Above photo 2019.

From the Borough of Greenwich Free Press, 9 January, 1858.

ALLEGED DEATH OF A MERCHANT FROM STRYCHNINE, AT FLORENCE ROAD, DEPTFORD.

On Thursday evening last, Mr. J. C. Carttar, coroner the West Kent, resumed and concluded an inquiry at the "Flower of Kent Tavern," Florence, road, New-cross, which has been adjourned for the fourth time, relative to the death of a manure merchant, named Williams, of Mark-lane. It would seem that the deceased gentleman was of a somewhat eccentric disposition. He formerly resided with a niece (Miss Williams), but from some cause or other took lodging with a Mrs. Newton in the Florence-road, where he died. Some suspicion was entertained that his death had been caused by poison. A post-mortem examination was accordingly made, but that even not being considered satisfactory, the stomach was sent to Charles Heich, Esq., lecturer of chemistry, at Middlesex Hospital. It may be necessary to state that the deceased fell down at his lodging, apparently in a fit, and expired after vomiting to a great extent.

After several witnesses had been examined, the Coroner produced a book called a letter-book, and dated the 6th June, 1857. He then showed to several gentlemen, well acquainted with his handwriting, various entries, which they all declared to be his. He (the coroner) then removed his hand from off a portion of one of the pages, showing that it was written in red ink, while the rest was in black. He then read the entry, which was to the following extraordinary effect, previously stating that it was dated the 12th November, one month and a day before the deceased’s death:— "Elizabeth told me some time since that she would certainly give me strychnine some day, I never gave her cause. She would give it, so as I could get away from the house that she might not witness my agony. This she repeated on Tuesday night I go in fear of my life." Also "Was it for this, that in pain and sorrow I nursed you, and dried your tears which pierced your eyelashes?"

After some further evidence, the room was then cleared of strangers, and, upon their readmission, the Coroner said:- The jury have returned an open verdict. I must say that the whole affair is most unsatisfactory, both as to the cause of death and all the circumstances connected with it. If any other matter should arise, the decision of the jury will not prevent any further inquiry.