or would you make some inquiries and also as to my Property an Electric 270 Volt Power and a Myclograph one of Hendricks.
My God sir they are trying to murder me there is no doubt of it slowly but surely for as soon as I landed at Liverpool they set their man catchers on me not by fair and open means but by a foul and secret process in fact I may say they are using my own batteries for their Infernal design but they will not get my secret I will only sell it with my life if you should see Senor Louis Vicencia or should he call at the Legation tell him to tell his brother Di that the wound on my Collar bone is now alright that was a near squeak. I guess I should like to what has become of General Barbini's daughter after that night when she shot our Consul. I guess she was a good one tell Loring we had rather a rough night also Salvador I almost afterwards regretted we went down there I shall be on the Lower Reservation according was we arranged [sic] and I calculate we shall have some rough times there with Sitting Bull and the Red Boys. From White Mountain down to Gulch Falls ought to have been Surveyed three years ago if the Boss had took my advice instead of going on the Savannah and letting the 1st Grade make that blunder.
But oh my God Sir, you do not know how I am if they continue sapping my life I will have theirs you will know the reason why a life for a life.
There is no human power which can evade if unforgiven.
The patient search the vigil long
of him who treasures up a wrong.
Everything comes to him that waits.
My eternal curses on these skunks.
A life for a life.
Yours truly,
Ernest William Travers
The above two transcripts are from:
Notes from the American Legation in Great Britain
National Archves & Records Administration
M30 roll 158 frame 495
Hopefully I can pick up some more info regarding Mr. Travers. A search through the 1880 U.S. census found one Ernest William Travers of Parson's Creek, Dorchester County, Maryland. He, at the time of the census, was 21 and his occupation was given as a Sailor.
It would be so convenient if they had found uteri and a sharp knife in his bag  |
Author: Christopher T George
Wednesday, 20 November 2002 - 04:22 pm | | Hi, Billy:
More extremely interesting material from the State Department papers. Thank you so much for posting this! Of course we don't know where this chappie was in the autumn of 1888 but this is nevertheless intriguing. The only downside is that he perhaps fits more exactly the Victorian concept of the killer being a yapping dog-type lunatic than the more normal looking serial killer we conceive of today. Marvellous research, though, Billy, keep it up! 
All the best
Chris |
Author: Scott E. Medine
Wednesday, 20 November 2002 - 11:48 pm | | Oh boy a Georgian...sheeesh. That Figures.
Peace,
Scott |
Author: Billy Markland
Thursday, 21 November 2002 - 12:10 pm | | Scott, actually, I think he was from Maryland. The 1880 census reflects several Ernest Travers, however, there is only one Ernest William Travers. He was born in Maryland in 1859. The age does not match with the one picked up in Salisbury but having done genealogical research for awhile, I am aware that the census ages were often incorrect. The Ernest closest in age to the Salisbury person was of all things, a veternarian.
Chris, did I read somewhere on the boards reference to forgers named Austin & George Bidwell? I can't find any reference by keyword search but clearly recall that name from somewhere.
Geez! I spent 5 bucks copying files last night and just discovered I didn't get the one I wanted the most! That was an analysis/opinion of Home Secretary Matthews' character by Robert Lincoln, U.S. Consul to Secretary Blaine in reference to the then ongoing saga of Mrs. Maybrick's life sentence.
I will try to sneak out of work later this afternoon and get it.
Best of wishes,
Billy |
Author: Christopher T George
Thursday, 21 November 2002 - 12:42 pm | | Hi, Billy:
I just noticed on your website that you have information on your site on the Southern campaign during the American Revolution.
You might be interested to know that I am giving a talk this Saturday to the Maryland Sons of American Revolution in Pikesville outside of Baltimore on the American victory at the Battle of Cowpens on January 17, 1781. I will specifically address the roles in the battle of Baltimorean Lt. Col. John Eager Howard and controversial British dragoon commander and Liverpudlian Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton--the model for the character William Tavington in the Mel Gibson film, The Patriot.
By the way, knowing you are a genealogist I will probably contact you with some queries related to the case with which you may be able to assist.
All the best
Chris |
Author: Billy Markland
Thursday, 21 November 2002 - 01:33 pm | | Chris, the lecture sounds like fun. Feel free to use anything at the site which I have transcribed (all of the Southern Campaign stuff is from the National Archives series, Papers of the Continental Congress).
I will be glad to help anyway I can regarding the genealogy, although I will not be much help for the families across the pond As a matter of fact, I am attempting to research something now which I stumbled on last night. An American criminal, Charles Becker, alias John Becker, alias Merkle was put into prison with three confederates in Constantinople in 1875. The confederates were: Joseph B. Chapman alias Maguire, Bristowe, and Conckling; Joseph Charles Hulbert or Elliott alias Joe Reilly; William Wallace alias Howard Adams & John Howe.
Becker, Hulbert, and Wallace escaped leaving Chapman behind either late 1875 or early 1876. The authorities believe they went to England after the escape were they "resided with the Convict Chapman's wife Lydia, at Maude Grove, Fulham, where she was afterwards found murdered; Wallace was suspected; but he with his two confederates soon after turned up in America. A warrant was issued for his arrest."
The above is a portion of a report Robert Anderson sent to Mr. Matthews who gave it to Salisbury who passed it on to Lincoln on 5/26/1891. Becker and associates were suspected to be on the way to England to defraud either the Bank of England or J.S. Morgan & Co., American Bankers, of London.
Just a tangent but the Chapman surname intrigues me (yeah, there were only a blue million of them )
Billy |
Author: Christopher T George
Thursday, 21 November 2002 - 04:25 pm | | Hi, Billy:
It is probably not the same man but there appears to have been an English or at least English-based actor of the name of Ernest Travers who appeared regularly in plays of the 1870's and 1880's. See
The Adelphi Theatre 1806-1900
All the best
Chris |
Author: Billy Markland
Saturday, 23 November 2002 - 01:12 pm | | Letter From Mrs. Maybrick to Robert T. Lincoln 7/29/1892
Notes From the U.S. Consulate In Great Britain
M30 roll 162 frame 054
National Archives & Records Administration
Transcribed by Billy Markland
Transcriber’s Notes: Footnote references are by the transcriber in order to clarify or add detail to a point brought up within the letter.
COPY
Foreign Office
August 13, 1892
Sir,
With reference to my note of the 21st of June last I have the honour to transmit to you a letter which the convict Florence Elizabeth Maybrick has addressed to you from Woking Prison.
I have the honor to be, &c,
(For the Marquis of Salisbury)
(sd) T.H. Sanderson
Date 29 July 1892
Register No. T.29
Name – Florence E. Maybrick
Present Age – 29 years
Confined In – Woking Convict Prison
Convicted When: 25 July 1889 Where: Liverpool Assizes
Crime Murder
Sentenced P.S. for Life
Conduct Very good R. Brough, Governor
PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS
No previous conviction
To the Right Honourable Her Majesty’s Principal Secretary of State for the Home Department.
The Petition of the above named Prisoner
Humbly [Sheweth?] –
That your Petitioner Florence E. Maybrick respectfully submits the foreign letter over leaf and begs that the same may be forwarded to
Mr Robert Todd Lincoln,
Minister to the United States of America
London, W.
Copy
Woking Convict Prison
July 29th, 1892
Mr. Robert T. Lincoln,
Minister to the United States of America
London, S.W.
Dear Mr. Lincoln,
This unsatisfactory reply to [sic] the Honbl. Henry Matthews, Secretary of State to the Petition in favour of my release presented by the “Members of the Cabinet”at Washington, makes it imperative that I should now invoke personally the protection of the United States Government. You are no doubt aware, that at the time the Fund was raised by the “Ladies of America”, to obtain the highest legal opinion in England on the evidence of my case, the step was regarded by Englishmen as an impertinent interference with the laws of their country. I think you will acknowledge however, that the British Government cannot get rid of her responsibility to a foreign people, by pleading that her municipal legislation does does not provide for this or that emergency. The natural rejoiner is, Then you had better make such a law; you are not to injure us and get off by saying your law allows us to be injured. In America redress may be sought from a Criminal Court of Appeal a wise and just provision since neither Judges or Juries are infallible, but in England as you know, there is no legal way of a retrial to be had. Until Her Majesty’s Government therefore remedy this proved defect of the criminal laws, they are surely in honour bound to right as far as in their power lies, the wrong committed under them.
I contend that if English subjects, convicted of murder, reprieved and sentenced to Penal Servitude for Life, can - [in?] fact have received in several cases, a free pardon after suffering 3 and 4 years imprisonment, it is only fair to believe, that to maintain the dignity and honour of England, her gracious Majesty will be recommended to show the same clemency to a foreign citizen; particularly when there exists grave doubts both in the minds of her Counsel and the public concerning the justice of the conviction. There are women here convicted of murder, sentenced to no more than 5 years Penal Servitude, and their term can be further reduced to 3 years and 4 months by good conduct. I mention this merely to show you, how utterly inconsistent and unfair some of the criminal convictions are. An act of mercy, in itself highly recommended, is made thus to assume an appearance of gross injustice to such unfortunate convicts as are languishing under a Sentence of Penal Servitude for Life.
I am told, that the obvious principle is [urged?] that when once an American put his foot on a foreign shore, his own Government renounced all intent to concern themselves with any fate that might befall him. That England would act thus toward her own subjects I greatly doubt (1), why then should America be judged less nobly anxious about the life and fate of her own citizens abroad. I am a widow, a mother – forcibly separated from my infant children, without father or brother to plead my cause or to defend my innocence, and I therefore appeal to the “Senate” of the United States to decide; whether, as the Roman in the days of old held himself free from indignity when he could say “I am a Roman citizen”, so also an American citizen in whatever land he may be, shall feel confident that the watchful eye and the strong arm of the United States will protect him from injustice and wrong. – A mistaken fidelity to Judge & Jury has not blinded just minds or legal minds, either in America or this country to the miscarriage of Justice that has taken place. One would think, that the favourable opinions given after serious investigation of the evidence of my case by five of England’s most distinguished Queen’s Counsel, and the knowledge of the vehement protest of her justice loving people against the verdict after my trial, ought to add weight to the protestations of my own country; especially if as Judge Lucius Lemore of U.S.A. says, the American Government can claim to have granted free pardon to English subjects (2). Does not this give America a right to demand that a like clemency shall be shown towards their citizens? The loyalty of my countrymen to my cause and their noble and undaunted efforts on my behalf, has caused me to delay in making a direct claim to the intervention of the United States Government. I was in hopes that their influence combined with that of my friends in England would have sufficed, as in precedent cases, to obtain my freedom. Since it has not done so, I am compelled for the sake of my little children and the great principle that is involved, to claim as an American by birth and parentage, that my own Government shall now take official notice of the injustice of my conviction, on evidence which has neither conclusively nor legally proven the charge brought against me. The grounds upon which my sentence was commuted involves rather the conclusion that I am not really confined for the original and unproven charge of murder – but for attempt of murder. It will be superflous in me to point out to you that, the manner in which the question of the "Justice or injustice of my conviction and of my imprisonment” is dealt with by the U.S. Government, will form a precedent to all future claims of American citizens abroad. I most earnestly beg therefore, that decided diplomatic action may now be taken towards the accomplishment of my release. Several gentlemen have offered [to] bring my case before “Parliament”, while others in America are likewise desirous of doing the same before the “House of Representatives”. Thanking you for your kind interest in my cause.
I remain,
Yours Truly,
(signed) Florence E. Maybrick
(1) Britain and Turkey did have a treaty agreement in which British citizens accused of crimes in Turkey would be tried under British law.
(2) U.S. Secretary of State Blaine to Robert T. Lincoln 4/21/1891 in a note to be presented to Lord Salisbury, Foreign Secretary, states that, “Even within the last year the Government of the United States has twice intervened at the request of Her Majesty’s Minister at Washington, in behalf of those erroneously convicted of crime”. Notes From the American Legation in Britain, M30 roll 159 frame 275 file 3/453 |
Author: Billy Markland
Thursday, 28 November 2002 - 11:13 am | | A short note by Robert T. Lincoln respecting the case of Mrs. Maybrick and his impression of the Home Secretary, Henry Matthews.
Robert T. Lincoln to Secretary Blaine
Notes From the American Consulate in Great Britain
M30 roll 159 fr. 299
National Archives & Records Administration
Transcriber’s Note: Mr. Lincoln’s handwriting is somewhat “difficult” to decipher. Uncertainties of words used will be indicated by [ ?].
CONFIDENTIAL
May 16, 1891
Dear Mr. Secretary
I [mention?] to add to the “private” part of the Maybrick correspondence by saying that a few weeks ago I met the Home Secretary at [ ? } & upon a favorable opportunity, I had a private conversation of some length with him about Mrs. Maybrick.
He is very firm in his conviction of her criminality & that if any mistake was made, it was in commuting the sentence at all. I think my impression of Mr. Matthews is shared by a great many, that he is not a lenient man. Personally I do not believe that either Mrs. Maybrick or Bidwell have [even?] a minute chance of a mitigation of their punishments during the time the present Home Secretary is in office. His power in the nation is simply despotic & no one above him or below him officially attempts to influence him in his official action in such matters.
Very sincerely yours
Robert T. Lincoln
P.S. A copy of a private note in the case from Lord Salisbury goes to you in today’s mail.
RTL |
Author: Billy Markland
Thursday, 12 December 2002 - 11:20 pm | | If the French had only followed up, well, we might be shut of Ms. Cornwell and her theories! By that I mean that France had passed a decree on October 2, 1888 requiring all foreigners in France to register their nationality. This excluded travelers but I did not see an exclusion for vacationers. It would have required documentation of duration of stay, evidence of nationality of the person/persons and other information such as occupation, domicile, etc. This would have had to be completed within 15 days or a month under special circumstances.
Unfortunately, a follow-up letter from Mr. McClain of the US Consulate in France dated November 1888 (I forgot to note the date  ), to the Secretary of State reported that the government had decided to put off execution of the decree as well as modifying it in order to take verbal affidavits rather than paper documentation.
If anyone needs a copy, let me know as the entire translated decree was included in the roll of microfilm. For those close to a National Archives, the film series is M034, Notes from the American Consul in France, roll 105. The first reference begins on frame 27 and the follow-up begins on frame 89.
Best of wishes,
Billy |
Author: chris scott
Friday, 13 December 2002 - 05:34 pm | | Hi Billy
fascinating stuff you have posted about E W Travers
I have found one other on the US 1880 census who is nearer in age to the one quoted in the letters you posted but there is a slight variance in the spelling of the forename
He is on the census as EARNEST TRAVERS born 1848 (aged 32 at time of census) and his profession is shown as a barber. Place of census is Baltimore and birthplace is MD
hope its of interest
Chris Scott |
Author: Billy Markland
Friday, 13 December 2002 - 11:08 pm | | Mr. Census Guy, AKA, Chris
I ran through the 1880 census and spotted several of the Travers family also. I sorta liked the sailor, fit my conception (and where have we heard that before???) of the killer. I did not see the barber....maybe Chapman's real name was Travers
Sorry, I went to Happy Hour today and have to take a nap in preparation for work in 3 hours...visualize a spastic Elmer Fudd conducting an orchestra and that will be me at 2:00 a.m. CST.
Best of wishes,
Billy |
Author: chris scott
Saturday, 14 December 2002 - 09:32 am | | Hi Billy
Thanks for the note - I'm having a look (so far unsuccessfully!!!) for Travers' alleged sister, Lady Bertha Robilliard for two reasons
1) unusual surname and
2) if she genuinely was titled (and this is not just part of Travers' fantasy) it makes it more likely she was lised somewhere waiting to be found.
The only "Lady Robilliard" Ive found so far was a ship which sank off the coast of Australia in 1865!
I'll post anything I find on this or any other of the string of names that Travers quoted in his letter (Vicencia, Barbini etc)
regards
Chris |
Author: Jeff Bloomfield
Sunday, 15 December 2002 - 02:20 am | | Dear Billy,
George and Austin Bidwell, George Macdonnell,
and Edwin Noyes, were the conspirators in a
forgery banking plot that netted over 100,000
pounds in 1873 from the Bank of England. It was
only tripped up at the last moment, and in
catching the four men Scotland Yard had to
go to Europe, North America, and Cuba.
They were tried at Central Criminal Court, and
convicted in 1873. The reference to Bidwell
in Lincoln's letter is to the release of George
Bidwell in the 1890s. He became a reformed
criminal lecturer and author, writing a book
called "Forging His Own Chains". There are
two books about the plot -
1) Dilnot, George - THE BANK OF ENGLAND FORGERY
[New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1928]
2) Huxley, Ann - FOUR AGAINST THE BANK OF ENGLAND
[New York, Playboy Paperbacks, 1980, 1969]
About 15 years ago a fictionalized account
appeared called THE FOUR HUNDRED, but I don't know the author.
Jeff |
|
|
|
|
