A Ripper in 1869?

by **Karen** Sun 4 Sep 2011 - 9:20

MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT ISLINGTON.

On Sunday night a brown-paper parcel was picked up in the front garden of a house in Elmore street, Islington, and, on its being examined, it was found to contain a human foot, wrapped in a piece of the Echo newspaper, dated February 22. There was also enclosed a letter of extraordinary character, written in a good business-like hand, but showing apparent signs that the writer was at the time labouring under excitement. The parcel and its contents were handed to a policeman and conveyed to the Islington police station. Inspector Tayler then took the matter in hand, and communicated with Dr. Buckle, the divisional surgeon, who, on examining the foot, declared it to be that of a female. It has been cut off at the ankle, and bears signs of having been "hacked." Inspector Tayler and his staff have been engaged in making every possibly inquiry into the matter, and as yet he has failed to lay hold of the slightest clue to the mystery. The following is a copy of the letter found in the parcel: -

"Sunday. - My dearest Lizzie, - I have sent the foot by Williams for your disposal; so be secret, as he knows nothing of the contents of the parcel. If you will bury it where we arranged, we shall, I hope, hear no more of it. If we can only get rid of the parts that I have here it will be a good riddance. My conscience feels so heavy, and I feel so unhappy, that, were it not for your sake, I would, I think, confess everything. You know, were it not for that affair, it would not have happened. We have only one to fear. I need not mention names, as you know too well whom I mean. They say women cannot keep a secret; but I know from experience that statement is false as far as you are concerned, and that anything that would hurt me would never fall from your lips. Be sure and dispose of the contents of the parcel as soon as you get it, and believe me, dearest lamb, yours sincerely, GEORGE."

The foot is supposed by medical men to have been preserved for some little time; but it is still in a perfect state.

Source: Illustrated Times, June 5, 1869