CHAPTERCLXX.PEACE’S EXTRAORDINARY CAREER.“There is an old Yorkshire saying, ‘When it is dangerous to speak the truth, it is wisdom to say nothing,’ and that would appear to have been the motto which Charles Peace adopted during the last four or five years of his life.“We are enabled to continue the narrative, not for the guidance of any who may read it, but as a warning The fact that Peace has now to answer the capital charge is of itself sufficient evidence of the gradations downwards which the pursuit of crime involves.“The singular episodes in the career of the criminal are stranger even than many a highly imaginative novelist could have portrayed.“The police have been acquainted with many of them for months, and have been puzzled by them.“The narratives are obtained from a private source of a perfectly reliable character, and are given accordingly.“In the course of recent inquiries allusion has been made to certain letters which were addressed to Mrs. Dyson by the prisoner. These letters had upon them the Hamburg postmark, showing they had been posted there.“From that it was argued that Peace had been living in that town, but the man never left the country excepting once—when sent to Gibraltar. He gave the letters to a captain to post in Hamburg, and his instructions were faithfully carried out.“That Peace had committed a great number of burglaries and impudent feats of housebreaking there can be no doubt, but his most daring ones have certainly been completed in the metropolis, and during recent years.“Three-fourths of the thefts which he has committed in this way have been between six and eight o’clock in the evening, and but very few of them after midnight.“Now that he has been found out to have been the sole perpetrator of some of the robberies, reference to the police books proves the statement as to the hours when these were done to be correct.“One night Peace repaired to a house in Greenwich, his object being to ‘borrow’ some jewellery which he knew to be in one of the bedrooms. It was the dwelling of a rich man, and when he reached the second story window at the back he for the first time in his life became acquainted with the use of a patent window fastener. When he had raised the sash about two inches he found it was prevented from going any further upwards by two brass nobs which protruded from the woodwork.“In addition to that there was another apparatus which prevented him from moving the sash back again—it was locked. He was very much annoyed with this contrivance, but being of a resolute turn of mind he repaired to the same house in a night or two afterwards and took another course, certainly an extraordinarily bold one.“He took the window frames out bodily, in the same manner as is often done for the removal of furniture in and out of the houses, and entered the house that way. The booty he secured on that occasion was exceedingly valuable.“There is no doubt that Peace was well prepared for anyone should they endeavour to effect his capture, and there can be no more ample proof of this than the reception he gave Police-constable Robinson. It is believed, however, that had he known there were other members of the police force about besides Robinson, the latter would have had a sorry time of it.“Whatever is stated to the contrary, Peace was undoubtedly a ‘dead shot’ when he meant it. He has fired over the heads of many people who have disturbed him in his operations.“On one occasion, in London, he broken into a gentleman’s house, and had gathered together a number of valuables.“This was when the family were at dinner below. To his chagrin, a lacquey entered the room, stared at him for a moment, and then, as if divining his purpose, bolted down the stairs.“Peace got through the window by which he had entered, passed to the roof of an outbuilding, and dropped into the back yard. But the footman, for he was no other, had given the alarm to his master, and the latter, with presence of mind, had run to the kennel and unchaned a large mastiff dog.“The animal at once dashed towards Peace, but was shot dead on the spot by the intruder, the bullet entering its forehead, and the gentleman and his servant retreated indoors.“On another occasion lights wore observed through the upper windows of a house by the police on beat, who suspected that a burglar was at work in the upper rooms.“The officers made their dispositions, and were confident that they had the depredator completely boxed. But the officers had ‘reckoned without their host.’“It was not a burglar of the ordinary stamp with whom they had to deal, but one who had gone through nearly every phase of life which it is possible for one who follows ‘the profession’ to experience.“An alarm was raised, when, luckily for Peace, it proved that the occupants of the house were an old man and woman and the servant.“He took good care they did not see him, but quickly made his way into the garret. The constables were admitted after some little demur, and a thorough search took place, but no intruder could be found. Still there was the fact that strange lights had been seen in the place, and the kitchen window had been broken open.“One of the constables, however, raised the garret window, and on looking through saw a man sitting on the slates. He seemed determined to follow, and commenced to do so, but he found that he had no foothold, for the roof was of pantiles. Peace had slipped off his boots and left them on the roof.“In great haste he scrambled away. His left foot came in contact with one of the broken tiles, and he cut it exceedingly severely. He got on some outbuilding, dropped into a garden, and escaped. He did not recover from his injuries, however, for some weeks after.“On two separate occasions after the murder Peace was within a few yards of the clutches of the Hull detectives when they were actually in search of him.“He had taken up his temporary quarters in a house there, and they must have suspected that he was lurking somewhere about it, for one day two detectives entered. He was in the back kitchen; so he quietly went upstairs and into the garret.“The lower rooms were looked into, and also the bedrooms, but there were no suspicious appearances, and the search was not proceeded with. On that occasion Peace was interrupted whilst in the enjoyment of a basin of soup.“Shortly after that the detectives again visited the same place, for they still thought they might find some clue to him in the town which he had previously lived in. When they entered the front door Peace was again in the kitchen half stripped, washing himself at the sink. He had scarcely time to reach the top of the stairs before they were at the bottom of them, and he ‘made’ straight for the garret—this time to the roof also.“He must have considered himself hardly pressed, for after going along the slates he got into another house through the window, and explained his presence in that condition to the wondering woman who occupied the house, by representing that the police were after him ‘because he had deserted his family.’“He said that he had only done it a week or so before through necessity, but had now got work, and intended to fetch his wife and the little ones. He was then allowed to remain in the house for the rest of the day—for this took place at noon.“The detectives once more retired, after a fruitless search, and without the slightest knowledge that they had been so near to the one they wanted. That night had they apprehended a person who was dressed in female clothing, and who booked from Hull to Manchester, they would have caught Charles Peace, for it was disguised in this way that he effected his escape on that occasion from the town.“From thence he went to Manchester, and afterwards to Nottingham. He was fruitful in his resources whenever danger was pressing, and, it will be seen, as cunning as he possibly could be.“He had ‘nerve,’ however, and a run of good luck in almost all his proceedings.“There was no doubt that the police were on a good track when they watched Hull closely, and though it may seem easy to say, ‘They might have seen,’ when the secret is known, they were not aware that they had nearly had the one they sought securely in their hand.”PEACE’S CAPTOR.The proposed testimonial to Police-constable Robinson, the officer who captured Peace, prospered very satisfactorily. Subscriptions were received at the “Royal Hotel,” Haymarket; the “Star,” High-street; the “Exchange,” Exchange-street; the “Elephant,” Norfolk-street; “Bull’s Head,” Sheffield-moor; “Old Star Vaults,” Old Haymarket; “Royal Hotel,” Highfield; “Little Angel,” Westbar; “Hen and Chickens,” Castle-greeen; “Queen,” Sheaf-street.Mr. George Dawson, a local phrenologist, sent the following letter:—“Those who have or have not had the satisfaction to see Charles Peace are naturally desirous of seeing the man who was chiefly instrumental in capturing the great rascal, and who had so narrow an escape from being murdered by him.“As many have asked me if I had seen him, the following brief sketch may be interesting:—Mr. Robinson is a good-looking, quiet, pleasant genial fellow, not unlike the Prince of Wales—has his type of features. He is rather florid, with light brown hair and beard. He is very finely developed physically, plump and muscular, with sufficient of adipose tissue to make him round in form and easy in manner.“The bony and fibrous systems are less high in him than the vital and muscular. He is about 39 or 40in.round the chest, 5ft.7½in.high. He looks only a little man, but I am told he weighs 13 stone. He has a small head, measuring 21½ about, and his brain is mostly developed in the practical and observing and the moral faculties.“He is quite firm and independent, but lacks self-esteem; has no desire or ability to show off—is very retiring. He is steady, cool, and rather harmonious, but has only moderate destructiveness and combativeness. Hence he is mild, kindly, and genial, the ‘knotty’ and ‘quarrelsome’ points being weak.“He would hurt even a burglar only in self-defence. He is in almost every respect—bodily and mentally—the very opposite of Peace, though this is not the time to give a phrenological description of that gentleman. Sheffielders are pleased with the captor of their chief ruffian—and he is pleased with the heartiness and kindliness of Sheffielders.”EXTRAORDINARY COMMUNICATIONS.Running away from Bannercross on the night of the murder, Peace accidentally or intentionally dropped a small bundle of notes and letters.These were mentioned in the court of the proceedings at the trial, and they formed the subject of much of Mr. Clegg’s cross-examination in court. It is contended by Peace thet they were written to him by Mrs. Dyson. Mrs. Dyson, however, swears positively that they were not written by her, and that she never saw them until they were shown to her some time after they were found.The theory of the prosecution was that the whole of the notes and letters were written by Peace for his own purpose. What those purposes were, of course can only be imagined.It may have been to get Mrs. Dyson into his power. The notes were of an extraordinary character. Most of them were written in pencil on scraps of paper. As doubless this correspondence will be read with considerable interest, we give it in its entirety, following the spelling and other eccentricities of the writer:—“Things are very bad for peple told him everything so the say you cat pick out for D. Do keep quiet, and don’t let anyone see you. Money send me some.“Send me a drink. I am nearly dead.“be quick * * you * * he is out now.“he is out now so be quick fanny as * * * let us have a look at you.“Will you send me a shilling or two and a drope and keep very quiet, be quick.“Give it to me up in the garret but don’t talk for fear he is not going only his sister is coming, love to all.“I will write you a note when I can perhaps to-morrow. You can give me something as a present if you like but I dont want to be covetous and take them from your wife and daughter.“Mrs. Norton is raising hell about what I * * * * Could you settle it and send me a print that is I have and * * * * her to let me have a pint.……he is gone out come now for I must have a drink.“After he is going out I won’t go if I can help it so see for Janey.“I have just run out of writing paper excuse the envelope. Many thanks for my book, don’t mind framing the picture, let them have it without, as I have nothing to say in the matter. I will thank your wife as soon as I get a chance to see her for her kind present, tell her so, with my love. I was very sorry to hear your quarling, hope it is all settled now—and * * * * having to hear the readings you should be quiet. You have a good wife, be kind to her. This was written yesterday, but could not see you.“He won’t say when he is going. Not to-day anyhow he is not very well. I will write you when I have a chance and put you in the work * * * *“He only went for tobacco and he has not been out. I shall tell you when he does. You must not say I am Dr. when I am not for I don’t thank you for you form that opinion. I shall go to Ireland if you don’t be—— I am washing to-day, so he won’t be out perhaps. Get me paper. Love.“If you have a note for me send now while he is out, but you must not venture for he is watching, and you cant be too careful, hope your foot is better, he went to Sheffi yesterday but I could not see you anywhere were you out love to Ja.“Have you got your handkerchief I lost mine * * pocket hank and gloves * * * * thanks for this money * * * must be careful and not show anything or I will let you starve.“I think I will go by 9 o’clock now, you must not go by train, go by trem because he will go down with me don’t let him see anything. Meet me in the Wicker hope nothing will turn up to prevent it. Love to Janey.“If you are not at home Janey will give you this do be careful you will get yourself into trouble about the empty house dont come until I tell you there is a man over the wall says he will give you hell now I tell you this as a friend so as you may be on the look out for your familyes.“How well you never told that man. I looked at you out of the window. You left me to find out for myself, and would not put me on my guard, as I do yo you. Hope you won’t omit again. Don’t talk to Willie much, or give him any halfpegs. * * * * Don’t be a fool. It looks as if you want people to know the way you and——if you are not more careful we will have to say quits. I have told you not to say anything until * * * *“Saturday Afternoon.“I write you these few lines to thank you for all your kindness which I shall never forget from you and your wife she is a very good one does she know you are to give me the things or not how can you keep them concealed one thing I would wish you to do is to frame his mothers photo and send it in with my music book if you please do it when he is in. Many thanks for your kind advice I hope I shall benefit by it. I shall try to do right by everyone if I can and shall always look on you as a friend, good bye I have not much time, burn this when you read it.“Dear sir,—Are you at home or not, for I can’t see you. I looked for you yesterday, when I went to Sheffield, but could not see you, and don’t like to send if you are not in, because I know Janey have not seen you all day; but he has not been out. You are getting very with old Ned; don’t blab anything to him, for it will be all over. Never speak of me. I will not send this till I know you are at home. Hope you are well, and don’t fret; but I will give you the wink when the coast is clear; but you must not take notice till I tell you or you will make a mess of it, because he is always on the look out. Don’t know when he will go out again, but will sure tell you. Love to G—— b——, burn this.OTHER MURDERS BY PEACE.TheSheffield Telegraphstated:—“‘Peace has committed many murders; he has done more than two, yes many!’“Such were the words which fell from the lips of one who was placed in close communication with the convict, and who occupies a position which entitles his utterance to the fullest credence. We may go further and say that there is ample testimony that Peace has indeed pursued a career even more bloodstained than has yet been made known to the public, and that could he have been prevailed upon to state the whole of the fouler crimes that he has committed, there would indeed be a category so revolting that the community would scarcely believe such outrages could have been perpetrated, and the chief actor in them have escaped so long.“He has not alone taken human life, in order to escape arrest, but he has taken it that he might effect robbery. Peace had accomplices in these deeds. There are those living who know, not only of their execution, but also of the planning of them, and have had a hand in the foul transaction.“A statement like the foregoing is startling, but we have good grounds for saying that subsequent events will prove the truthfulness of them. It is also stated on high authority that more than one person is in prison suffering for the misdeeds of this man.“We announced on the 11th instant that Peace had told his family on the previous day that one young man had already served seven years in penal servitude, having been respited after being condemned to death for wilful murder.“We are told that Peace still holds to the statement, and says he will give such evidence as will clear the man. He gives further a strong intimation that he himself did the deed. The murder was committed at the close of 1871 or in 1872.“We are also informed that on one occasion Peace premeditated a jewellery robbery in Chelsea, and that in order to carry it out he associated himself with a female paramour, who obeyed his instructions. This woman of set purpose sought the friendship of the jeweller, and became intimate with him, and on the night of the burglary assisted the chief actor in it.“The jeweller offered a resistance, and was murdered, no person ever being convicted of the crime. The authorities are already using every means at their disposal for the discovery of Peace’s principal movements during the past three years, and the recovery of some of the property stolen might lead to results of enormous consequence as affecting this revelation. There is now proof in hand that it was not with the bullet alone that Peace sent some of his victims on their last journey.“It will be remembered that, when he was finally captured, a large knife was found in his possession, but on that occasion he never had the opportunity of using it. However, information has been given that on another occasion, whilst he was engaged in committing a robbery, he was surprised by a man, when he drew a knife from the pocket where he always kept it and stabbed his would-be captor.“After that he gave the poor fellow a heavy downward blow with the weapon, and inflicted a wound from which the bowels protruded, and which ultimately caused the death of the victim. We have ground for stating also that more than one of his victims has been thrown into the Thames, although the murders have not taken place on its banks, if near to them.“The convict has made use of certain expressions which leave no doubt that the worst part of his criminal career dates more than ten years back, probably fifteen, and though he is reticent on this point, it is believed that one of the greatest reasons for his disquietude of mind is the knowledge that more than one has suffered innocently because of his misdeeds.“He has yet to state, should he carry out the intentions he has expressed, whether or not anyone has suffered on the gallows for murder done by him, and from the peculiar manner in which he has dealt with this subject it is feared that such is the case.“It is thought also that the convict will throw some light on several tragedies in which he had not been personally concerned, but of which he has had a guilty knowledge. Should he do so—and it is a certainty he can if he likes—more tales of horror will be revealed, and some who are at liberty now will have to succumb to their merited fate.“Allusion was made to the fact that Peace had accomplices in his crimes, and that they had a guilty knowledge of murder and of robberies which he committed. He has, however, gone even further.“This week he made use of these extraordinary words: ‘Yes, it was known what I was doing and what I have done, and before I die I will tell something and prove it too, which will show who knew.“‘Before I die I will make a revelation which will show what one man is, and it will place in the dock a man who occupies a far higher post than ever Micklejohn or Druscovitoh did. Palmer never did anything like it.’“Beyond the facts above recorded, we have further ground for saying that Peace was concerned in the Portland-street murder, London, when it will be remembered that a French lady, named Madame Riel, was found lying in a cupboard in her house having had her brains half knocked out. The unfortunate woman had also a thick rope entwined round her neck.“The murder had been committed in the coal cellar, and the lady had been dragged upstairs to the cupboard, where her body lay all day, until it was found by her daughter and others.“The cook, a Frenchwoman, absconded to Paris with some of Madame Riel’s diamonds, and was apprehended inSt.Denis by Druscovitch, the London detective, and some of the French gendarmerie.“It then transpired that she had not committed the murder of her mistress alone, but was helped by more than one.“Before the day of his execution, it is confidently believed that he will make such disclosures as will throw even the above revolting confessions into the shade.”TheManchester Evening Newsis responsible for the following story, which, whatever may be said of the facts it narrates, either does not relate to Peace, or is altogether mistaken as to time. Four years ago Peace, as is perfectly well known, was living in Scotland-street, whence, in the beginning of 1875, he removed to Darnall.We have previously stated that when the transference of his picture-frame making business from Kenyon-alley to West-street proved a failure, he and his family went to live in Manchester, but that was in 1866, and he had not been there a fortnight before he was caught robbing a house, and was sentenced to eight years’ penal servitude:—“As our readers are well aware, Charles Peace, the man condemned to death for the Bannercross murder, on more than one occasion plied his many vocations in Manchester and the neighbourhood. From inquiries made in Levenshulme, it transpires that the notorious criminal resided in that pleasant suburb about four years ago.“He stayed there only three months, and after he left the many freaks he committed gradually faded from the memory of the local residents. However, not many days ago a policeman took a photograph of Peace to the locality, and many tradesmen at once recognised him as the man who had formerly lived amongst them. In fact, he had for the time been quite a favourite in the district, and was well known to most of the inhabitants.“He rented a small detached house called ‘Olave Cottage,’ in Rushford Park, which he had fairly well furnished. He gave his name as ‘Mr. Thompson,’ and he was accompanied by a woman who is supposed to be Mrs. Peace.“He was never idle and always had some project on foot. He was constantly painting his cottage, and he took such trouble with the work that the neighbours took it for granted that he meant to remain there at least for some years.“He was very affable and obliging to everybody, and was, until he decamped without paying his accounts, a great favourite with the tradesmen. To ladies he was especially polite and attentive. To every woman he met in a shop, he said, ‘good morning’ in the most agreeable tones, but usually accompanied his attentions by a wink at the shopman. He obtained considerable notoriety by his skill in contorting his features and assuming the appearance of a cripple. Subsequently he was known to have been the ‘Burnage Bogie,’ an apparition that had scared many people in Burnage-lane, and made numerous folks afraid to use that thoroughfare after nightfall.At the same time it is somewhat novel to learn that he was never suspected of committing any robbery, nor has it been proved that he gave effect to his thieving propensity in the neighbourhood. If he did carry on any ‘business’ of that nature he certainly was never mistrusted on that ground, and even now not the slightest accusation is made against him on that score.“Ostensibly he earned his livelihood as an acrobat, and was, we are informed, engaged at the Abbey Hey Grounds. In this capacity he was considered to be exceedingly clever, and our informant assures us that he could throw fifty-six pound weights about like pounds of sugar. He likewise performed publicly on the violin, and was regarded by the frequenters of the grounds as an able musician.“As we have said, he was much esteemed whilst he lived as Levenshulme, owing chiefly to his unbounded spirits and his witticisms. He was respected as an honest, straightforward man, and no one anticipated that he would disappear so suddenly without paying sundry bills, and least of all was it thought that he would turn out to be one of the most remarkable criminals with which this country has become acquainted for many years.”PEACE’S AGE.One of the most curious things about the personality of Peace is the conflict between his appearance and his age. He has been almost invariably spoken of as an old man, and no one seeing him could for a moment suppose that the age we have previously given, on the authority of the police notice issued after the Bannercross affair, is the correct one. That notice spoke of him as then forty-six years of age, but as looking ten years older. We have reason to believe that he is even now (two years afterwards) only forty-six, and will not be forty-seven until May next. He was born on the 14th of May, 1832, and it may, perhaps, be a convenience if we give the cardinal points of his career in brief chronological form:—1832.May 14.—Born in Nursery-street.1846.”—Injured at Kelham Mills.”to 1848.—Two years’ illness.1848to 1851.—Employed by Mr. Edward Smith and in learning to play the violin.1851.Oct.26.—Robs Mrs. Ward’s house.”Dec.13.—Sentenced to one month’s imprisonment; age nineteen.”to 1854.—Playing the violin at publichouses,&c.1854.Sep.7.—Robs Crookesmoor House.”Sep.20.—Robs Mr. Stuart’s house, Brincliffe, and many similar robberies about the same time.1854.Oct.20—Four year’s penal servitude; age 22.to1858.1858or 1859.—Marries Hannah Ward.1859Nov.29or 30.—Daughter, Jane Ann, born.1859.Aug.11,—Penal servitude; age 27.to1864,June.1864to 1866.—Picture-frame maker in Kenyon-alley and West-street.1866.Dec.3,—Penal servitude; age 34.to1872,Aug.8.1872to 1875.—Picture-frame maker, in Brocco and Scotland-street.1875,toAug.,1876.—Picture-frame maker at Darnall.1876.Aug.toNov.—Provision shopkeeper, in Hull.1876.Nov.14.—Leaves Hull suddenly.1876.Nov.29.—Shoots Mr. Dyson.1876to 1878.—Committing constant robberies at Nottingham, Hull, Lambeth, Greenwich, and Peckham.1878.Oct.10.—Captured by Police-constable Robinson while committing a burglary; gives name of John Ward.”Nov.6.—Identified in Newgate as Charles Peace.”Nov.19.—Penal servitude for life; age forty-six.1879.Jan.22.—Attempts to commit suicide by leaping from train.”Jan.24.—Committed for trial on a charge of wilful murder.
“There is an old Yorkshire saying, ‘When it is dangerous to speak the truth, it is wisdom to say nothing,’ and that would appear to have been the motto which Charles Peace adopted during the last four or five years of his life.
“We are enabled to continue the narrative, not for the guidance of any who may read it, but as a warning The fact that Peace has now to answer the capital charge is of itself sufficient evidence of the gradations downwards which the pursuit of crime involves.
“The singular episodes in the career of the criminal are stranger even than many a highly imaginative novelist could have portrayed.
“The police have been acquainted with many of them for months, and have been puzzled by them.
“The narratives are obtained from a private source of a perfectly reliable character, and are given accordingly.
“In the course of recent inquiries allusion has been made to certain letters which were addressed to Mrs. Dyson by the prisoner. These letters had upon them the Hamburg postmark, showing they had been posted there.
“From that it was argued that Peace had been living in that town, but the man never left the country excepting once—when sent to Gibraltar. He gave the letters to a captain to post in Hamburg, and his instructions were faithfully carried out.
“That Peace had committed a great number of burglaries and impudent feats of housebreaking there can be no doubt, but his most daring ones have certainly been completed in the metropolis, and during recent years.
“Three-fourths of the thefts which he has committed in this way have been between six and eight o’clock in the evening, and but very few of them after midnight.
“Now that he has been found out to have been the sole perpetrator of some of the robberies, reference to the police books proves the statement as to the hours when these were done to be correct.
“One night Peace repaired to a house in Greenwich, his object being to ‘borrow’ some jewellery which he knew to be in one of the bedrooms. It was the dwelling of a rich man, and when he reached the second story window at the back he for the first time in his life became acquainted with the use of a patent window fastener. When he had raised the sash about two inches he found it was prevented from going any further upwards by two brass nobs which protruded from the woodwork.
“In addition to that there was another apparatus which prevented him from moving the sash back again—it was locked. He was very much annoyed with this contrivance, but being of a resolute turn of mind he repaired to the same house in a night or two afterwards and took another course, certainly an extraordinarily bold one.
“He took the window frames out bodily, in the same manner as is often done for the removal of furniture in and out of the houses, and entered the house that way. The booty he secured on that occasion was exceedingly valuable.
“There is no doubt that Peace was well prepared for anyone should they endeavour to effect his capture, and there can be no more ample proof of this than the reception he gave Police-constable Robinson. It is believed, however, that had he known there were other members of the police force about besides Robinson, the latter would have had a sorry time of it.
“Whatever is stated to the contrary, Peace was undoubtedly a ‘dead shot’ when he meant it. He has fired over the heads of many people who have disturbed him in his operations.
“On one occasion, in London, he broken into a gentleman’s house, and had gathered together a number of valuables.
“This was when the family were at dinner below. To his chagrin, a lacquey entered the room, stared at him for a moment, and then, as if divining his purpose, bolted down the stairs.
“Peace got through the window by which he had entered, passed to the roof of an outbuilding, and dropped into the back yard. But the footman, for he was no other, had given the alarm to his master, and the latter, with presence of mind, had run to the kennel and unchaned a large mastiff dog.
“The animal at once dashed towards Peace, but was shot dead on the spot by the intruder, the bullet entering its forehead, and the gentleman and his servant retreated indoors.
“On another occasion lights wore observed through the upper windows of a house by the police on beat, who suspected that a burglar was at work in the upper rooms.
“The officers made their dispositions, and were confident that they had the depredator completely boxed. But the officers had ‘reckoned without their host.’
“It was not a burglar of the ordinary stamp with whom they had to deal, but one who had gone through nearly every phase of life which it is possible for one who follows ‘the profession’ to experience.
“An alarm was raised, when, luckily for Peace, it proved that the occupants of the house were an old man and woman and the servant.
“He took good care they did not see him, but quickly made his way into the garret. The constables were admitted after some little demur, and a thorough search took place, but no intruder could be found. Still there was the fact that strange lights had been seen in the place, and the kitchen window had been broken open.
“One of the constables, however, raised the garret window, and on looking through saw a man sitting on the slates. He seemed determined to follow, and commenced to do so, but he found that he had no foothold, for the roof was of pantiles. Peace had slipped off his boots and left them on the roof.
“In great haste he scrambled away. His left foot came in contact with one of the broken tiles, and he cut it exceedingly severely. He got on some outbuilding, dropped into a garden, and escaped. He did not recover from his injuries, however, for some weeks after.
“On two separate occasions after the murder Peace was within a few yards of the clutches of the Hull detectives when they were actually in search of him.
“He had taken up his temporary quarters in a house there, and they must have suspected that he was lurking somewhere about it, for one day two detectives entered. He was in the back kitchen; so he quietly went upstairs and into the garret.
“The lower rooms were looked into, and also the bedrooms, but there were no suspicious appearances, and the search was not proceeded with. On that occasion Peace was interrupted whilst in the enjoyment of a basin of soup.
“Shortly after that the detectives again visited the same place, for they still thought they might find some clue to him in the town which he had previously lived in. When they entered the front door Peace was again in the kitchen half stripped, washing himself at the sink. He had scarcely time to reach the top of the stairs before they were at the bottom of them, and he ‘made’ straight for the garret—this time to the roof also.
“He must have considered himself hardly pressed, for after going along the slates he got into another house through the window, and explained his presence in that condition to the wondering woman who occupied the house, by representing that the police were after him ‘because he had deserted his family.’
“He said that he had only done it a week or so before through necessity, but had now got work, and intended to fetch his wife and the little ones. He was then allowed to remain in the house for the rest of the day—for this took place at noon.
“The detectives once more retired, after a fruitless search, and without the slightest knowledge that they had been so near to the one they wanted. That night had they apprehended a person who was dressed in female clothing, and who booked from Hull to Manchester, they would have caught Charles Peace, for it was disguised in this way that he effected his escape on that occasion from the town.
“From thence he went to Manchester, and afterwards to Nottingham. He was fruitful in his resources whenever danger was pressing, and, it will be seen, as cunning as he possibly could be.
“He had ‘nerve,’ however, and a run of good luck in almost all his proceedings.
“There was no doubt that the police were on a good track when they watched Hull closely, and though it may seem easy to say, ‘They might have seen,’ when the secret is known, they were not aware that they had nearly had the one they sought securely in their hand.”
PEACE’S CAPTOR.
The proposed testimonial to Police-constable Robinson, the officer who captured Peace, prospered very satisfactorily. Subscriptions were received at the “Royal Hotel,” Haymarket; the “Star,” High-street; the “Exchange,” Exchange-street; the “Elephant,” Norfolk-street; “Bull’s Head,” Sheffield-moor; “Old Star Vaults,” Old Haymarket; “Royal Hotel,” Highfield; “Little Angel,” Westbar; “Hen and Chickens,” Castle-greeen; “Queen,” Sheaf-street.
Mr. George Dawson, a local phrenologist, sent the following letter:—
“Those who have or have not had the satisfaction to see Charles Peace are naturally desirous of seeing the man who was chiefly instrumental in capturing the great rascal, and who had so narrow an escape from being murdered by him.
“As many have asked me if I had seen him, the following brief sketch may be interesting:—Mr. Robinson is a good-looking, quiet, pleasant genial fellow, not unlike the Prince of Wales—has his type of features. He is rather florid, with light brown hair and beard. He is very finely developed physically, plump and muscular, with sufficient of adipose tissue to make him round in form and easy in manner.
“The bony and fibrous systems are less high in him than the vital and muscular. He is about 39 or 40in.round the chest, 5ft.7½in.high. He looks only a little man, but I am told he weighs 13 stone. He has a small head, measuring 21½ about, and his brain is mostly developed in the practical and observing and the moral faculties.
“He is quite firm and independent, but lacks self-esteem; has no desire or ability to show off—is very retiring. He is steady, cool, and rather harmonious, but has only moderate destructiveness and combativeness. Hence he is mild, kindly, and genial, the ‘knotty’ and ‘quarrelsome’ points being weak.
“He would hurt even a burglar only in self-defence. He is in almost every respect—bodily and mentally—the very opposite of Peace, though this is not the time to give a phrenological description of that gentleman. Sheffielders are pleased with the captor of their chief ruffian—and he is pleased with the heartiness and kindliness of Sheffielders.”
EXTRAORDINARY COMMUNICATIONS.
Running away from Bannercross on the night of the murder, Peace accidentally or intentionally dropped a small bundle of notes and letters.
These were mentioned in the court of the proceedings at the trial, and they formed the subject of much of Mr. Clegg’s cross-examination in court. It is contended by Peace thet they were written to him by Mrs. Dyson. Mrs. Dyson, however, swears positively that they were not written by her, and that she never saw them until they were shown to her some time after they were found.
The theory of the prosecution was that the whole of the notes and letters were written by Peace for his own purpose. What those purposes were, of course can only be imagined.
It may have been to get Mrs. Dyson into his power. The notes were of an extraordinary character. Most of them were written in pencil on scraps of paper. As doubless this correspondence will be read with considerable interest, we give it in its entirety, following the spelling and other eccentricities of the writer:—
“Things are very bad for peple told him everything so the say you cat pick out for D. Do keep quiet, and don’t let anyone see you. Money send me some.
“Send me a drink. I am nearly dead.
“be quick * * you * * he is out now.
“he is out now so be quick fanny as * * * let us have a look at you.
“Will you send me a shilling or two and a drope and keep very quiet, be quick.
“Give it to me up in the garret but don’t talk for fear he is not going only his sister is coming, love to all.
“I will write you a note when I can perhaps to-morrow. You can give me something as a present if you like but I dont want to be covetous and take them from your wife and daughter.
“Mrs. Norton is raising hell about what I * * * * Could you settle it and send me a print that is I have and * * * * her to let me have a pint.
……he is gone out come now for I must have a drink.
“After he is going out I won’t go if I can help it so see for Janey.
“I have just run out of writing paper excuse the envelope. Many thanks for my book, don’t mind framing the picture, let them have it without, as I have nothing to say in the matter. I will thank your wife as soon as I get a chance to see her for her kind present, tell her so, with my love. I was very sorry to hear your quarling, hope it is all settled now—and * * * * having to hear the readings you should be quiet. You have a good wife, be kind to her. This was written yesterday, but could not see you.
“He won’t say when he is going. Not to-day anyhow he is not very well. I will write you when I have a chance and put you in the work * * * *
“He only went for tobacco and he has not been out. I shall tell you when he does. You must not say I am Dr. when I am not for I don’t thank you for you form that opinion. I shall go to Ireland if you don’t be—— I am washing to-day, so he won’t be out perhaps. Get me paper. Love.
“If you have a note for me send now while he is out, but you must not venture for he is watching, and you cant be too careful, hope your foot is better, he went to Sheffi yesterday but I could not see you anywhere were you out love to Ja.
“Have you got your handkerchief I lost mine * * pocket hank and gloves * * * * thanks for this money * * * must be careful and not show anything or I will let you starve.
“I think I will go by 9 o’clock now, you must not go by train, go by trem because he will go down with me don’t let him see anything. Meet me in the Wicker hope nothing will turn up to prevent it. Love to Janey.
“If you are not at home Janey will give you this do be careful you will get yourself into trouble about the empty house dont come until I tell you there is a man over the wall says he will give you hell now I tell you this as a friend so as you may be on the look out for your familyes.
“How well you never told that man. I looked at you out of the window. You left me to find out for myself, and would not put me on my guard, as I do yo you. Hope you won’t omit again. Don’t talk to Willie much, or give him any halfpegs. * * * * Don’t be a fool. It looks as if you want people to know the way you and——if you are not more careful we will have to say quits. I have told you not to say anything until * * * *
“Saturday Afternoon.
“I write you these few lines to thank you for all your kindness which I shall never forget from you and your wife she is a very good one does she know you are to give me the things or not how can you keep them concealed one thing I would wish you to do is to frame his mothers photo and send it in with my music book if you please do it when he is in. Many thanks for your kind advice I hope I shall benefit by it. I shall try to do right by everyone if I can and shall always look on you as a friend, good bye I have not much time, burn this when you read it.
“Dear sir,—Are you at home or not, for I can’t see you. I looked for you yesterday, when I went to Sheffield, but could not see you, and don’t like to send if you are not in, because I know Janey have not seen you all day; but he has not been out. You are getting very with old Ned; don’t blab anything to him, for it will be all over. Never speak of me. I will not send this till I know you are at home. Hope you are well, and don’t fret; but I will give you the wink when the coast is clear; but you must not take notice till I tell you or you will make a mess of it, because he is always on the look out. Don’t know when he will go out again, but will sure tell you. Love to G—— b——, burn this.
OTHER MURDERS BY PEACE.
TheSheffield Telegraphstated:—“‘Peace has committed many murders; he has done more than two, yes many!’
“Such were the words which fell from the lips of one who was placed in close communication with the convict, and who occupies a position which entitles his utterance to the fullest credence. We may go further and say that there is ample testimony that Peace has indeed pursued a career even more bloodstained than has yet been made known to the public, and that could he have been prevailed upon to state the whole of the fouler crimes that he has committed, there would indeed be a category so revolting that the community would scarcely believe such outrages could have been perpetrated, and the chief actor in them have escaped so long.
“He has not alone taken human life, in order to escape arrest, but he has taken it that he might effect robbery. Peace had accomplices in these deeds. There are those living who know, not only of their execution, but also of the planning of them, and have had a hand in the foul transaction.
“A statement like the foregoing is startling, but we have good grounds for saying that subsequent events will prove the truthfulness of them. It is also stated on high authority that more than one person is in prison suffering for the misdeeds of this man.
“We announced on the 11th instant that Peace had told his family on the previous day that one young man had already served seven years in penal servitude, having been respited after being condemned to death for wilful murder.
“We are told that Peace still holds to the statement, and says he will give such evidence as will clear the man. He gives further a strong intimation that he himself did the deed. The murder was committed at the close of 1871 or in 1872.
“We are also informed that on one occasion Peace premeditated a jewellery robbery in Chelsea, and that in order to carry it out he associated himself with a female paramour, who obeyed his instructions. This woman of set purpose sought the friendship of the jeweller, and became intimate with him, and on the night of the burglary assisted the chief actor in it.
“The jeweller offered a resistance, and was murdered, no person ever being convicted of the crime. The authorities are already using every means at their disposal for the discovery of Peace’s principal movements during the past three years, and the recovery of some of the property stolen might lead to results of enormous consequence as affecting this revelation. There is now proof in hand that it was not with the bullet alone that Peace sent some of his victims on their last journey.
“It will be remembered that, when he was finally captured, a large knife was found in his possession, but on that occasion he never had the opportunity of using it. However, information has been given that on another occasion, whilst he was engaged in committing a robbery, he was surprised by a man, when he drew a knife from the pocket where he always kept it and stabbed his would-be captor.
“After that he gave the poor fellow a heavy downward blow with the weapon, and inflicted a wound from which the bowels protruded, and which ultimately caused the death of the victim. We have ground for stating also that more than one of his victims has been thrown into the Thames, although the murders have not taken place on its banks, if near to them.
“The convict has made use of certain expressions which leave no doubt that the worst part of his criminal career dates more than ten years back, probably fifteen, and though he is reticent on this point, it is believed that one of the greatest reasons for his disquietude of mind is the knowledge that more than one has suffered innocently because of his misdeeds.
“He has yet to state, should he carry out the intentions he has expressed, whether or not anyone has suffered on the gallows for murder done by him, and from the peculiar manner in which he has dealt with this subject it is feared that such is the case.
“It is thought also that the convict will throw some light on several tragedies in which he had not been personally concerned, but of which he has had a guilty knowledge. Should he do so—and it is a certainty he can if he likes—more tales of horror will be revealed, and some who are at liberty now will have to succumb to their merited fate.
“Allusion was made to the fact that Peace had accomplices in his crimes, and that they had a guilty knowledge of murder and of robberies which he committed. He has, however, gone even further.
“This week he made use of these extraordinary words: ‘Yes, it was known what I was doing and what I have done, and before I die I will tell something and prove it too, which will show who knew.
“‘Before I die I will make a revelation which will show what one man is, and it will place in the dock a man who occupies a far higher post than ever Micklejohn or Druscovitoh did. Palmer never did anything like it.’
“Beyond the facts above recorded, we have further ground for saying that Peace was concerned in the Portland-street murder, London, when it will be remembered that a French lady, named Madame Riel, was found lying in a cupboard in her house having had her brains half knocked out. The unfortunate woman had also a thick rope entwined round her neck.
“The murder had been committed in the coal cellar, and the lady had been dragged upstairs to the cupboard, where her body lay all day, until it was found by her daughter and others.
“The cook, a Frenchwoman, absconded to Paris with some of Madame Riel’s diamonds, and was apprehended inSt.Denis by Druscovitch, the London detective, and some of the French gendarmerie.
“It then transpired that she had not committed the murder of her mistress alone, but was helped by more than one.
“Before the day of his execution, it is confidently believed that he will make such disclosures as will throw even the above revolting confessions into the shade.”
TheManchester Evening Newsis responsible for the following story, which, whatever may be said of the facts it narrates, either does not relate to Peace, or is altogether mistaken as to time. Four years ago Peace, as is perfectly well known, was living in Scotland-street, whence, in the beginning of 1875, he removed to Darnall.
We have previously stated that when the transference of his picture-frame making business from Kenyon-alley to West-street proved a failure, he and his family went to live in Manchester, but that was in 1866, and he had not been there a fortnight before he was caught robbing a house, and was sentenced to eight years’ penal servitude:—
“As our readers are well aware, Charles Peace, the man condemned to death for the Bannercross murder, on more than one occasion plied his many vocations in Manchester and the neighbourhood. From inquiries made in Levenshulme, it transpires that the notorious criminal resided in that pleasant suburb about four years ago.
“He stayed there only three months, and after he left the many freaks he committed gradually faded from the memory of the local residents. However, not many days ago a policeman took a photograph of Peace to the locality, and many tradesmen at once recognised him as the man who had formerly lived amongst them. In fact, he had for the time been quite a favourite in the district, and was well known to most of the inhabitants.
“He rented a small detached house called ‘Olave Cottage,’ in Rushford Park, which he had fairly well furnished. He gave his name as ‘Mr. Thompson,’ and he was accompanied by a woman who is supposed to be Mrs. Peace.
“He was never idle and always had some project on foot. He was constantly painting his cottage, and he took such trouble with the work that the neighbours took it for granted that he meant to remain there at least for some years.
“He was very affable and obliging to everybody, and was, until he decamped without paying his accounts, a great favourite with the tradesmen. To ladies he was especially polite and attentive. To every woman he met in a shop, he said, ‘good morning’ in the most agreeable tones, but usually accompanied his attentions by a wink at the shopman. He obtained considerable notoriety by his skill in contorting his features and assuming the appearance of a cripple. Subsequently he was known to have been the ‘Burnage Bogie,’ an apparition that had scared many people in Burnage-lane, and made numerous folks afraid to use that thoroughfare after nightfall.
At the same time it is somewhat novel to learn that he was never suspected of committing any robbery, nor has it been proved that he gave effect to his thieving propensity in the neighbourhood. If he did carry on any ‘business’ of that nature he certainly was never mistrusted on that ground, and even now not the slightest accusation is made against him on that score.
“Ostensibly he earned his livelihood as an acrobat, and was, we are informed, engaged at the Abbey Hey Grounds. In this capacity he was considered to be exceedingly clever, and our informant assures us that he could throw fifty-six pound weights about like pounds of sugar. He likewise performed publicly on the violin, and was regarded by the frequenters of the grounds as an able musician.
“As we have said, he was much esteemed whilst he lived as Levenshulme, owing chiefly to his unbounded spirits and his witticisms. He was respected as an honest, straightforward man, and no one anticipated that he would disappear so suddenly without paying sundry bills, and least of all was it thought that he would turn out to be one of the most remarkable criminals with which this country has become acquainted for many years.”
PEACE’S AGE.
One of the most curious things about the personality of Peace is the conflict between his appearance and his age. He has been almost invariably spoken of as an old man, and no one seeing him could for a moment suppose that the age we have previously given, on the authority of the police notice issued after the Bannercross affair, is the correct one. That notice spoke of him as then forty-six years of age, but as looking ten years older. We have reason to believe that he is even now (two years afterwards) only forty-six, and will not be forty-seven until May next. He was born on the 14th of May, 1832, and it may, perhaps, be a convenience if we give the cardinal points of his career in brief chronological form:—