ODNB |
Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. |
POB |
The Proceedings of the Old Bailey. |
TNA |
The National Archives (Kew, London). |
Reports in the Proceedings of the Old Bailey are shown in the following format: ‘POB – 1893, Smith testimony’.
(The published proceedings were, contrary to what we might expect, neither complete nor very accurate. In most cases, supplementary information from newspapers is given with a separate reference.)
Other hearings are described in line with the following example: ‘Bankruptcy hearing – 1893, Wells testimony’.
9–10See notes for Chapter 15.
11 For general background information on Charles Jeremiah Wells, see Tatchell, and Johnston.
‘While the bees … fishing.’ – The Academy, 19 April 1879, p.350.
Birth record, Charles Jeremiah Wells – London Parish Records, www.ancestry.co.uk.
‘Sparkling … humour’ – ‘Rossetti & Charles Wells’ (essay by Theodore Watts-Dunton in foreword to Wells, C. J., pp.xliv–xlv).
Friendship with Keats – Tatchell, pp.7–8.
12 ‘But when, O Wells … unquell’d’ – ‘To a friend who sent me some roses’ in Keats, p.135.
Plays trick on Tom Keats – Johnston, pp.79–80.
Blamed for Tom’s death – Johnston, p.80.
‘That degraded Wells … possibly can’ – Johnston, p.80.
‘I wrote it … fault.’ – Johnston, p.81.
‘… Used to get very drunk together’ – Wu, p.217; Encyclopedia Britannica (11th Edition).
‘Boarding and day school’ – Hertfordshire Directory 1838.
13 ‘Would have been a really good … was up …’ – Retold by Richard Hengist Horne in The Academy, 19 April 1879, p.349.
James Deville – 1841 census, www.ancestry.co.uk.
Wells overseer and Deville warden – Broxbourne Parish Records (Hertfordshire Archives).
14 Rev. Francis Thackeray was the uncle of writer William Makepeace Thackeray
Family details Civil and Parish Records – www.findmypast.co.uk and www.ancestry.co.uk (see also family tree, p.7).
Britain’s first census. To be precise, earlier censuses had been held, but this was the first to record individual names and personal details.
Servants – some individuals listed appear not to be family members, and are almost certainly servants.
List of goods to be sold – Hertford Mercury & Reformer, 12 June 1841.
16 ‘It is probable … over people’ – Tatchell, p.14.
‘He had only … anything’ – Johnston, p.77 (F.N.).
‘I cannot recall … poets.’ – ‘Rossetti & Charles Wells’ (essay by Theodore Watts-Dunton in foreword to Wells, C. J., pp.lvii–lviii).
16–7Census, 1841 (France) – Quimper Archives. A law of 18 February 1809 decreed that at 16 years of age novices could, with their parents’ consent, take their vows and join for one year (Art. 7). At 21 they could join for five years (Art. 8).
17 Letter ‘W’ in French. The Nouveau Dictionnaire de la Langue Française shows only five words beginning with ‘W’: Wagon, Whig, Whisky, Whist and Wiski. The first four are all English loan-words. The fifth denotes a type of horse-drawn vehicle. ‘W’ does occur in some French place names, usually those of Flemish origin, such as Wimereux and Wissant.
18 ‘A most dangerous … person.’ – Johnston, p.77.
Marseille as world’s third largest port: London and Liverpool were the largest.
20 His marriage and the birth of Marie Antoinette de Ville-Wells – marriage and birth records, Marseille Archives.
22 Messageries Maritimes – the original ‘messageries’ were a network of stagecoaches which served the whole of France. The advent of railways forced this organisation to move into another market sector, that of shipping.
Compagnie Fraissinet – Wikipedia article, ‘Fraissinet’. Applies for French and British patents – the invention was patented in France (No. 83,451) in December 1868, and in Britain (No. 3200) in November 1869.
Wells works for Branicki – POB 1893, Jartoux testimony. See also Magocsi, p.348, and Wikipedia (France) for articles on Branicki and on Bila Tserkva.
Henry Jartoux – he always used the English spelling – Henry (not Henri).
Engineer at lead mine – POB 1893, Jartoux testimony. Most of the lead imported into France came via Marseille: nearly all of it was from Spain. It may be significant that Henry Jartoux had lived in Spain in the mid-1870s, and in Armenia, which is also a lead-producing area. A figure of 1,000fr. per month is quoted in the official record as Wells’ salary, but this must be an error: 1,000fr. per year would be a typical figure.
23 ‘Hygienic ice-cooled jug’ – French patent No. 121,894.
Showgrounds, extent and location – The site was immediately opposite where the Eiffel Tower now stands (it was built nine years afterwards for a subsequent exposition); and The Engineer, 1 March 1878, p.148.
Telephone, phonograph, refrigerator etc. – Jones, p.385. See also Wikipedia article on the exposition.
Visits Paris c.1878–79 – POB 1893, Jartoux testimony.
Boilers, engines, etc. – The Engineer, 10 May 1878, p.321.
24 Mother dies – death records, Marseille Archives. The ‘large house’ at 2 Montée des Oblats is still in existence.
Burns unpublished works – ODNB, entry for Charles Jeremiah Wells.
References to Milton and Shakespeare – Johnston, p.86.
‘For a brief period … poet.’ – ODNB, Charles Jeremiah Wells.
25 ‘I have the first … one year.’ – Quoted in Tatchell, pp.16–17.
Death of Charles Jeremiah Wells – death records, Marseille Archives.
Inventions – drill bit and advertisement hoarding – French patents Nos 127,840 and 127,841 respectively.
Avenue des Tilleuls – since renamed Avenue Zola.
‘The application … signs.’ – French Patent No. 147,074.
26 Branicki background – La Grande Encyclopédie. See also Wikipedia (France) article on Branicki and on the Crédit Foncier.
28 ‘From the information … instead.’ – Le Temps, 9 February 1882.
28–9 Charles Jeremiah Wells requests loan – British Library manuscripts ref. RP 794 (R. H. Horne).
‘He had no industry … or others.’ – Ibid.
Horne’s loan to C.J. Wells – Johnston, p.83.
‘The loss … time forward.’ – British Library manuscripts ref. RP 794 (R. H. Horne).
29 ‘Nothing is more … create confusion.’ – Le Capitaliste, 15 February 1882.
Banque des Arts et Manufactures – Archives Commerciales de la France, 18 June 1882.
Patent applications – French Patent Nos 147,636; 147,671; 147,672. These were granted in March 1882.
30 ‘To publish such … arrangements.’ – Le Capitaliste, 25 July 1882.
‘which is published … experience.’ – Le Figaro, 29 July 1882.
‘magnificent apartment’ – La Justice, 15 December 1892.
Simon Philippart background – La Grande Encyclopédie.
31 ‘The biggest and most healthy’ – publicity poster for Berck-sur-Mer (c.1880).
‘A drive of about … discomfort.’ – Pall Mall Gazette, 8 September 1882.
Ship’s captain buys shares – Le Gaulois, 22 December 1882.
Newspaper expresses doubt – Le Capitaliste, 14 February 1883.
Arrest of Philippart – Le Figaro, 5 April 1883; Le Journal de Fourmies, 10 May 1883.
Charles Deville Wells disappears – Gil Blas, 21 January 1912.
32 Philippart bankrupt – Journal des Finances, 9 February 1884.
‘Misuse of funds’ – the expression used in French is abus de confiance, sometimes translated as ‘theft by bailee’.
18 Walker Terrace – the address given on British patent applications 1730–1733 of 1885.
‘About £8,000 … ships &c.’; and paper manufacturing – Bankruptcy hearing, 1893, reported in The Times, 13 July 1893, Wells testimony.
33 Millbay Station, Brunel’s railway etc. – see Wikipedia article, Millbay Station.
Number of patent applications – Intellectual Property Office. See www.gov.uk.
36 ‘Nearly 100 patents’ and ‘practically exhausted his funds’ – Morning Post, 12 July 1893. The actual number was probably in the region of 70.
Wells’ wife and daughter leave him – Petit Parisien, 15 November 1912.
37 Wells lives in Fenchurch Street – Bow Street hearing, 1893, opening statements by C. Gill (prosecution lawyer).
Charles Jeremiah Wells’ office in Fenchurch Street – his last entry at this address is in the Law List of 1831. 53 Charlotte Street was the address given on some patent applications (for example the musical skipping rope of December 1887). The street has since been renamed Hallam Street. It is not the same as the present-day Charlotte Street, which lies further to the east. It is not known for certain whether he actually resided here, or whether it was a business address (see Bankruptcy, 1893, Official Receiver’s statement, which states that he did live there). The status of the area is confirmed by the Booth Poverty Map 1898–99.
38 Vaughan says he started in May or June, but does not specify the year. It is most likely to have been 1887 – POB, 1893, Vaughan testimony (see also The Times, 15 February 1893).
39 Vaughan’s family – various birth, marriage and death records and census records (www.ancestry.co.uk, www.findmypast.co.uk, www.freebmd.org.uk etc.).
Vaughan paid 7s 6d, works for Wells for several years – POB, 1893, Vaughan testimony (see also The Standard, 16 February 1893).
Patents – information from applications as follows: Goad (No. 4627, 1887); Pickburn (No. 6108, 1888); Drake-Brockman (No. 6110, 1888); Churchill-Shann (No. 13626, 1888).
40 Musical skipping rope – Some other accounts say that the patent sold for £20, e.g. Reynold’s Newspaper, 29 January 1893.
Eschen’s background/starts work for Wells – POB, 1893, Eschen testimony.
‘Small business premises’ – POB, 1893, Trench testimony.
‘Always busy … a hardworking man’ – POB, 1893, Eschen testimony.
40–1 Wells visits Eschen at home/people came to see models – POB, 1893, Langford testimony.
41 Loom-picking mechanism and inkstand – Patent Nos. 9758 and 13627 (both 1888) and Bow Street, 1893, Blake testimony.
Costs of models – POB, 1893, Eschen testimony.
Statistics on newspapers – May’s British & Irish Press Guide and Advertiser’s Handbook & Dictionary, 1889.
Prices of newspapers – Ibid.
42 Dr White invests in arc light/considers Wells ‘honest but poor’ – POB, 1893, White testimony.
Dr White receives reference, sends money – Leeds Times, 4 March 1893.
43 Emily Forrester’s dealings with Wells – Yorkshire Evening Post, 31 March 1892.
44 ‘Four Hundred Pounds’ – Advertisement from Morning Post, 9 September 1889.
Advertising costs – Bow Street and POB, 1893, Young testimony.
44–5 Investment suitable for a lady – Daily News, 25 January 1893.
45 Sir Walter Phillimore background – ODNB.
Catherine Mary Phillimore background – Kirk, p.1231.
45–6 Letter, Wells to Phillimore, reproduced in Truth, 27 February 1890.
46 Gains in efficiency of steam engines – Geels, pp.131–32; Smith, E. C., p.174.
47 Phillimore family owns land in Kensington – Abinger, pp.89–90.
Sir Walter Phillimore’s estate – ODNB.
48 Baroness Orczy at 162 Great Portland Street – Dugan, p.39 F.N.
‘Gold Mine’ – Advertisement from The Standard, 15 March 1889.
49 ‘Offers the patent for security’ – Manchester Evening News, 29 February 1893.
49–50 Miss Budd’s dealings with Wells; ‘scrapes together’ money – Ibid.
50 Dr White’s further dealings with Wells; contacts police – Morning Post, 1 March 1893.
50–1 Labouchère’s background – Wikipedia articles, Labouchère and Truth.
‘Armed at all points … no terrors.’ – Lancashire Evening Post, 6 December 1892.
51 ‘It costs only £1 … “let Wells alone.”’ – Truth, 27 February 1890.
‘I never expose … in future.’ – Truth, 6 March 1890.
‘So much frightened … had expired.’; ‘I hear, however … public.’ – Truth, 13 March 1890.
51–2 ‘Not upon any account … attention.’ – Truth, 27 March 1890.
52 Wells following story – this issue of Truth was found at his premises by Inspector Richards of Scotland Yard.
53 ‘Speedily realise her desire.’ – Morning Post, 25 January 1893.
‘Twenty-Five Thousand Pounds.’ – Advertisement from The Times, 28 November and 2 December 1890.
53–4 Letter and other material sent by Wells to Trench – The Standard, 15 February 1893.
54 ‘When a man saw … anxious.’ – Ibid.
Further correspondence between Wells and Trench – Ibid.
55 ‘Money Makes Money’ – Advertisement from The Times, 24 November 1890.
‘Thirty Thousand Pounds’ – Advertisement from The Times, 6 and 7 February 1891.
Further negotiations between Wells and Trench – The Standard, 15 February 1893.
Patents for steam engines – Nos 637; 1,044; 2,352 (all 1891).
Patent for galvanic batteries – No. 884 of 1891.
Patent for ‘motive power from exhaust …’ – No. 4,563 of 1891.
56 Proportion of patents completed overall – Encyclopedia Britannica, 1911.
‘A pretty pouting mouth’ – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser, 27 January 1912.
‘An artist’s model from Chelsea’ – Graves, p.90.
57 ‘Little ladies’ – Gil Blas, 9 May 1911.
Wells reports on business in France; Trench makes further investment – The Standard, 15 February 1893.
Franco-Belgian company etc. – Ibid.
Meeting between Wells and Trench – Ibid.
57–8 Wells states he will form one large company. Thibaud president – Ibid.
58 I went on board … see them.’ And ‘I was satisfied … the trip.’ – POB, 1893. Trench testimony; see also The Times, 13 March 1893.
Wells informs Trench about new company, agrees to take him to France – The Standard, 15 February 1893.
59 ‘Fifty Thousand Pounds’ – Advertisement from The Times, 21 April 1891.
154–156 Great Portland Street – this address is confirmed in British Phone Books 1891 (www.ancestry.co.uk).
‘nicely painted … appearance’ – POB, 1893, Richards testimony.
Price of lease and ongoing rent – Bow Street, 1893, Trench testimony. This statement incorrectly refers to Great Titchfield Street, but at this date it is obvious that Great Portland Street was what Wells had intended to say.
All details of yachts from Lloyd’s Register of Yachts, 1890–93 and additional details Bankruptcy, 1893 (hearing of 13 July).
Debt on a boat, £600 – Freeman’s Journal (Dublin), 4 April 1893.
60 ‘When people came … did not.’ – POB, 1893, Eschen testimony.
Vergis’ criminal record – Vergis’ Trial, POB, hearings of 27 June 1887; 24 October 1887.
History of Tycho Brahe; routes and size of vessel – Lloyd’s Register of Shipping. See also Heaton, p.110.
60–1£3,500 paid for Palais Royal – Bankruptcy, 1893, Wells’ statement of affairs (read out at initial hearing).
‘Seventy-Five Pounds.’ – Advertisement from The Times, 27 July 1891.
Information generally on Monte Carlo and the casino – see Bethell; Corti; Dumont; Fielding; Graves; Herald and Radin; Kingston; Polovtsoff; Silberer; and Smith, A.
63 ‘As gorgeous … make it’ – The Times, 11 April 1879.
‘Dazzling place … mirrors.’ Twain, p.92.
Description of roulette table – Silberer, p.32.
64 ‘With a recklessness … capital.’ – Kingston, p.164.
Behaviour of onlookers – Dumont, especially pp.283–87.
64–5 ‘The worst thing … win too much.’ – Herald and Radin, p.69.
65 Oppressive, stuffy atmosphere – The Times, 11 April 1879.
Camille Blanc watches through spyhole – website of the Monte Carlo Casino, www.casinodemonaco.com (retrieved August 2014).
65–9 History and background of Blanc and the casino generally – see Corti.
67 Prince Bonaparte’s win – Corti, pp.93–99.
Garcia’s win – Corti, pp.112–21.
Cash reserve at table – according to The Big Wheel (Herald and Radin, p.69) each table’s reserve was 100,000fr. at the time of Wells’ 1891 visit. It is believed that this figure applied to the trente et quarante tables, while 50,000fr. is more likely to have been the equivalent for the roulette tables. (Apparently, the present casino administration no longer has records which might further clarify this point.)
Blanc invents ceremony; ‘breaking the bank’ – Smith, A., p.370.
‘Only one visitor … five francs.’ – Corti, p.154.
68 Contract between Prince of Monaco and Blanc, and payments to principality – Fielding, p.89.
Share structure of ‘Sea-bathing Company’ – Smith, A., p.306.
69 Restructuring of ‘Sea-bathing Company’; Blanc family owns 87 per cent – Smith, A., p.306.
70 Distinguished visitors to the casino – The Times, 5 February 1883 and 23 January 1889.
‘The harm this attractive … to do so.’ – Queen Victoria’s journal, RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W), 30 March 1882 (Princess Beatrice’s copies).
‘Bertie’ criticised in Press – The Times, 10 June 1891.
‘Another victim … critical condition.’ – The Times, 8 December 1890.
71 Sarah Bernhardt suicide attempt – Sharpe, p.88.
Payments for ‘publicity’ – The Times, 4 November 1890.
The Prince returns flowers – Pall Mall Gazette, 12 August 1891.
‘I’d shut it up … the place.’ – Edwards, p.166.
71–2 Possible closure of casino – a new version of this story had surfaced only a few days before Charles Wells’ visit (The Star [Jersey], 18 July 1891). Had the prince chosen to shut down the casino in the past, Blanc could have mounted a challenge in the French courts. But in 1891 France had announced – after years of legal and diplomatic wrangling – that it had withdrawn all claims to jurisdiction over Monaco. Hence any legal action for breaching the contract would have taken place in a Monaco court where, in theory, the prince had absolute power.
72 ‘He who breaks the bank … break him.’ – Kingston, p.174.
Wells wins £10,000, first day – Graves, p.89.
Wells wins £40,000 during stay – POB, 1893, Trench testimony. Wells told Trench he had won this amount. Other versions state that he won £32,000 on this trip and £28,000 on the next – Dundee Courier & Argus, 10 November 1891.
‘The owners … Hospital.’ – Bendigo Advertiser, 7 August 1891. This report is headed, ‘Telegraphic News – By Submarine Cable – Reuter’s Agency’. See also Aberdeen Weekly Journal, 7 August 1891.
73 ‘Gambling at Monte Carlo … same time.’ – The Times, 1 August 1891.
73–4 ‘Monte Carlo … success.’ – The Times, 3 August 1891.
74 ‘Was surrounded … transactions.’ – Morning Post, 3 August 1891.
77 ‘Couldn’t have got through … turned up.’ – The Times, 10 March 1893.
‘My loan of £6,000 … again.’ – POB, 1893, Phillimore testimony.
78 ‘The advertisement I answered … Monte Carlo.’ – POB, 1893, Trench testimony.
Wells’ letter to Trench – POB, 1893, Trench testimony; and The Times, 14 February 1893.
Left Monte Carlo to work on invention – The Times, 15 February 1893.
‘I sent him no money … with.’ – Bow Street, 1893, Trench testimony; and The Standard, 15 February 1893.
78–9 Large bank deposits – Bow Street, 1893, Green testimony.
79 Recipients forward letters to Truth magazine – Truth, 19 November 1891 and 27 October 1892.
Wells engages Captain Smith – POB, 1893, Smith testimony.
79–80 Captain Smith background – Lloyd’s Captains Register (London Metropolitan Archives); see also Masters’ and Mates’ Certificates (www.ancestry.co.uk).
Smith’s views, ‘a mug’ would spend so much but ship seaworthy – Bow Street, 1893, Smith testimony.
Wells renames the Tycho Brahe – the new name was not officially registered with the Board of Trade until June 1892, TNA, BT 110/62/63.
The Palais Royal in Paris, background – Corti, p.29.
John J. Marks had premises at 42 Grafton Street, Queen’s Dock. (Gore’s Directory of Liverpool, 1892.)
Wells and Marks on telephone – www.ancestry.co.uk (British Phone Books, 1891, London, Liverpool)
81 Description of Palais Royal – Bow Street, 1893, Smith testimony.
4,000 yacht owners – see Lloyd’s Register of Yachts, 1892. The population of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, 1891, is stated to be 37,880,764 in Whitaker’s Almanac, 1941.
82 Wells did not drink alcohol – Bow Street, 1893, Smith testimony.
The account of Wells’ November 1891 visit to Monte Carlo is based principally on The Times, 6 November and 9 November 1891; see also Pall Mall Gazette, 9 November 1891.
83 Prince allows casino to continue in return for financial aid – Edwards, p.166.
84 ‘An excited crowd … 250,000f.’ – The Times, 6 November 1891.
‘Mr. “Bonne-Chance Wells” … Place du Casino.’ – Pall Mall Gazette, 9 November 1891.
Play on Saturday (7 November) – Fielding, p.94.
‘All this naturally … enemy.’ – Pall Mall Gazette, 9 November 1891.
85 ‘Because the physical … win again.’ – Ibid.
‘After watching … every coup.’ – The Times, 9 November 1891.
85–6 Wells’ comments to reporter: pestered for loans; dowry; woman demands return of money; house always wins against ordinary gamblers – Ibid.
86 New salon opens after decorations completed – The Times, 31 October 1891.
‘Rush to Monte Carlo … 2,000 francs.’ – Edinburgh Evening News, 18 November 1891.
87 ‘The hotels … season.’ – Hull Daily Mail, 30 November 1891.
Wells wins 70,000fr. on 5 November – The Times, 6 November 1891.
‘If it is worth … after year?’ – Truth, 5 November 1891.
‘Of a far worse … Wells.’ – Truth, 19 November 1891.
‘The Nice correspondent … system.’ – Truth, 12 November 1891.
88 Evening News exposes Wells – ‘Wells of Monte Carlo … my Wells.’ – Truth, 3 December 1891.
‘Mr. Charles Hill Wells … lost it all?’ – Western Mail, 21 November 1891.
Letters to Miss Phillimore – Morning Post, 25 January 1893.
88–9 Visit beginning 7 January – The section on this visit to Monte Carlo by Wells is largely based on The Standard (London), 9 January 1892.
89 Wife and daughter present – Bankruptcy hearings, 1893, Wells’ testimony reported in The Times, 13 July 1893, and Western Gazette, 14 July 1893.
The modern spelling is Saint-Roch (no ‘e’).
‘With a big pile of notes’ and ‘Every movement … interest.’ – The Standard, 9 January 1892.
Camille Blanc as chef de partie – Herald and Radin, p.71.
‘Mr Wells started … pounds.’ – The Standard, 9 January 1892.
‘Before the dinner … building.’ – Ibid.
90 ‘He has several … at the tables.’ – The Standard, 11 January 1892.
Loss of £3,000 to £4,000 because wife and daughter distracted him – Bankruptcy hearings, 1893, Wells’ testimony.
90–1 The return of Mr Hill Wells … year by year.’ – The Times, 11 January 1892.
91 ‘Was confined … menu card’ – Kingston, p.168.
91–2 Fred Gilbert background – Baker, p.235. However, this source erroneously gives the district of Gilbert’s death as ‘Eltham’ (London), whereas it was in fact Elham (Kent).
92 ‘[I] liked the tune … Hoxton.’ – Coborn, p.227.
Coborn buys rights to song – Coborn, pp.227–28.
94 ‘The supreme compliment’ – Graves, pp.91–2. See also POB, 1893, Gill’s closing speech. ‘He was now known everywhere, even on the street organ, as “the man who broke the bank at Monte Carlo”.’
Coborn introduces the song – The Era, 13 February 1892 (however, Coborn himself said that he thought he first sang it in late 1891 – Coborn, p.228).
94–5 Discussion between Wells and Miss Phillimore. She sends £1,500 – Bow Street, 1893, Phillimore testimony.
95 Discussion between Wells and Trench. Trench makes two payments – Old Bailey, 1893, Trench testimony. See also Birmingham Daily Post, 13 March 1893.
‘There is now lying … a week.’ – Liverpool Mercury, 6 February 1892.
‘Many visitors … roulette.’ – Dover Express, 16 December 1892.
95–6 Trench views Palais Royal; ‘receive company promoters … in her.’ – POB, 1893, Trench testimony; see also Birmingham Daily Post, 13 March 1893.
96 Fire on Palais Royal – Liverpool Mercury, 23 February 1892 and 24 February 1892; and Aberdeen Journal, 24 February 1892.
Wells’ letter to Miss Phillimore. He has lost £6,000, insurers to investigate – The Times, 24 January 1893 and 25 January 1893.
‘Sad disaster …’ – The Standard, 15 February 1893.
Wells’ letter to Trench promising £100,000 – The Times, 15 February 1893.
97–8 Mrs Forrester’s action against Wells – Yorkshire Evening Post, 31 March 1892.
98 ‘Now all is right … here.’ – The Times, 13 March 1893.
Correspondence with Miss Phillimore – The Times, 25 January 1893.
Wells hides Monte Carlo activities by sending correspondence from other towns – casino admission cards dated May 1892 were found later at 154 Great Portland Street by Inspector Richards (see p.108).
99 Apologetic letter from Miss Phillimore – Morning Post, 25 January 1893.
‘miserable amount’ – The Times, 25 January 1893.
‘unless she had many millions’ and ‘Very scarce … law suit’ – London Daily News, 11 March 1893.
Wells has ‘common sense’ – London Daily News, 11 March 1893; Morning Post, 25 January 1893.
99–100 Wells’ discussions with Vaughan, and trip to Paris – The Standard, 16 February 1893.
100 Wells claims Trench is liable; they meet at Drummond’s Bank – POB, 1893, Trench testimony.
101 ‘I must explain … assure you.’ – Sheffield Evening Telegraph, 15 February 1893.
Trench threatens Wells; Gleadow goes to Paris; no trace of company – The Times, 15 February 1893.
102 ‘I asked him … then left.’ – POB, 1893, Gleadow testimony.
102–3 Wells’ dealings with Blake – Bow Street, 1893, Blake testimony.
103 ‘A man of position’; ‘guaranteed a return of £50,000 …’ – Morning Post, 22 February 1893.
Wells’ representations; Blake sends payment – Bow Street, 1893, Blake testimony.
‘Herewith I have … £3,000’; Wells requests £500, Blake refuses – Bow Street, 1893, Blake testimony.
Repairs to yacht; ‘to the tune of £69’ – Lloyd’s Weekly Newspaper, 5 March 1893.
104 Dispute between Wells and Captain Smith – Bow Street and POB, 1893, Smith testimony.
Johnston takes command; vessel sails – Bow Street, 1893, Ferguson testimony.
Cost of uniforms – Bankruptcy, 1893; list of claims – Jupp.
Willoughby Brothers – Edinburgh Evening News, 5 December 1892.
Wells takes room in Paris, 35 Rue de Londres – The Standard, 22 February 1893.
105 Wells blackmails Blake – principally from Morning Post, 22 February 1893.
Loan on Palais Royal – TNA, BT 110/62/63.
105–6 ‘The Biggest Swindler … incredulity.’ – Truth, 27 October 1892.
106 Harris versus Wells; and ‘I think it should be known … Portland Street.’ – The Times, 17 November 1892 and The Standard, 17 November 1892.
Withdraws £5,000 – North-Eastern Daily Gazette, 26 January 1893.
107 ‘Instructed the cabman … possible.’ – Morning Post, 25 January 1893; Bow Street, 1893, Gill’s opening remarks.
Workmen scramble – Edinburgh Evening News, 5 December 1892.
Workmen have no time to disembark – Morning Post, 25 January 1893; Bow Street, 1893, Gill’s opening remarks.
Sails straight to France – The Standard, 22 February 1893.
‘Wells said … Marseilles.’ – POB, 1893, Ferguson testimony.
‘We remained in Cherbourg … came.’ – Ibid.
Extradition arrangements; crew’s articles – The Standard, 22 February 1893.
‘We could not go … Consul.’ – POB, 1893, Ferguson testimony.
108 Great Portland Street premises searched – The Times, 22 February 1893 and The Standard, 22 February 1893.
Selling coal – The Times, 24 January 1893.
Detectives arrive – Polovtsoff, p.164.
‘Age 50 … black eye.’ – Draft telegram, Scotland Yard to British Consul, Le Havre, for onward transmission to French police (2 December 1892), TNA, HO 144/490/X38749.
‘His French was … wrong man.’ – Yorkshire Herald, 6 December 1892.
Arrest – Le Temps, 5 December 1892.
Admits true identity and says he broke the bank – Pall Mall Gazette, 5 December 1892.
Only 24fr. in pocket – British Consul, Le Havre, to Home Office, 5 December 1892, TNA, HO 144/490/X38749.
109 ‘The magnificent … Cherbourg’ and ‘one of the richest men …’ – Le Figaro, 5 December 1892.
‘Wells is the man … “Monte Carlo Fleet”.’ – Le Gaulois, 5 December 1892.
‘Charles Wells, the adventurous … Palais Royal.’ – Penny Illustrated, 17 December 1892.
‘She is the daughter … died.’ – Le Gaulois, 5 December 1892.
Background on Alsace generally is from La Grande Encyclopédie. Mulhouse is sometimes referred to as the ‘French Manchester’.
110–1 Family swears allegiance – ‘Déclarations de Citoyenneté, Alsace-Lorraine, 1872’ (Collection des Optants, www.ancestry.fr).
111 Out of all of Jeannette’s family, it seems likely that her sister Léonie was the only one who knew anything approaching the truth about Jeannette’s activities in connection with Charles Wells.
112 ‘Sensational Arrest for Fraud’ – Daily Gazette, Middlesbrough, 5 December 1892.
‘The Hero of Monte Carlo’ – Sunderland Daily Echo, 5 December 1892.
‘Monte Carlo Wells … been arrested.’ – Auckland Star, 31 March 1906.
‘Perhaps Mr. Charles Wells … antagonist.’ – Lancashire Evening Post, 6 December 1892.
113 ‘I recognise … captain.’ – Gil Blas, 11 December 1892.
114 ‘Since his arrest … suicide.’ – Le Temps, 12 December 1892.
‘Don’t forget … pigeon-holes.’ – Quoted from Wells’ letter to Jeannette in communication from British Consul, Le Havre, to Foreign Office, 6 December 1892, TNA, HO 144/490/X38749.
Sea captain defrauded of 15,000fr. – Le Figaro, 15 December 1892.
115 Statute of limitations, France – La Grande Encyclopédie, Vol. 27, p.577.
‘Only too glad …’ – The Times, 10 March 1893.
Palais Royal and Velléda – Le Figaro, 6 January 1893.
Fittings stripped out – Financial Times, 7 January 1893.
Bankruptcy petition – Register of Receiving Orders, TNA, B12/4.
Journey to England delayed – Le Figaro, 15 January 1893.
116 Wells aware of frauds, not larcenies – Bow Street, 1893, Dinnie testimony.
‘Had nothing about it … Commerce.’ – Le Figaro, 18 January 1893.
Dinnie background – Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand.
Donald Dinnie – Wikipedia. See also www.gordondinnie.com/FT1.html.
Dinnie; attempt to outlaw gambling in New Zealand – Grant, pp.67, 83.
117 ‘Somewhat common-place … stout.’ – Western Mail, 25 January 1893.
He was somewhat … lamely.’ – Reynold’s Newspaper, 22 January 1893.
Bow Street hearing, in general – Birmingham Daily Post, 18 January 1893; Western Mail, 18 January 1893; Belfast Newsletter, 18 January 1893; Leeds Mercury, 18 January 1893; Reynold’s Newspaper, 22 January 1893; Lloyd’s Weekly, 22 January 1893; Western Mail, 25 January 1893.
‘He was firing … lived.’ – Leeds Times, 21 January 1893.
118 ‘It was curious … accent.’ – Leeds Mercury, 18 January 1893.
Shrug of the shoulders – Western Mail, 24 November 1892.
‘Absolutely nothing but defraud people’; and Wells’ claims about being established since 1868 as a civil engineer – Bow Street, 1893, Gill’s opening comments.
120 Miss Phillimore; pieces of paper quote etc. ‘gentleman of youthful appearance’– The Standard, 15 February 1893.
121 Boats offered as security near-worthless; Trench asked no advice, had no experience – Ibid.
‘Considerably improved … amusement.’ – Morning Post, 22 February 1893.
121–2 Caroline Davison’s testimony – Ibid.
122 Captain Smith’s testimony – The Times, 22 February 1893.
‘I don’t suppose … uncles.’ – The Standard, 22 February 1893.
Ferguson’s testimony – The Times, 22 February 1893; Morning Post, 22 February 1893; Bristol Mercury & Daily Post, 22 February 1893.
123 Miss Budd’s testimony – The Times, 1 March 1893; Manchester Evening News, 29 February 1893; Morning Post, 1 March 1893.
‘What was he doing? … didn’t play.’ – Morning Post, 1 March 1893.
124 ‘His trial … adventurer.’ – Derby Daily Telegraph, 29 September 1928.
‘Dapper, quick … clever’ – Abinger, p 88. Much of the following sequence is also based on Abinger’s account, pp.87–95.
125 Quill pen – Abinger, p.91.
‘I never received … first and last.’ – London Daily News, 11 March 1893.
126 ‘He didn’t include judges … think not.’ – Birmingham Daily Post, 13 March 1893.
‘I should say … what I have said.’ – POB – 1893, Green testimony.
‘Wells of Monte Carlo … Old Bailey.’ – Lancashire Evening Post, 14 March 1893.
126–7 Eschen’s testimony – POB; The Times, 14 March 1893; Lancashire Evening Post, 14 March 1893; Lancaster Gazette, 15 March 1893.
127 ‘Fairly danced up and down … evidence.’ – Abinger, pp.90–91.
‘Here comes a triple … size of engine.’ – Based on a report in the Lancashire Evening Post, 14 March 1893. The original article was under the heading, ‘Amusing Evidence by a German’. It attempted a mock-phonetic version of Eschen’s evidence, presumably to extract the maximum comic effect.
‘Inflammable balloon’ and ‘Then I will take it … skipping-rope.’ – Lancashire Evening Post, 14 March 1893.
‘You can do anything …’ – Abinger, p.92.
128 Prosecution’s attempt to discredit Eschen; bribe regarding warrant; Eschen and Wells very friendly; no extradition treaty with Portugal – POB, Eschen testimony.
‘This case may last forever … it is over.’ – Western Daily Press, 15 March 1893.
‘There has been so much confusion … case.’ – Ibid.
128–9 Langford testimony, ‘He came on business ... suppose.’ – POB.
129 Gibbs testimony – Ibid.
‘Where is the Isabella … all at sea?’ – Western Daily Press, 15 March 1893.
Jartoux testimony – POB.
129–30 Abinger’s concluding comments – The Times, 15 March 1893.
130 ‘The prisoner … not tell you.’ – Abinger, pp.92–94.
‘Do you know … thought not.’ – Ibid.
131 Judge’s summing up – The Times, 15 March 1893.
‘It was easy … hear him.’ – Queensland Times, 2 May 1893.
‘I had been … sorry for him.’ – Abinger, pp.94–95.
‘He was a great advertiser … country fair.’ – London Daily News, 15 March 1893.
132 ‘One of the most accomplished scoundrels … purposes.’ – Dundee Courier & Argus, 15 March 1893.
‘Suppose Mr. Wells … falls on them.’ – Sheffield & Rotherham Independent, 18 March 1893.
‘It is true … ought to avoid.’ – The Times, 15 March 1893.
133 ‘Monte Carlo Wells … hurriedly.’ – Western Mail, 23 February 1893.
‘It appears that the convict … literature.’ – Lichfield Mercury, 28 April 1893.
‘Saturday … broken the bank.’ – Peddie.
134 ‘Sole, soup, and fowl.’ – Western Mail, 24 April 1893.
‘Such music-hall … the Bank.’ – Western Mail, 24 May 1893.
135 Bankruptcy hearing – This was, if anything, more widely reported than Wells’ trial for fraud. See The Times, 27 January 1893, 11 February 1893, 23 February 1893, 12 July 1893 and 13 July 1893. See also Yorkshire Evening Post, 20 July 1893.
136 ‘Could your system … valuable asset.’ – The Times, 13 July 1893.
137 ‘Do you really mean … in trouble.’ – Yorkshire Evening Post, 20 July 1893.
‘So opposed to him’; and ‘went about shabbily … satisfied.’ – Cheltenham Chronicle, 22 July 1893.
138 ‘July 17th. 1893 … old uncle.’ – Letter, Lizzie Ritchie to Queen Victoria, TNA, HO 144/490/X38749.
139 Most of the background information on prison life is from Balfour.
140 ‘My greatest wish … Charles Wells.’ – Hampshire Advertiser, 1 September 1894.
141 ‘[His] affable manner … friends.’ – Lloyd’s Weekly Newspaper, 9 April 1899.
‘At one end … as ever.’ – Liverpool Mercury, 9 October 1897.
142 Louis Charles … in London.’ – Marriage Register, Marseille Archives.
Joseph Vayre’s letter to Home Office – TNA, HO 144/490/X38749.
Wells plays organ in chapel – Lloyd’s Weekly Newspaper, 9 April 1899.
‘Persons coming forward … durance.’ – Ibid.
143 Wells interviewed at London hotel – Ibid.
‘He is by no means … indicates.’ – Belfast Newsletter, 10 April 1899.
‘He has improved … of age.’ – St Paul Globe, 1 May 1899.
Jeannette’s jobs – Graves, p.91.
Zalma Bradley Lee background – Birth, Marriage and Death records, and ‘England Select Marriages’, www.ancestry.co.uk.
144 ‘The divertissements of London’ – Evening World, 29 August 1903.
‘Widow fights for Lee’s body’ – Ibid.
Zalma awarded $1m – Evening World, 22 September 1903.
Jeannette owns restaurant – Graves, p.91.
Bankruptcy Discharge Application, 1899 – The Times, 26 April 1899; The Argus, 14 June 1899.
145 ‘Monte Carlo of Wells’ – Bristol Mercury & Daily Post, 29 September 1899.
Article on Charles Jeremiah Wells – Encyclopedia Britannica (10th Edition, 1902).
H.G. Wells mistaken for Monte Carlo Wells – Wells, H. G., pp.638–39.
Settling in or near Paris (various districts) – Sûreté to Metropolitan Police, 3 June 1911, TNA, MEPO 3/204.
146 Jeannette as governess – Graves, p.91.
Applies for various patents, France and Belgium – Letter, Sûreté to Metropolitan Police, TNA, MEPO 3/204.
148 Charles and Jeannette in Ireland – The Times, 23 December 1905.
149 Louis Servatel; claims birth in Martinique – Petit Parisien, 9 May 1911.
Omnium Général established – Archives Commerciales de France, 5 December 1903.
150 Naval, Shipping and Fisheries Exhibition – The Times, 27 April 1905.
Moyle background – Truth, 9 November 1905; The Times, 24 March 1873.
150–1 Moyle background – Thomson (The Criminal), pp.68–70.
151 ‘Owe no man any thing.’ – King James Bible (Romans 13:8), ‘Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.’
People who appeared to have died, and who had actually died – POB, 1906, Walton testimony (citing a letter allegedly from Dr Hart, MD, USA etc.).
Wells takes office in Stamford Street – Western Gazette, 24 November 1905.
152 Purchase of Shanklin – TNA, BT 110/619/13.
‘If you don’t mind …’. – Advertisement in Daily Telegraph (date unknown), quoted POB, 1906, Walton testimony.
Walton invests – POB, 1906, Walton testimony.
152–3 Emanuel’s earlier conviction, divorce etc. – Criminal Records, 1878 embezzlement conviction, www.ancestry.co.uk; The Times, 10 June 1901; Divorce Court Records 1882, www.ancestry.co.uk; Old Bailey Trial 24 November 1890; birth, marriage and death, census records, etc., www.ancestry.co.uk.
153 ‘The business … if any.’ – POB, 1906, Walton testimony.
‘Voluminous literature … style.’ – Truth, 9 November 1905.
‘One of the best … business.’ – The Times, 20 November 1905.
154 ‘Respectable-looking … the cards.’ – Truth, 9 November 1905.
‘Dear Sir … V. H. Moyle’ – Ibid.
155 Hugh Richard Dawnay – Wikipedia article on Lord Downe (Dawnay).
155–6 ‘Underpart of the Stern … of fuel.’ – Farm Life, 2 September 1905.
156 Advertisement in Penny Illustrated, 7 October 1905.
Jeannette negotiates hotel lease – The Times, 6 January 1906.
156–8 Letters, Charles to Jeannette – Sheffield Evening Telegraph, 6 January 1906.
158 ‘For the “Bouillabaisse à Nana” … successful’ – Ibid. ‘M’ could conceivably denote the Marmite Food Extract Company, a serious competitor to Bovril.
159 Empty property – Manchester Courier, 30 October 1905.
‘We are fully prepared … writing.’ – Manchester Courier, 9 November 1905.
‘Everything that ingenuity … doing.’ – Truth, 9 November 1905.
‘What has that got … concern.’ – The Times, 13 November 1905.
160 ‘Monte Carlo Wells … immortal.’ – Daily Mirror, 20 November 1905.
‘leaked badly … glass case.’ – The Times, 20 November 1905.
161 Case transfers to Old Bailey – POB, 1906, Walton testimony.
‘They were practically … not quite’ – POB, 1906, Elliott testimony and judge’s summing up.
162–4 Portland Prison generally – Thomson (The Criminal) and Thomson (Story of Dartmoor Prison).
162–3 Thomson’s background – ODNB.
163 ‘The contented … interesting books.’ – Thomson (The Criminal), pp.70–71.
163–4 ‘I have been looking … author, sir.’ – Ibid. pp.71–72.
164 Prison library – Thomson (Story of Dartmoor Prison), pp.268–69.
‘You will be discharged … again, Wells.’ – Thomson (The Criminal).
Leaves for France 27 April 1899 – draft letter, Metropolitan Police to Sûreté, 21 July 1911, TNA, MEPO 3/204.
Nearly all of the information about ‘Cuvilier’, including his trial, is from Le Progrès (Lyon), 22 June 1909.
165 Myriam d’Etigny/Marie Chalandre – see Sûreté leaflet, TNA, MEPO 3/204.
‘Long prospectus with extraordinary phraseology’ – Petit Parisien, 9 May 1911.
166 ‘By taking the journey … sights.’ – Quoted in Fontaine, p.290.
‘The work of the … as a whole.’ – Le Progrès (Lyon), 22 June 1909.
167 Marriage of Jeannette Pairis and James Burns – marriage certificate, General Register Office.
Their voyage to North America – Passenger Lists, Britain & USA, www.ancestry.co.uk.
167–9 Description of trial – Le Progrès (Lyon), 22 June 1909 and Le Matin, 22 June 1909.
169 Taken to Clairvaux Prison – Gil Blas, 21 January 1912.
‘Absolutely penniless’ – transcript of hearing 22 May 1912, p.48; TNA, HO 144/1187/218989; and L’Aurore, 20 April 1911.
‘A very correct … gentleman.’ – Le Matin, 20 April 1911.
Rents office in Avenue de l’Opéra – Le Matin, 20 April 1911; Petit Parisien, 20 April 1911.
170 Two entrances to same building – Petit Parisien, 20 April 1911.
‘Revolutionise the world … business.’ – Le Matin, 20 April 1911.
Advertisement – Le Matin, 3 September 1910.
170–1 ‘The profits are … cold and hunger.’ – Petit Parisien, 22 April 1911.
171 ‘Naturally you will … fortune.’ – Le Matin, 20 April 1911.
171–2 ‘1% guaranteed …’ – Advertisement from Le Temps, 10 December 1910.
172 Description of bank premises – Petit Parisien, 20 April 1911.
Extravagant office; many staff; Rivier smart in frock coat etc. – Ibid.
Rivier’s simple lifestyle – Daily Mirror, 22 January 1912.
Upper and lower investment limits – Petit Parisien, 20 April1911.
173 Clergy as investors; staff worked to death – Ibid.; see also Yorkshire Evening Post, 22 January 1912.
500fr. note sent without covering letter – Petit Parisien, 21 April 1911; Le Stephanois, 22 April 1911.
Jeannette moves back to London – according to Le Matin, 20 April 1911, she left the Rue Cherubini six months before April 1911, i.e. about October 1910.
Excelsior Yachting and Trading Club Ltd – TNA, BT 31/13538/114487.
174 Particulars of properties on which mortgages were secured – TNA, HO 144/1187/218989.
Particulars of annuities – TNA, HO 144/1187/218989.
‘A splendid affair … suspect.’ – Le Matin, 20 April 1911.
175 ‘A blustering man … temper.’ – Scotti, p.42.
Background on elite squad of detectives, and on Roux personally – La Croix, 24 July 1910, and La Revue de Paris, July–August 1912, p.141 et seq.
Roux questions ‘Rivier’ who informs Paul that he will be out late – Le Matin, 20 April 1911.
176 ‘Rivier’ has disappeared; his note found – Le Matin, 20 April 1911.
Rivier’s successor does not arrive – Petit Parisien, 20 April 1911.
177 Martin Chuzzlewit – Dickens, p.419.
178 ‘Financier flees … liabilities.’ – Petit Parisien, 20 April 1911.
‘365 per cent … profit?’ – Le Matin, 20 April 1911.
‘For the whole of yesterday … angry.’ – Petit Parisien, 21 April 1911.
‘That bandit … owes me.’ – Petit Parisien, 22 April 1911.
179 ‘I shouldn’t have … scraping.’ – Ibid.
‘The big banks … honest man.’; ‘He’ll be back … pay us back.’ – Le Stephanois, 22 April 1911.
‘He was such a good’ … savings again. – L’Impartial, 25 April 1911.
Poteau: ‘It’s a really admirable … implementing it.’ – Le Temps, 24 April 1911.
180 ‘He’s a clever … crook!’ – Le Matin, 20 April 1911.
‘We all had absolute … lunch-break.’ – Le Stephanois, 22 April 1911.
‘He had loads … let me down, then.’ – Le Matin, 20 April 1911.
‘How could you not … genius.’ – Petit Parisien, 22 April 1911.
181 ‘A passion for “little ladies”’ – Gil Blas, 9 May 1911.
‘The man was a mystery … didn’t.’ – Le Matin, 20 April 1911.
‘No, the money … complained.’ – Ibid.
‘[Rivier’s] dupes … swindler.’ – Le Radical, 21 April 1911.
‘On many occasions … certain loss.’ – La Croix, 25 April 1911.
181–2 Comparison with casino; the only dupes were the latecomers – Journal des Finances, 6 May 1911.
182 ‘Paid a large rent … London.’ – Yorkshire Evening Post, 22 January 1912.
Whereabouts of ‘Mrs Burns’ – Le Matin, 20 April 1911.
182–5 Aftermath of the fraud, generally – Petit Parisien, 20 April 1911; Le Matin, 20 April 1911; L’Aurore, 20 April 1911; Le Stephanois, 21 April 1911; Le Matin, 21 April 1911; La Lanterne, 22 April 1911.
183 ‘With a grave … financier.’ – Petit Parisien, 22 April 1911.
Wine merchant loses savings – Petit Parisien, 21 April 1911.
Malétras quantifies losses – Ibid.
Two million francs fraudulently obtained – La Lanterne, 16 September 1912.
184 Rivier (victim of Servatel) – Le Gaulois, 9 May 1911.
Servatel disappears – Gil Blas, 9 May 1911.
Judge in Lyon – Petit Parisien, 9 May 1911.
184–5 Judge asks for photograph; Roux recognises picture; Mademoiselle Clérico also recognises – Gil Blas, 9 May 1911.
185 Safe deposit box empty – La Lanterne, 11 May 1911.
Contents of Sûreté leaflet; ‘This fraudster … origins’ – TNA, MEPO 3/204.
186 ‘Enquiries have been made … obtained.’ – Letter from Metropolitan Police to Sûreté, TNA, MEPO 3/204.
Rivier made bankrupt – Le Figaro, 23 May 1911.
Sûreté to Metropolitan Police, ‘Rivier, alias Well … music hall-song,’ – TNA, MEPO 3/204.
188 Nicholls background – 1911 census; London Parish Marriages, www.ancestry.co.uk; and www.murderatthestar.wordpress.com.
‘Tall and unassuming’ – Derby Daily Telegraph, 29 July 1929.
‘Splendid physique’ – Western Daily Mercury, 23 January 1912.
190 Hamard and Bertillon investigate at the scene – Le Figaro, 24 August 1911.
‘Twelve days … mystery deepens.’ – Le Figaro, 2 September 1911.
Mona Lisa theft, generally – see Scotti.
191 ‘We have to accept … is lost’ – Le Figaro, 4 September 1911.
Wells’ wife and daughter – Sûreté to Metropolitan Police, TNA, MEPO 3/204.
Registered letter, requesting identity of sender, Sûreté to Metropolitan Police, Ibid.
192 Nicholls’ reply to above – Ibid.
193 Background on Falmouth, generally – Kelly’s Directory Cornwall, 1910.
‘And all other conveniences … cargoes.’ – Ibid.
193–4 Cox background – Birth, Marriage and Death records; Kelly’s Directory Cornwall, 1910.
194 His participation in shipwreck committee – see www.plimsoll.org.
Orders placed with Falmouth firms – Yorkshire Telegraph, 22 January 1912.
‘The French captain … and enjoyment.’ – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser, 27 January 1912.
‘Deville’ good customer; ‘I have plenty … when I buy?’ – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser, 27 January 1912.
‘Quite thirty years … and hats.’ – Kalgoorlie Miner (Australia), 12 March 1913.
‘Lie down unobserved … coast.’ – Daily Mirror, 22 January 1912.
195 ‘The lines were … with the line.’ – Ibid.
‘To make his little doll happy’ – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser, 27 January 1912.
‘Jeannette’s boudoir … and comfort.’ – West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser, 25 January 1912.
Crew’s observations on the couple – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser, 27 January 1912.
195–6 ‘30 June 1911 … your Loulou.’ – West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser, 11 March 1912; and Daily News (Perth, Australia), 16 April 1912.
196 ‘Not having had … all the family.’ Wells to Léonie, TNA, MEPO 3/204.
‘If you do not reply … Léon.’ – Ibid.
Christmas present for crew – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser, 27 January 1912.
197 ‘20 December 1911 … it bears’ – TNA, MEPO 3/204.
‘I have … locate him.’ – Ibid.
198 ‘Further enquiries … identify Wells.’ – Nicholls memo, TNA, MEPO 3/204.
‘He is proceeding … be seized.’ – Ibid.
199–202 Details of arrest generally – principally from Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser, 27 January 1912 and Cornish Echo, 26 January 1912.
200 ‘Time was given … toilette.’ – Yorkshire Evening Post, 22 January 1912.
‘A large quantity … dapper and distinguished.’ And note on his clothing – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser, 27 January 1912.
‘Keep the yacht clean … day or two.’ Ibid.
‘One £20 Bank of England … purse.’ – jewellery list made by police, TNA, MEPO 3/204.
Contents of Wells’ pockets: a gold watch etc. – Ibid.
201 ‘The accused … charge they were’ – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser, 27 January 1912.
‘The parties were allowed … of the town’ – Ibid.
‘They have had their meals … French.’ – Kalgoorlie Miner (Australia), 12 March 1913.
Another episode … has ever known.’ – Yorkshire Evening Post, 22 January 1912.
‘The Sûreté put … million [francs].’ – Gil Blas, 21 January 1912.
202 Uncertainty over extradition – L’Aurore, 21 January 1912.
His nationality a mystery. He is multilingual, will make life difficult – Le Figaro, 21 January 1912.
203 ‘Pairis is a great … custody.’ – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser, 27 January 1912.
‘When Wells last arrested … corsets.’ – Telegram, Scotland Yard to Nicholls, TNA, MEPO 3/204.
203–4 Formalities and dialogue at police station, generally – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser, 27 January 1912; Cornish Echo, 26 January 1912.
204 Chard, shipwreck committee – specifically, Chard and Cox investigated the sinking of the sailing ship Ifor in 1909 see www.plimsoll.org.
‘Not at all … Monte Carlo.’ – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser, 27 January 1912.
‘6 pairs knickers … 3 shirts.’ – List of property on board Harbinger and forwarded to Scotland Yard by Cornwall Constabulary, TNA, MEPO 3/204.
205 Crutchett background – Sunday Post, 3 September 1922. For his part in the conviction of the Stratton brothers, see www.capitalpunishmentuk.org.
‘At that time … bogus concerns.’ – Sunday Post, 3 September 1922.
206 Crutchett goes to Safety Deposit and banks – TNA, MEPO 3/204.
Crowds gather to see Wells leave; Charles and Jeannette send compliments to other crew – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser, 27 January 1912.
207 ‘Short in stature … figure’ – Western Daily Mercury, 23 January 1912.
‘Distinctly of French appearance’ – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser, 27 January 1912.
‘Wells seemed … companion.’ – Ibid.
‘Close to the door … the occupants.’ – Ibid.
‘As comfortable … traveller’; and ‘All five were … vivacious leader.’ – Ibid.
208 ‘Those who saw … his appearance.’ – Cornish Echo, 26 January 1912.
His companion … Scotland Yard.’ – Ibid.
Cab full of papers – Daily Herald (Adelaide), 26 March 1912.
The unusual interest … particularly so.’ – Western Times, 24 January 1912.
‘Short, plump … eyelashes.’ – Daily Herald (Adelaide), 26 March 1912.
‘Little trace … in the song.’ – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser, 27 January 1912.
‘A man whom age … withered’ – Ibid.
‘Rivier is sure … escaper’ – La Lanterne, 23 January 1912.
209 ‘Rivier will plead … subjects.’ – La Lanterne, 25 January 1912.
Jeannette smiles as Nicholls reads out list – Daily Herald (Adelaide), 26 March 1912; Dominion (New Zealand) 7 March 1912.
Jeannette takes little notice but Wells listens intently – Dominion (New Zealand), 7 March 1912.
Solicitor asks for small sum of money to be available – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser, 27 January 1912; The Times, 24 January 1912.
‘We have heard … other sources.’ – West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser, 22 January 1912.
210 Led to cells, downcast – Lake’s Falmouth Packet and Cornwall Advertiser, 27 January 1912.
‘It is for the very … great kindness.’ – Wells’ note to Nicholls and Roux, TNA, MEPO 3/204 (Nicholls records in a subsequent memo that he did not pass it on).
Subsequent paperwork, report etc. by Nicholls – Ibid.
Witness statements, Micklethwaite Road, etc. – Ibid.
211 Nicholls promoted – see www.murderatthestar.wordpress.com.
Account of extradition hearing; ‘We have been here … remand you.’ – Daily Mirror, 15 March 1912.
‘The money was not handed to him … got it’ – Morning Advertiser, 21 March 1912.
212 ‘Don’t trust him … swindler.’ – Ibid.
‘Many well-known banks … business.’ – Ibid.
Barton background – Wikipedia article, and Churchill, p.250 et seq.
‘I am C. Wells … other places.’ – Wells’ letter to Barton, TNA, HO 144/1187/218989.
212–3 ‘I do not know … effusions.’ – Barton to Home Office, Ibid.
Wells had almost certainly written to the wrong man. Zalma had a close friendship with Lt-Gen Sir Charles Barter (not Barton) – Le Courrier de l’Oise, 6 February 1921.
213 Extradition via Boulogne – Gil Blas, 30 May 1912.
‘The sum of one million … intends.’ – Ibid.
214 Saint-Lazare prison; ‘totally incapable … improvement.’ – Petit, p.138.
Open questioning; Malétras indicates scope of fraud – La Lanterne, 16 September 1912.
Report on full criminal trial – Petit Parisien, 14 September 1912; La Lanterne, 16 September 1912; Nottingham Evening Post, 16 September 1912.
215 Jeannette’s involvement – Le Matin, 22 June 1912.
Possible fifteen-year sentence – Sunday Morning Star (Wilmington, Delaware, USA), 25 February 1912.
Prospect of sentence; Wells amused; recitation of his life story – L’Ouest-Éclair (Rennes), 15 November 1912.
‘If daring bankers … features.’ – Le Matin, 15 November 1912.
‘Romancier anglais’ – La Croix, 15 November 1912.
215–6 ‘He speaks with … millionaires?’ – Le Matin, 15 November 1912.
216 ‘A strange character … behaviour.’ – Le Rappel, 16 November 1912.
‘He answers questions … her lover.’ – Ibid.
‘Mlle Pairis … innocence.’ – Le Matin, 15 November 1912.
‘M. Malétras explained … promises.’ – Le Rappel, 16 November 1912.
‘Two million francs’ – La Croix, 15 November 1912.
‘A vast roulette … after all’ – Ibid.
217 ‘A professor … series.’ – Le Figaro, 15 November 1912.
‘Yes, not once … system.’ – Evening News (Sydney), 4 January 1913.
‘If I took flight … extradition.’ – La Croix, 15 November 1912.
Jeannette denies involvement – La Presse, 15 November 1912.
‘I know it must … any way.’ – Evening News (Sydney), 4 January 1913.
‘Buyer beware … knaves.’ – Timaru Herald (New Zealand), 31 December 1912.
217–8 Wells and Jeannette found guilty and sentenced – Le Rappel, 24 November 1912.
218 ‘The promise of … their money?’ – Le Frou-Frou, 8 December 1912.
Special Eighth Section; ‘Close enquiry … bankers.’ – Financial Times, 19 March 1912.
Desbleumortier to act as administrator – Le Rappel, 24 November 1912.
219 ‘I have come to this … obligations.’ – TNA, HD 144/1187/218989
220 ‘The carriage would not … pay it.’ – Nicholls memo, TNA, MEPO 3/204.
Official Receiver holds annuities, Desbleumortier to certify that Wells still alive – The Times, 28 April 1913 and 30 June 1913; see also TNA, HD 144/1187/218989.
Bucknill says case might have gone to House of Lords – The Times, 30 June 1913.
Jeannette keeps £835 – Sheffield Evening Telegraph, 28 June 1913.
221 Maison Cellulaire de Fresnes – Petit, p.138.
Bower wins at Monte Carlo – The Cornishman, 19 January 1911.
222 ‘There is a double … ports.’ – The Times, 27 August 1914.
Mata Hari questioned – TNA, KV2/1.
‘Charles de Ville Wells … particulars.’ – Warrell phone message, TNA, MEPO 3/204.
222–3 ‘Charles De Ville Wells … obtain particulars’, Ibid.
223 ‘Charles De Ville … Morse, P.C.’, Ibid.
223–4 Wells requests more money, creditors agree – Le Matin, 1 December 1920.
224 ‘Monte Carlo Wells … at Monte Carlo.’ – Daily Telegraph, 25 July 1922.
‘Nobody will be more sorry … creditors.’ – Hartlepool Mail, 26 July 1922.
Wilson claims creditors received most of money owed – Ibid.
Story embellished with time – subsequently, other inaccuracies crept into the story. Brewer’s Rogues, Villains and Eccentrics (Donaldson) shows his year of death as 1920, elsewhere 1926 is cited. An otherwise excellent book, The Money Spinner by Xan Fielding, says he passed away in 1929. A picture purporting to be of Charles Wells as a young man appears in many places. It is actually a portrait of an entirely different Charles Wells, who lived from 1786 to 1866 and was the fourth mayor of Boston, Massachusetts.
‘He Broke Monte Carlo bank … years old.’ – Bourbon News (Paris, Kentucky), 16 September 1922.
225 Addresses of Charles and Jeannette in London, etc. – all details from his death certificate, General Register Office.
Landlady’s recollection – Dundee Courier, 31 July 1922.
Clothing shabby; landlady gave him cast-off clothes – Northern Standard (Darwin, Australia), 17 October 1922.
‘The end came … armchair.’ – Derby Daily Telegraph, 20 September 1928.
226 ‘Monte Carlo Wells … perennial youth.’ – Thomson (The Criminal), p.73.
227 Visitor wins £7,000 – The Times, 2 March 1891.
Nobleman wins £10,000 – The Times, 7 May 1891.
Breaking bank everyday occurrence – Smith, A., p.370.
Breaks bank several times – Wells’ own claim and Daily Mirror, 23 November 1912.
229 Daily inspections of roulette wheels – Smith, A., pp.363–65.
Two secretaries – Morning Post, 3 August 1891 – (see p.74).
‘A professor once told me … work!’ – Le Figaro, 15 November 1912.
230 ‘Mr. Wells … when to stop.’ – The Times, 9 November 1891.
‘Croupiers and some supervisory … million.’ – The Times, 29 January 1981; and New York Times, 10 June 1981.
231 ‘The same newspapers … commenced.’ – The Pittsburgh Dispatch, 6 August 1891; and 2 August 1891.
Arrangement with Prince of Liechtenstein – Zeehan and Dundas Herald (Tasmania), 14 August 1891.
232 Branicki, ‘to lose money … a year.’ – Corti, p.261.
Wells at Monte Carlo, early 1891 – POB, 1893, Richards testimony.
234 ‘My suspicions were … advertisement.’ – Maxim, pp.231–32.
Approximate date of Maxim’s visit – he states that he witnessed the incident on his first visit to Monte Carlo, which he says (on p.5 of his book) was ‘about a dozen years ago’. As he evidently wrote the book during the period of March to December 1903, this places the event squarely in 1891–92.
234–5 Work on new gaming hall resumes – just before Wells’ November visit, according to The Times of 31 October 1891, ‘the new wing opened last year in the rough is being finished and two other roulette tables will be placed there … the older portions are also being cleaned and re-gilded.’ Days after Wells had left, a further piece in the same newspaper states, ‘The new wing which was added to the Casino last year was opened yesterday for the first time this season. The rooms are very elaborately decorated.’ (The Times, 17 November 1891).
235 ‘Had agents in all the capitals … Monte Carlo.’ – Peddie, p.6.
236 ‘Couldn’t have got through … turned up.’ – The Times, 10 March 1893.
Split of ‘profits’ – The Times, 13 July 1893.
Camille Blanc watches play through spyhole – (see p.65).
237 Figures for 1890 and 1891 – The Times, 31 October 1891.
Figures for 1892 – The Times, 11 January 1892.
‘The manager was very polite … Monte Carlo.’ – Coborn, p.282.
‘The mystery of his amazing … elucidated.’ – SBM website – English version www.casinodemonaco.com/history-of-the-casino-de-monte
239 Mustard sold in tubes – email correspondence with Jessica Handy, Unilever Archives.
240 Dinnie’s later career – Grant, pp.67, 83.
Crutchett’s later career; ‘Wells was a really wonderful … gifts.’ – Sunday Post, 3 September 1922.
240–1 Nicholls’ later career – Evening Telegraph, 4 July 1922; see also www.murderatthestar.wordpress.com.
‘Mate to Monte Carlo … death.’ – West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser, 26 February 1923.
‘I should say … there would be.’ – Abinger, p.87 (the brief ‘quotation within a quotation’ is from Tennyson’s ‘Locksley Hall’).
‘The most picturesque … no equal.’ – Nicholls, p.181.
241–2 ‘Monte Carlo Wells … my hands.’ – Thomson (The Criminal), pp.65–73.
242 William Cosby Trench’s later career – Who’s Who and Who Was Who 2015.
William Charles Gamble King – Dover Express & East Kent News, 26 January 1900.
Jupp’s bankruptcy – The Standard, 24 October 1896.
Still paying long after – London Gazette, 28 March 1922.
243 Henry Baker Vaughan – Essex Newsman, 8 December 1906.
Moyle’s final years – Nicholls, p.191.
Alfred Emanuel’s later career; ‘Trading on the dead’ – Oamaru Mail, 31 January 1914.
Palais Royal’s fate – TNA, BT 110/62/63; and www.tynebuiltships.co.uk.
244 Coborn’s multiple recordings – Rust.
Charles Vayre’s later career – author profile, Bibliothèque Nationale de France (www.data.bnf.fr/10337131/charles_vayre/).
Death of Charles Vayre and of Marie Antoinette Florence Charlotte Vayre (née de Ville-Wells) – information kindly provided by the Société des Gens de Lettres de France.
245 Arthur De Courcy-Bower’s death – The Times, 4 January 1926.