The ''From Hell'' Letter

By Crusader1307

In keeping with the up-coming Halloween Traditions that you, My Readers,  may or may not celebrate (in some form), I am including this little story of one of my very favorites from Crime History -  the infamous Fiend of Whitechapel...none other than Yours, Truly...Jack The Ripper (note how I included as many Penny Dreadful -  titles as possible !)

All joking aside, the unknown figure of Jack The Ripper has possibly sparked more fear and interest than any known figure of the genre (from my point of view). Although not as prolific a killer as MANY future psychopaths, Jack The Ripper's murders of 5 known Prostitutes were so horrific in style and execution that it was almost unheard of. Certainly, London in the late 19th Century (especially in the slums of what Charles Dickens called Downcast London) - was a violent and dangerous place. The living conditions and social disorder (as well as the massive split between classes)  caused excessive crimes and uprisings/riots (further alienating the Lower Class from The Upper Class). Into this fertile breeding ground of misery, it is quite possible for a Jack to be born (or thrive). While MANY theories and suspects have been advanced over the 100 odd years since The Ripper walked the foggy streets of The Whitechapel District of London, England. We will never really know the ACTUAL killer's identity (we all have favorites in The Ripperologist Community, to be sure).

One of my favorites in the Casebook of evidence regarding ''Saucy Jack'' (as he was also known as), is the infamous ''From Hell'' Letter. More of a small note and postcard -  this quick missive was accompanied by a small box - which held a small piece of partially eaten human kidney! Sent on October 15th, 1888 to Mr. George Lusk of The Whitechapel Vigilance Committee (a Radical and Anarchal Group - pledged to do what The Police could not - namely, catch Jack!). While MANY of the so-called Ripper Letters to local Newspapers have by and large been denounced as frauds, this one is much more intriguing. While most of the other letters and notes specifically identify the writer as Jack The Ripper , the  From Hell letter does not. The language syntax used is also in keeping with what we perceive to be Jack's psyche. Finally, and most  damning (if you will) evidence,  is the piece of human kidney. It is known that one of Jack's victims  - Catherine Eddowes, had one of her Kidneys removed (during one of Jack's bizarre sadistic rituals). The kidney that accompanied the note was fresh, did belong to a female and could very well have been hers! Unfortunately the note and kidney disappeared shortly after they had been turned over to London Police. Fortunately for posterity, a well thinking Constable photographed the letter. I have provided you, my curious Readers - an photo of that exact letter from Jack (as well as an exact word per word translation)  for your late night pleasure!

From hell

Mr Lusk

sSor

I send you half the

Kidne I took from one women

prasarved it for you tother pirce

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 Lusk