Montreal Pilot
Ontario, Canada
23 September 1857
The Arrest of Dr. Tumblety, the Indian Herb Doctor, on a Charge of attempting to procure an Abortion.
THE POLICE AUTHORITIES LAY A TRAP INTO WHICH, THE DOCTOR FALLS.
Complaints having been lodged with the police authorities that pamphlets containing prescriptions of remedies for different diseases but particularly those incident to females, were being largely circulated through the city by a person styling himself Dr. Tumblety, the Indian Herb Doctor, and rumors being in circulation, and having reached their ears, that he had administered remedies to females in this city for the purpose of procuring an abortion, the authorities determined to lay a trap for him. Accordingly on Monday Detective Simard of the Government Police paid a visit to Dr. Tumblety at his office in Great St. James Street, and enquired from him whether he could give any remedies to procure a miscarriage, as there was a young girl of his acquaintance in the family way.
Doctor Tumblety replied that he could, but inquired whether the intended patient was a Protestant or a Catholic, to which he received an answer that she was a Protestant, whereupon the doctor said he would assist her. Simard then inquired his terms, which he stated would be $20 cash. The detective then left, promising to come back the next day, and in the meantime stated that he would inform the young girl of what had taken place. On Tuesday morning Simard returned and informed Dr. Tumblety that the young girl was afraid to take his medicines unless she was assured by the Dr. in person that there was no danger to her own life. He then left. A little after twelve the same day he returned to the doctor's office accompanied by a young girl, about seventeen years of age, named Philomene Dumas, who stated she was in an interesting condition. After being questioned by the Doctor regarding hr symptoms, she got from him a bottle of medicine and a box of pills, and was assured they would make her all right and relieve her from her present condition. Before leaving the doctor's office she drank some of the medicine. Simard then paid the Doctor his fee of $20, and left in company with the young girl.
Almost four hours after this he was arrested by the High Constable, on the warrant of C. J. Coursol, Esq. Inspector and Superintendent of Police.
We have spoken with Dr. Tumblety's counsel, B. Devlin, Esq. Who assures us that Dr. T has witnesses to prove that he never alluded to attempting to procure an abortion during the visit of Philomene Dumas to his office, and which will establish his innocence.
At 2 o'clock this afternoon a private examination took place before the Police Magistrate, the prisoner and his counsel, and the reporters for the press. Dr. Tumblety, at 3 o'clock this afternoon, was remanded to gaol until tomorrow, the evidence for the prosecution not being closed.
The young girl who figures in this case states she is a prostitute and has only been in the city about a month.
