The "Dear Boss" Letter
The "Dear Boss" letter was a letter which was sent from the killer himself, he sent it to the Central News Agency London. People believed he had sent it to the Central News Agency London so that people around the world would get scared and frightened of him. Some also thought it was actually written by journalist so that they could finally have some to say on the news about the Ripper. It was dated on the letter as the 25th September 1888, but it arrived at the Central News Agency London on the 27th of September 1888. It was written in red ink, covering both sides of the paper and was followed by a post-script written in red pencil or crayon. The envelope was addressed to 'The Boss, Central News Office, London City', was postmarked 'SP 27 88' and was posted from 'London EC'. The letter was not the first missive claiming to be from the killer. A letter dated 24th Sept was received earlier by Sir Charles Warren - see 24 September Letter). It was initially treated as a joke, but was passed on to Scotland Yard on 29th September with a covering note from Thomas Bulling of the Central News Agency:
The editor presents his compliments to Mr. Williamson & begs to inform him the enclosed was sent the Central News two days ago, & was treated as a joke.
On 1st October 1888, the day after the murders of Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes, the Daily Telegraph published a transcription of the letter. The same day, the Central News Agency received a postcard which refered to both the double murder and the 'Dear Boss' letter. The letter mentioned clipping the next victim's ears off and Catherine Eddowes' ear had been cut may have given some impetus to the need to give the letter some careful consideration:
It was of course treated as the work of a practical joker, but it is singular to note that the latest murders have been committed within a few days of the receipt of the letter; that apparently in the case of the last victim the murderer made an attempt to cut off the ears...
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The editor presents his compliments to Mr. Williamson & begs to inform him the enclosed was sent the Central News two days ago, & was treated as a joke.
On 1st October 1888, the day after the murders of Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes, the Daily Telegraph published a transcription of the letter. The same day, the Central News Agency received a postcard which refered to both the double murder and the 'Dear Boss' letter. The letter mentioned clipping the next victim's ears off and Catherine Eddowes' ear had been cut may have given some impetus to the need to give the letter some careful consideration:
It was of course treated as the work of a practical joker, but it is singular to note that the latest murders have been committed within a few days of the receipt of the letter; that apparently in the case of the last victim the murderer made an attempt to cut off the ears...
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25 Sept 1888
Dear Boss,
I keep on hearing the police have caught me but they wont fix me just yet. I have laughed when they look
so clever and talk about being on the right track. That joke about Leather Apron gave me real fits. I am down on whores and
I shant quit ripping them till I do get buckled. Grand work the last job was. I gave the lady no time to squeal. How can they
catch me now. I love my work and want to start again. You will soon hear of me with my funny little games. I saved some
of the proper red stuff in a ginger beer bottle over the last job to write with but it went thick like glue and I cant use it. Red
ink is fit enough I hope ha. ha. The next job I do I shall clip the ladys ears off and send to the police officers just for jolly
wouldn't you. Keep this letter back till I do a bit more work, then give it out straight. My knife's so nice and sharp I want to
get to work right away if I get a chance. Good Luck. Yours truly
Jack the Ripper
Dont mind me giving the trade name
PS Wasnt good enough to post this before I got all the red ink off my hands curse it No luck yet. They say I'm a doctor now. ha ha