Gunner Godolphin Finney Burslem

Subject: Gunner Godolphin Finney Burslem Wed Jul 11, 2012 8:59 pm

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"Name: Godolphin Finney Burslem
Sex: M
AKA: Godolphin Burslem
Colonel Godolphin Osborne Burslem
Hon. Captain Godolphin Osborne Burslem
Captain John Godolphin Burselm.
Captain Sydney Godolphin Osborne.

Birth: Abt Jun 1855 - Portsea, Hampshire 2
Baptism: 3 Jul 1855 - St. Thomas', Portsmouth, Hampshire 3
Death: After 1910
Burial: ?
Cause of Death: ?

1. He was educated at a Private School at 24 Rectory Grove in 1871 in Clapham, London.

2. Rank/Regiment: In 5 May 1871 he was appointed an Enlisted as a Driver, Royal Artillery He gave his age as 16 though he was still 15 years old.
The following evidence was given at his trial in 1885 regarding his military service.

” JOHN CHRISTIAN . I am a warrant officer, of the Royal Artillery, employed in the Artillery branch of the War Office. I know the prisoner Burslem as Godolphin Burslem when he was about 16 he was a driver in the Royal Artillery; that was in 1871 and 1872. I was transferred from the brigade, and lost sight of him for some years.I saw him again during the South African campaign in 1883; he was then at the War Office inquiring for his medal, he had then been discharged as a gunner. He was not a captain in the Royal Artillery or any other force so far as I know. His pension is 1s. a day.

Cross-examined by MR. BAYLIS. He lost one of his legs in South Africa. I do not know that he was a captain in the Egyptian Gendarmerie or in the Cape Volunteers. He has already lost his pension.
Re-examined. I do not know how he lost it, he is not a non-commissioned officer. He was discharged as a gunner on account of his wounded leg.

WILLIAM CAMPBELL ANNESLEY . I am senior clerk in the Pension Department, War Office. A pension was granted to the prisoner when he was discharged in 1880; it was paid up to March, 1885. It is stopped now. It was always paid in this country except on April 3rd, 188. He lost a leg before his discharge. I know one Sidney Godolphin Osborne, the secretary of the Army Purchase, that is not the prisoner. Commissions were not given to non-commissioned officers in South Africa serving under Lord Chelmsford.”

3. Rank/Regiment: In 1873 he was appointed a Gunner, Royal Artillery 6 His regimental numbee was 2212.
4. He served in the Royal Artillery in South Africa about 1874 in Cape Town, South Africa 7 On Feb 1 1874 he deserted from his regiment but rejoined on Feb 3 1874 when he was arrested. On Feb 22 he was tried and imprisoned. He was released Aug 8 1874.
5. Campaigns: In action in the Kaffir Wars, 1877-1878, in South Africa. 7
6. Campaigns: In action in the Zulu Wars, 1879, Battle of Kambula Hill. 7 In this battle he was severely injured on April 21 1874 “by the upsetting of a gun carriage while on duty in the field before the enemy”. His left leg was amputated.
7. He was described physically in 1879. 7 as being 5 feet 11 inches tall, with grey eyes, light brown hair and of fresh complexion. He is also described as having his left leg amputated and with 3 scars from bullet wounds on his right leg.
8. On 3 Apr 1881 he lived at 34 Woodstock Road, in Bedford Park, London 8 He identifies himself as John G. Burslem, giving his age as 26 with the occupation noted as Retired Captain, Light Horse and his place of birth as Calcutta. There is a note on the Census return “Lost a leg at Isandular” . This was a famous battle of the Zulu War in 1879.
9. About Jun 1881 he lived at 7 Castletown Road West, in Kensington, London 9
10. He travelled on the SS Belgenland from New York arriving July 9th, 1881 10
11. The Milwaukee Daily Sentinel ran the following story on August 29, 1881

SOCIETY SENSATION
Racy details of the Caning of “Capt.” Burslem by Pretty Miss Scoofy
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The Assailant Threatened with Immediate Extermination by the Humbled Knight’s Affianced.
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How the Scamp Became the Protégé of a Very Wealthy and Fashionable Lady
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Society Astounded at the Diabolical Way the “Captain” Took to Scratch his Back.
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(Special Despatch to The Sunday Sentinel)
New York, Aug 27. It is understood that Miss Scoofy, the young woman who caned Capt. Burslem has left the city. The Mail says: “The following facts in regard to the caning of a fellow calling himself Capt. Burslem by a lady at Cranston’s Hotel, West Point, are given by two ladies well known in New York society, who were eyewitnesses of the affair, and who have watched with interest the proceedings of the imposter since his arrival at West Point. The “Captain” appeared at West Point about July19. After being there a few days he desired and introduction to Miss Schoofy which she very properly refused. Several days afterward he went to the Military Academy and asked Gen Howard to introduce him to the same lady. She had heard of his

VULGAR REMARKS
Concerning other ladies in the house, and firmly refused to make his acquaintance. Burslem’s record , it is claimed, since he entered the house had been bad, and he had been most unpopular among the guests. He, it is alleged, grossly insulted Mrs. Phillips, wife of Dr. Phillips, of this city, and had acted in an unbecoming manner towards most of the servants in the house, according to the proprietor, who says he is the only man he ever had in his house whom he could not recognize. (1) He also insulted a young Jewish lady, who was stopping at the house, Miss Bloomschal. He actually sent a bell boy to her requesting her to come into his room and tie his cravat. He also met a Miss Hendricks in the hall and requested her to perform the same office for him. Several other ladies complain of being annoyed by him. In addition to this , it is stated that the “Capatain” was disgusting in his personal habits. He made

INSULTING PERSONAL REMARKS
At the table and ate his food in an entirely original manner, on one occasion indulging a mixture of soup and champagne with evident relish. Another time when a lady entered the dining room, he remarked audibly, ” Look at that Zulu with the succotash eyes.” Miss Scoofy and her mother refused to recognize him, although he was endorsed by and under the powerful protection of a Wealthy New York lady, who had faith in his aristocracy. Finally some of the ladies refused to sit with him. The lady referred to above, however, escorted her protégé into the dining room on her arm and seated him at the table at her side. On this occasion , he remarked to a young lady opposite him, that it was hot, and that he wanted her to get him some cream of tartar, and

SCRATCHED HIS BACK
against the back of the chair. On Saturday evening last, Miss Scoofy was assisting in getting up a German (2). Miss Dickinson of New York was invited to assist also. Another lady volunteered to distribute the favors when the “Captain” said of her: ” Miss Blank is too modest to assist in a thing of that kind. She would not make her self so conspicuous. Ladies in England never do it.” Nothing more was heard of the matter until the evening of the German, when the Captain put himself in a prominent position, expecting to be decorated with favors. Finally one of the lady friends was asked for a favor for him, which was refused. This made the “Captain” indignant. He asked what he had said to Mrs. Dickinson, and on being told denied it. He was then taxed with falsehood. An apology or at least an explanation was demanded for

CALLING MISS SCOOFY A LIAR
as she claimed.This he refused to do. It is positively stated that he did so and also added the offensive epithet referred t0. she was standing on the evening in question talking with a gentleman whose light cbamboo cane she held in her hand. The sight of the “Captain” seemed to infuriate her and she rushed toward him and struck him several times, breaking the cane. He made no resistance but his affianced, Miss Barclay, ran forward and through herself upon Miss Scoofy, crying out: “If you strike him again

I”LL KILL YOU”
Miss Scoofy is highly spoken of as an accomplished and refined lady, and the greatest wonder is expressed at her action. She is well known in New York societyand was educated here at one of the most fashionable institutions. The Captain has left for Newport to seek other fashionable acquaintances. It is said that the British Consuls pronounced him a fraud. The fact of his wearing his uniform while on the retired list is brought forward as disproving his claim to the British office.
(Special Despatch to The Sunday Sentinel)
New York, Aug 27. The young lady who so unwillingly obtained considerable notoriety by very properly resenting an affront at West Point on the part of a British officer, is stopping at the New York Hotel, this city. She naturally regrets the occurrence, and especially the publicity that has been given to it. She is a young lady of fine education and very engaging manners. During her sojourn at West Point, she became a favorite among the best circles of society, and naturally the so-called English army officer desired an introduction, which was refused until Gen. Howard presented the man. Even then he was hardly recognized(1), and by one or two ladies

WAS OPENLY SNUBBED.
These ladies had male supporters, and he finally, in a cowardly manner vented his spleen on the young lady from California, as she had no male protector. She very properly resented the insult imposedupon her and has since been warmly commended for her course by the best families at West Point. It has since been learned that the valiant Captain has been wearing medals belonging to his deceased brother, and that the English consul in this city says there is no record of any such officer in the English service. He called on the consul and asked him to vouch for him. The application was refused. Nearly all club men called at

THE ENGLISH CONSULATE
to learn the standing of the Captain, but could learn anything satisfactory. It is understood the Captain expected to become a society lion during the coming winter. The recent exposure of his claims will probably put an end to all such aspirations. The young lady from San Francisco was warmly congratulated on her course by the British consul. He said that if all other American ladies would treat pretenders in the same way they would soon rid society of many imposters who now are disgracing the English nation. The lady referred to will return to West Point with her mother on Monday, while the valiant captain will betake himself to quarters where he is not so well known.
Editor’s Notes:
(1) to acknowledge acquaintance with, as by a greeting, handshake, etc.
(2)A round dance, often with a waltz movement, abounding in capriciously involved figures. (b) A social party at which the german is danced.
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On September 1, 1881 the Daily Independent, Helena followed with this story that includes a few differing details:

Served Him Right
A Young Lady is insulted by a British Soldier and Slaps his Face in Return

“A somewhat sensational episode is reported to have happened at Cranston’s Hotel, West Point, last night. The story is that a young man calling himself Captain Burslem, and representing himself as an officer in the British Army, arrived at the hotel about three weeks ago, and registered as from Windsor Castle, England. He had brought a letter of introduction from Grace Greenwood to President Garfield and made many friends in New York among Wall Street brokers, by whom he had been introduced at the Union Club. At the hotel he met a Miss Scofie, of San Francisco, daughter of a mine owner who was sojourning at West Point with her mother. A few mornings since, Burslem, it is stated, in conversation with Miss Scofie, informed the young lady point blank that she lied, she at once laid the case before the manager of the house, with the statement that a person possessing such characteristics should not be tolerated by the guests. Burslem, however, was too intimate with the hotel proprietors and too firmly supported by the male guests to permit his being turned away.
Last evening Miss Scofie went with her mother to a cadet hop, and as they were ascending the steps leading to the veranda, the young lady met Burslem who was leaning against a post, smoking. As she attempted to pass he blew a cloud of smoke in her face and quickly followed it up with another, at the same time smiling at her discomfiture. Miss Scofie appealed to bystanders for protection, but none being offered struck the alleged Captain in the face, knocking his cigar from his mouth. She followed this up with a second blow with her fist. Burslem raised his hand, containg a cane, to ward off the blows, when she caught the stick, wrenched it from his grasp, and, boiling with rage, struck him several times squarely in the face, cutting him badly. The Captain, who has a false leg, was thrown to the piazza in the melee. Later in the evening, Mrs and miss Scofie were requested to leave the hotel, which they did, coming direct to New York. They are now at the New York Hotel.
Burslem claims to have served in the Zulu War, and to have been with the Prince Imperial when he died. He says that he is a Captain in the English Army, and is 33 years old. The English Army register shows only one officer of that name who was commissioned in 1850 and who is retired and who lives in India. Burslem, it is said, has engaged himself to a handsome and rich girl at West Point.”
The Butte Daily Miner 3 September 1881 and other papers also picked up on the story
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A further report of the affair, this time from an Atlanta newspaper quoting the Chicago Tribune:
West Point Episode
An Insulting Briton Caned by a Yankee Girl
A West Point special to the Chicago Tribune says: There came a young man of thirty-three years to the Point about three weeks ago, and yet not handsome, had a sort of military dash about his bearing, and brought with him a cork leg. He wore at times a jaunty cap, on which were letters interpreted by himself as the initials of the regiment he belonged to in the British Army and talked of his deeds of valour, his battles fought and won, his privations and his triumphs with the air of a veteran of a score of campaigns. He had been everywhere and seen everything, knew everybody, and was, according to his own tale, a man of the world and a son of a distinguished English family. He came to Cranston’s hotel one day and wrote his name in a bold hand on the register, Captain James. G. Burslem. He was not unknown, for he had stopped in this city some little time, been introduced at the Union club, been given a visiting card, and made himself solid with a good number of the boys among whom were quite a number of Wall-street brokers who came to look on Burslem as a scion of an aristocratic family and an individual of more than ordinary claim upon their consideration. He had brought to this country a letter of introduction from Grace Greenwood (see note0 to President Garfield and this alone gave him a footing at the club and at the homes of the Wall-street boys that was particularly satisfying to the captain. The stories he told about his military career were interesting. He had, as a captain in the British army, served in Zululand, and had been a companion of the prince imperial, who, he said in fact, had died in his arms. He had come to America for a short vacation and would return to his English home soon.
At Cranston’s hotel in West Point, among the visitors were Mrs. And Miss Scott, the wife and daughter of the San Francisco mine owner. They were enjoying the life at the Point, and the young lady, who is handsome of of solid build, was a frequent attendant at the hops for which the military post is famed. Captain Burslem by some means made the acquaintance of Miss Scotie, but it did not turn out as well, perhaps, as the captain had desired. It appears that a few evenings since Miss Scotie and the captain engaged in conversation, during which the latter very rudely informed the young lady that she was a liar, or words to that effect. She thereupon complained to the hotel proprietor, but the entire establishment was so firmly attached to the captain that she was given to understand that complaints of that kind were no avail here. The girl’s blood was up however.
Last night there was a hop at headquarters, and Miss Scotie and her mother attended. The daughter was elaborately attired in full evening dress, and as she was ascending the steps of the verandah, who should she meet but the captain himself. The story goes that he very rudely stared at her and accompanied the same with a cloud of cigar smoke, puffing it into the young lady’s face, which was quickly followed by another, whereupon she called out ” Is there no-one here to protect me from this fellow?” No one of Burslem’s friends coming to her aid, and Miss Scotie receiving another volume of smoke, she at once stepped up to the captain and hit him squarely between the eyes. The blow staggered him . he raised a cane to defend himself when the young lady greatly infuriated beyond all bounds of control, tore the stick from his hands and rained blows upon his head so fast that he was felled to the floor. His face was badly cut and bled profusely. The plucky girl then turned and went to her room with her mother. Shortly after the two were instructed to leave the hotel, the captain’s influence with the management standing hand in hand, not one of whom, it seems, had the manhood to stand up for the brave girl who had thus defended herself against the man’s insults.
Editor’s Note
Sara Jane Lippincott (1823- 1904) was a well known American newspaper columnist , better known by the pseudonym Grace Greenwood.
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A few papers followed up on the story. The Butte Daily Miner ran:

“Captain” Burslem_
“The self-styled Captain Burslem, whose ungentlemanly conduct towards Miss soufie, the California girl, incited that young lady to administer a deserved reprimand to the cowardly rough, is having his pretensions and antecedents looked into. From the San Francisco Chronicle we learn that enquiries at the British Consul’s office and an investigation of the army register fail to trace Captain James G. Burslem. The Captain dresses in a black “roundabout” or jacket, black pantaloons with a red stripe, and yachting cap bearing on the front the letters “F.L.H” which, he says, means “Flying Light Hussars.” He registers as Captain James G. Burslem, Windsor Castle, London, England, and claims to assigned to the Guard of the Queen.
The Vice-Consul declined to speak of the Captain when interrogated, and the army register shows only a major Rollo Burslem of the 43rd foot, who was commissioned in 1850 and who is now retired.
It is said by members of the union club that the captain was accorded a few days visitor’s ticket to that club and he used it for a month without any objections. Several stories are told of him, but they appear to be hearsay and cannot be traced to any authentic source. He is said to be engaged to a young lady at west Point, whom he met a week or so ago, and when he fell under the blows of the young lady whom he insulted, his alleged fiancé called upon an officer standing by to come to rescue the Captain and arrest his assailant. The officer declined to interfere without a warrant.
Not so long ago a gentleman who had travelled in Europe asked Captain Burslem what part of Germany he was born in. Captain Burslem replied that he was born in Darmstadtt, of English parentage, and he said that he always called himself an Englishman. Several gentlemen who have been intimate with the Captain are examining into his record with a view to settling some rumors, and the young lady who knocked him down is preparing to return to California with her mother.”
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Finally, in a letter to the New York Herald, Godolphin Finney Burslem writes to the editor:
West Point Sensation
To the Editor of the New York Herald
UNIVERSITY CLUB, 5th AVENUE – On arriving at Cozzen’s Hotel I registered as Captain John Godolphin Burslem, Windsor Castle, England and if any one doubts my being what I represent myself to be I beg them to the British Consul at New York. I did not use the ungentlemanly language attributed to me, and I did not misbehave myself as a gentleman in any way. I was indiscreet in wearing my uniform, but I was asked to wear it by a friend. I did not wear the uniform of a British officer, but I wore the uniform of a volunteer officer as I wore it in South Africa, where I served during the Kaffir and Zulu Wars and where I was unfortunately very seriously wounded. I was with the Prince Imperial, and he carried me into the hospital when I was wounded. I have also received a reward, as a late army list shows, for distinguished and meritorious conduct. I never said anything to any lady in the hotel about what ladies said or did in England or anything to give any lady offence, and I do not hear of any lady saying I was rude to her. I am sure that every one at Cranston’s Hotel can say they never heard me use any ungentlemanly language, and several ladies and gentlemen were present when I addressed the young lady. I have adopted America as my home for a future period and I hope the public will accept this as an explanation of what has taken place.
John Godolphin Burslem
Late Captain F.L.H.
Editor’s Comments.
John Godolphin Burslem was his half brother who had emigrated to New Zealand in 1864. He had served as a Private in the 1st Waikato Regiment in the Maori Wars and he remained in New Zealand until 1885 when he left, eventually ending up in South Africa.
11
12. He travelled on the SS Indiana, from Liverpool from Philadelphia on 4 Nov 1881 12 He must have returned to England shortly after the incidents of August.
Arrives Philadelphia from England on SS Indiana, accompanied by Mrs Burslem. According to the defence affidavits filed in the divorce procedings from Ellen Glassen he was accompanied by Elly Gray who passed as his wife.
13. He was involved in a court case in 1882. 1 Together with his father he was accused of fraud on Charles Luker of Oxford. He was not prosecuted because of the death of his father in December 1882
14. He travelled to Egypt in 1883. 1 His intention was to join the Gendarmerie of Baker Pasha but he was not accepted and returned home leaving his hotel bill at Shepherds Hotel unpaid. On his way back he filed a revised affidavit regarding his divorce from Ellen Burslem (nee Glassen). The affidavit is now in the name of Godolphin Osborne Burslem of Shepherds Hotel, Cairo, Gentleman and states that Ellen Burslem is now living a life of prostitution.
15. Newspaper Report: from the Times of London, 1885. 13
It was reported:
“At the MANSION-HOUSE yesterday, Mr. WILLIAM CRUIKSHANK, a merchant, attended before the Lord Mayor to answer a summons charging him with committing wilful and corrupt perjury. Mr Montague Williams prosecuted; Mr Rose-Innes defended. Mr Williams, in opening the case, said that the perjury charged was alleged to have been committed in an interlocutory affidavit arising out of an action. Although the affidavit had nothing to do with the action itself, it was necessary to say that the action was brought between the prosecutor, Mr Solomon, and the defendant, and was brought to to recover the sum £1,000 on a cheque drawn by a person named Godolphin Osborne Burslem in favour of Mr. Cruikshank. The cheque was passed over to a third party, and it was upon that cheque that the action was brought……………………………..”
16. In early 1885 he lived at 10 Great Vine street, Regent Street and the Langham Hotel, Portland place, both in in Middlesex. 14
17. From Apr to May 1885 he was involved in a court case for fraud in the London Police Court in London, England. 15 It was reported that:
“GODOLPHIN BURSLEM, alias “the HON. CAPTAIN SYDNEY GODOLPHIN OSBORNE, was charged on remand with obtaining goods from Mr. Parker a saddler, St Martin’s Lane, by false pretences. Mr Chilcott prosecuted; Mr S.B. Abrahams defended. Evidence was given to show that the prisoner, in the name of Sydney Godolphin Osborne, had ordered goods to upwards of £45 in value, and represented that his country residence was Osborne Hall, Burgess Hill, Sussex. The prosecutor, believing the representations made by the prisoner, delivered the goods at Eton Mews, Swiss Cottage, as requested. Failing to obtain payment for them, he made inquiries, and it was found that the prisoner’s name was Burslem and that he was a discharged gunner from the Royal Artillery. It was alleged that he had been engaged in an extensive system of fraud, and a further demand was granted for injuries (inquiries) to be made.”

Transcribed from the Times of London – April 27 1885
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“At Bow-Street on Saturday, GODOLPHIN OSBORNE BURSLEM was charged on remand with obtaining goods and money by false pretences. In the first case it appeared that the prisoner, who had been a private in the Royal Artillery, went to a saddler and harness maker in Long-acre and obtained goods to the value of about £45 on the statement that he was the Hon. Captain Godolphin Osborne, of Burgess-hill, Sussex. In the second case it appeared that in 1882 the prisoner called on Thomas Burslem, an old man living at Esher, Surrey and stated that he was Captain Burslem of the Royal Artillery, and a relation of the prosecutor. The prosecutor, who had two sons in the army, became friendly with him and trusting his statements to be true intrusted him with a dividend warrant on the Imperial Gas Company to get cashed for him. The prisoner got this warrant cashed through a solicitor in Chancery-lane, but never forwarded the money to the prosecutor. The prisoner was committed for trial on both these charges, but a remand was granted, it being understood that other charges would be brought against him.”
Transcribed from the Times of London – May 11, 1885
18. From Apr to May 1885 he was involved in a court case for bankruptcy in the High Court of Justice, Bankruptcy Division. 16
His first meeting for examination was set for April 29, 1885 at noon and the appointment of Trustees is shown as May 6 1885. In view of the criminal proceedings taking place simultaneously it is doubtful whether the application for bankruptcy was ever finalized. No record of dividends being paid or discharge has yet been found.
19. In Jun 1885 he was involved in a court case for obtaining money by false pretences in London, England. 17
The Times of London reported:
“Godolphin Osborne Burslem was charged on remand with obtaining money by false pretences. Mr. Angus Lewis presented on behalf of the Treasury. The prisoner had already been committed for trial on two charges, and the charge now proceeded with was one of obtaining £1,500 worth of jewellery from Mr. Keymer, of Brook-street, Hanover-square. The prisoner called on Mr. Keymer and told him that he was Captain Burslem of the Royal Artillery, in which regiment it appears he had been a private. He represented that he had considerable property at Esher, Surrey, and that he was about to get married. He, at different times, selected articles of jewellery, which he paid for mostly in bills which, on becoming due, were dishonoured. Mr. Flowers committed the prisoner for trial on this charge also. Mr.Lewis then proceeded with a fourth charge against the prisoner. In this he, as alleged, obtained £500 to complete the purchase of a house he said he had bought at Burgess-hill, Sussex. The case was not completed, and the prisoner was again remanded.”
The June 7 issue of the Observer reported in greater detail:
ALLEGED IMPOSTOR,
FURTHER CHARGES.
At Bow-street, yesterday, before Mr. Flowers, the man who gave his name as Godolphin Osborne was charged on remand with obtaining goods by false pretences.
Mr. Angus Lewis appeared on behalf of the Treasury to prosecute.
The prisoner had already been committed for trial on two charges – one for obtaining a large amount of harness and other things from a saddler named Parker in St. Martin’s-lane by false representations; and the second for obtaining a dividend warrant for £66 from a Mr. Burslem, of Esher, Surrey. The third charge now brought against the prisoner was for having through false representations induced a Mr. Keymer, a jeweller, to supply him with jewellery, the value of which was £1,415. The prisoner told Mr. Keymer that he was a captain in Her Majesty’s service, and was in receipt of a pension of £300 a year and was living at Burslem Lodge, Hiddington Hill, Oxford. He was interested in some property at Esher, out of which he would shortly realise £5,000. He gave Mr. Keymer bills; which were disnonoured, and had never paid for the jewellery he had ordered.
Sergeant Cockrell, 21 E, examined by Mr. Lewis, said: ” On the 16th April last, at about eight p.m. I arrested the prisoner at Park-terrace, Regent’s Park. In answer to the warrant I read to him, he said : ” The boy that I discharged is at the bottom of all this. He has told Parker that I have removed some of the harness to the country.” I took the prisoner to the station…
Prisoner : Do you mean to say that you read the war-rant to me in the street?
Sergeant Cockrell: No, in the house. The warrant was also read at the station.
Mr. Lewis explained that Mr. Abrahams would not be present to defend the prisoner today.
Mr. Flowers said that the prisoner would defend him-self, but he advised him not to overdo it.
Mr. Keymer, formerly of Brook-street, Hanover Square, recalled and cross examined by the prisoner, said : You represented yourself to me as being in Her Majesty’s service. It does not matter if I keep an Army List in my office or not. I do not know where the card is you gave me when you called at my shop. I first found out through your solicitor, Mr. Hales, that your statements were false. I do not know on what date it was.
By Mr: Flowers: Towards paying for the jewellery the prisoner gave me bills of exchange, which were, how-ever, dishonoured. Part of the jewellery he was to have on approbation.
Mr. Flowers: And did you never get the jewellery back again?
Witness: No, sir, I am sorry to say I did not.
Mr. Flowers: When did you first discover the pri-soner’s statements were false?
Witness: I cannot remember the date. Directly I found that the prisoner had deceived me I meant to abide by my loss.
Charles McLewin, examined by Mr. Lewis, said: I am assistant to Mr. George Attenborough,72, Strand. On 14th October, 1882, a ring was pledged at the shop in the name of Captain J. G. Burslem for 20. It was an emerald and diamond three-stone ring. It was pledged by Mr. W.T Armstrong, a solicitor, of 15, Broad-court, Bow-street. It was redeemed on the 1st December, 1882. I cannot say by whom.
The Prisoner: He does not say I pledged it.
Charles Victor McShane, of 16 Brewer-street, Regent-street, examined by Mr.Lewis said: I am Mr. Darling’s manager and buyer.. Mr. Darling is a wholesale jeweller and diamond merchant. I remember the prisoner coming to me in November 1882. He showed me several pawn tickets and offered to sell them to me. Among others there was one from Mr.G. Attenborough. That was ticket relating to an emerald and diamond ring. I first went to see Mr.Keymer and ascertained that he had bought them from a Captain Burslem, and that they had been arranged for by some bills. I think Mr.Keymer said he had received one or two small amounts of money from the prisoner. All the tickets relate to goods bought from Mr.Keymer except one. The emerald and diamond ring was amongst them. Payment had been arranged for except for one ring which the prisoner had on approbation. I afterwards bought the pawn tickets and redeemed the jewellery.
The prisoner: Which ring was it that I had on approbation?
Witness: It was the sapphire and diamond ring.
Prisoner: You knew me before the transaction?
Witness: That was the first transaction you had with us. I took the jewellery out of pledge, and sold it to Mr. Keymer.
Prisoner: You have had great experience in jewellery. What do you consider the value of all the jewellery you bought from me?
Witness: I cannot exactly remember.
Prisoner: You told me at the time that I had paid too much for it. Did you not?
Witness: No, certainly not. I sell to shopkeepers, and it is not likely even if I thought you had paid too much that I should tell you so.
Prisoner: Could you give the magistrate an idea of the value?
Witness: No, I am afraid Icould not.
William Campbell Annesly, examined by Mr.Lewis said: I am in the War Office. I am senior clerk in the pension department. I have the pension papers showing the payments to Gunner Godolphin Burslem. The payments were from February 21st 1880 up to the 31st March 1885. All of these were quarterly payments made in ink. On one occcasion he had six months pay in advance but the payments were usually made quarterly. The six months advance was paid in June 1883, to the prisoner in Marseilles. The amount of his pension was a shilling a day. I know Mr. Sidney Godolphin Osborne, the Secretary to the Army Purchase Commission. The prisoner is not the gentleman.
Prisoner: Have you yourself seen me every quarter in England?
Witness: No.
Prisoner: Have I been in England every quarter?
Witness : I cannot say.
Prisoner: You have the papers stating where and when I was paid. Will you produce them?
Witness: I have the papers.
Prisoner: I know what they are driving at. They want to prove that I was in England and could not have a commision abroad. (To witness) You know that I had permission to accept service abroad. I have had permission to take a commission under a foreign monarch.
Witness: I have had nothing to do with the actual payments.
Mr. Flowers (to witness): You think he was in England all the time except upon one occasion?
Witness: The payments were made in this country except the nine months in Marseilles. I cannot tell where he was after receiving the payments.
The Prisoner: It will go forth to the world that I was in England every quarter day. I was not. I had permission to go abroad. The other gentleman from the War Office stated that I had made several applications to cornmute my pension.
Major RoIlo Burslem, examined by Mr. Lewis, said : I have retired from the service. I reside at Windsor Castle. The prisoner is my nephew. His correct name, as for as I know is Godolphin Finney Burslem. The certificate produced I believe to be the certificate of his birth. He has a half-brother, whose initials are ” J. G. Burslem.”‘ I presume the brother is alive. He is abroad in New Zealand. As far as I know, the prisoner has no landed property in Esher, Surrey, or at Hoddington Hill in Oxfordshire. I do not know that he has any landed property.
Prisoner (to witness): Would you be likely to know if I had any private means?
Witness: Only from what you told me.
Prisoner: Yon know I married a very wealthy lady ?
Witness: Only from what you told me.
Prisoner: Did she not tell you herself ?
Witness: She did say something about it.
Prisoner:You know I sent my mother some money?
Witness: Yes.
Prisoner: Were yon present at my birth?
Witness: No.
Prisoner: Then how do yon know that is my certificate? If my father told you that was not my certificate, would you be prepared to say that it was?
Witness: No, certainly not.
Prisoner: Do you know that my father said in his lifetime that I was J.G. Burslem?
Witness: No, I don’t.
Prisoner: How long have you been in Her Majesty’s Service?
Witness: Twenty-three years in the army, fourteen years at Windsor Castle and some years resident Governor of the Tower.
Prisoner: You know I ran away from school?
Witness: Yes.
Prisoner: To be enlisted?
Witness: I don’t know that.
Prisoner: You were resident Governor of the Tower at the time.
Witness: Yes.
Prisoner: You know I have been abroad, and all the officers spoke kindly of me?
Witness: Yes.
Prisoner: My brother won the Victoria Cross in the service?
Witness: Yes.
Prisoner: I am the first in the family who has not had comission?
Witness: Yes, as far as I know.
By Mr. Lewis: I knew the prisoner had been out of the country from his letters to me and his mother
Thomas Burslem, recalled and examined by Mr. Lewis, said : I have lived near Esher for about six years. Previously to that I used to go there. During the time that I have been living there I have never known anybody living there whose name was Burslem.
Prisoner: I never said that I had property at Esher, and I don’t mind owning it.
Witness: I think you had better be silent, you foolish boy. I never knew anybody of the name of Burslem living at Esher.
This concluded the evidence in this case.
Mr. Lewis: I have a fourth charge to bring against the prisoner, of obtaining £400 by false pretences. The prisoner went to Burgess Hill, Sussex, and has already been seen by evidence given, he agreed to purchase ahouse there. He obatined possesion of it , but never paid any of the purchase money. He represented to a gentleman that he bought the house for £2,700, and on the strength of the statements he made the gentleman was induced to loan him £.` 400, and it was discovered that he had no interest whatever in the house.
Fred. James Cully, examined by Mr. Lewis said: I live at the Gables, Burgess Hill, Sussex. I first saw the prisoner early in January of this year. About a fortnight after the prisoner was let into possession of the property. He signed an agreement that he was let into possession. He agreed to pay £1,530 down and £1,200 by four qurterly instalments. He never paid any part of the money. The deeds of the property were in Mr. Livesay (my solicitor’s) possession at the time. My solicitor prepared the conveyance of the property to the prisoner. He prepared it for myself and the prisoner jointly. I signed the conveyance. The prisoner was present when I signed it. I did not instruct Mr.Livesay to hand the deeds over to anyone.
Prisoner: Will you produce the contract for the magistrate?
Witness: No. I have not got it. Mr.Livesay has it.
Prisoner: The purchase money had not to be paid till the 25th March.
Cross examined by the prisoner: I had six or eight conversations with you before you got possession of the house, I cannot recollect the dates. The purchase fell through because you could not complete it, not because it was a bad title. There were witnesses present when I had interviews with you. On one occasion a Mr.Smith was present, and on another
occasion a Mr. Harrison. I had references before you entered into possession. I did not inquire of anyone whether you were secretary to the Army Purchasing Commission. You told me you were. I don’t know if anyone else was present then.
The prisoner was again remanded.
20. In Sep 1885 he was involved in a court case for fraud. He appeared before the Recorder of the Central Criminal Court in London, England. 1
It was reported that:
Godolphin Finney Burslem, 29 described as of no occupation, and John Edward Smith, 52, a solicitor, who surrendered to his recognizances, were indicted for obtaining two sums of £200 and £270 from Mr. Robert Coulson by false pretences, and they were also charged with conspiring together to obtain the money.
Mr Montague Williams and Mr. Mead were counsel for the prosecution, upon the part of the Public Prosecutor; Mr J.P Grain appeared for Smith; and Mr. Bayley defended Burslem.
Mr Montague Williams, in opening the case said that the defendant Godolphin Finney Burslem, who would be known in the course of the inquiry as Sidney Godolphin Osborne – a name he had assumed – was a gunner in the Royal Artillery. He was a man who was fairly well connected and well brought up, and having enlisted in the Royal Artillery, he served through the South African campaign, by which he became entitled to a pension of 1s per day. The defendant Smith was a solicitor, and the theory of the prosecution was that under the pressure of circumstances the defendant smith lent himself to the alleged fraud of the other defendant Burslem, and that they conspired together to obtain the money from the prosecutor. It seemed that in January, 1885 a Mr. Cully was possessed of a house in Burgess-hill, in the neighbourhood of Brighton, called the Grove. Burslem, who stated that he was Captain Sidney Godolphin Osborne, and that he was a relative of the Dike of Leeds, entered into an agreement with Mr. Cully for the purchase of the property, the price of which was to be £2,700. Burslem succeeded in obtaining possession of the property before any deeds were actually signed or any money parted with. In fact no money ever passed and no deeds conveying the property to Burslem were ever delivered, although some were executed. Burslem, however, got possession of the property and changed its name to Osborne Hall. Burslem then seemed to have determined to raise money on the property, which was not his. At the time the purchase was suggested by Burslem he gave as his reference the defendant Smith.
In February Burslem applied to Mr. Coulson, the prosecutor, for an advance, being introduced to him as a person who was desirous of borrowing money on some property of his at Burgess-hill. Burslem said he was Sidney Godolphin Osborne, and that he had bought the house at Burgee-hill, only £600 of the purchase money remained unpaid. Burslem also said that he was a relation of the Duke of Leeds and that he had an income of £2,000 or £3,000 a year, and he referred to Smith as his solicitor. It was alleged by the prosecution that Smith knew perfectly well that Burslem was not any relation to the Duke of Leeds, and that he only had a pension from the Royal Artillery. It was also contended that Smith must have known that Burslem had no right to the property in question. Smith, on being asked whether Burslem had bought the property, replied in the affirmative, but that more of the purchase money remained unpaid than had been stated, and he further stated that he had the deeds, but as he was changing his office he did not know at which office they then were. Mr. Coulson then advanced to Burslem the sum of £200, and subsequently Burslem applied to him for a further advance of the same amount. He also asked Mr. Coulson to discount a bill for £95 belonging to Smith. Mr. Coulson eventually gave Burslem a cheque for £270, being the further advance of £200 and £70, the discount for the bill. When the house was searched after Burslem was taken into custody a letter from Smith to Burslem was found. The defendant Smith, it was said, all along led the prosecutor to believe that the deeds were in his possession; otherwise the money would not have been advanced. Counsel narrated some other details of the case, mentioning that the defence raised on the part of Smith was that he had been deceived in the matter by Burslem.
Evidence was then given in support of the case for the prosecution. The case was not concluded when the Court rose for the day, and it will be resumed tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. The defendant Smith was liberated on his own recognizances as before.
Transcribed from The Times of London – September 14, 1885
______________________________________________________________________
Finney Burslem, alias the Honorable Captain Godolphin Osborne Burslem and Mr. John Smith, 52, Solicitor, were indited for conspiring to obtain money by false pretences.
Mr. Montage Williams and Mr. Mead presented for the Treasury; Mr. Grain and Mr. Tickell defended Mr.Smith, Mr. Baylis appearing for Burslem.The case was part heard the previous day, and the circumstances have been fully reported. It was urged in defence of Smith that he had been in practice 30 years and in this case merely acted upon the representations made to him.
The jury acquitted Smith but found Burslem Guilty. The Recorder sentenced Burslem to five years penal servitude.
Transcribed from the Times of London – September 15, 1885
21. He was in prison from 15 Sep 1885 to 16 Aug 889 18
22. He travelled on the SS Adriatic to New York from Liverpool, Lancashire on 15 Jan 1890 19 His occupation is now listed as gentleman. He arrived on Jan 27th 1890.
.
23. He was Manager of the Phoenix Club from about May 1890 to 1891 in Buffalo, New York. 20
The following story describes the Phoenix club and notes that “Capt. Burslem” is manager.
” THE PHOENIX CLUB. – IT FINDS A HOME IN THE TRACY MANSION.

It is a Beautiful Home and Was Given a Warming Last Night That Was Most Enjoyable.
The Phoenix Club gave a brilliant opening last night at its new club house, the old Tracy Mansion at the corner of Court and Franklin Streets, refitted appropriately for club purposes. The men laid themselves out to entertain their fair friends and they succeeded admirably. The handsome rooms of the club house were thronged all the evening. The club numbers now about 115 and it is safe to say few of the members were absent last night. The guests numbered 150 so that it was a well -attended house-warming. Kuhn’s large orchestra, stationed in the director’s room, filled the air with sweet music. Supper was served in the dining room. The club management has been at work upon the mansion for about six weeks, during which time it has been greatly beautified in appearance and it now makes a most attractive and complete home for a club. The rooms have been retialed and frescoed. The decorative work and the furnishing of the various rooms is in excellent taste, and the whole effect produced by a stroll through the house is very pleasing. The hall has been finished in dark olive tints and lincrusta walton. The small room on the left as one enters is used as a directors’ room and is finished in chocolate colors The parlor is a dainty apartment. The colors in which the walls and ceiling are tinted arc very light olives, and care has been taken to make the decorative work on walls and ceiling and the carpets and furniture harmonize. The result is a room which ought not to offend the most cultivated taste.

23. He was Manager of the Phoenix Club from about May 1890 to 1891 in Buffalo, New York. 20
The following story describes the Phoenix club and notes that “Capt. Burslem” is manager.
” THE PHOENIX CLUB. – IT FINDS A HOME IN THE TRACY MANSION.

It is a Beautiful Home and Was Given a Warming Last Night That Was Most Enjoyable.
The Phoenix Club gave a brilliant opening last night at its new club house, the old Tracy Mansion at the corner of Court and Franklin Streets, refitted appropriately for club purposes. The men laid themselves out to entertain their fair friends and they succeeded admirably. The handsome rooms of the club house were thronged all the evening. The club numbers now about 115 and it is safe to say few of the members were absent last night. The guests numbered 150 so that it was a well -attended house-warming. Kuhn’s large orchestra, stationed in the director’s room, filled the air with sweet music. Supper was served in the dining room. The club management has been at work upon the mansion for about six weeks, during which time it has been greatly beautified in appearance and it now makes a most attractive and complete home for a club. The rooms have been retialed and frescoed. The decorative work and the furnishing of the various rooms is in excellent taste, and the whole effect produced by a stroll through the house is very pleasing. The hall has been finished in dark olive tints and lincrusta walton. The small room on the left as one enters is used as a directors’ room and is finished in chocolate colors The parlor is a dainty apartment. The colors in which the walls and ceiling are tinted arc very light olives, and care has been taken to make the decorative work on walls and ceiling and the carpets and furniture harmonize. The result is a room which ought not to offend the most cultivated taste.
The room into which the parlor opens is the reading-room. It is a richly-furnished, attractive room, finished in terra cotta, its air of quiet comfort tempting to an hour with book or magazine. Its furniture is polished oak in antique designs.
Going upstairs one passes first into a lounging room, then into the billiard and pool rooms, all attractive rooms and furnished in keeping with their purposes. Back of the pool room is the coat room, lavatories, linen/room, etc. On the other side of the hall and in the rear part of the upper story are a series of card rooms with polished oak tables and chairs. Grill work separates the parlor and reading room, but it can be removed for dancing. It is the intention to make a ball room out of the barn at some time in the future. “Dancing in the barn” will then be an appropriate dance.
The glory of the old Tracy mansion was the dining-room, and it remains now the most impressive room in the club-house. It has been changed but little. It looked very lovely last evening, the dark woods set off by the lights, the ornamented tables, and the brilliant costumes of the women.
The officers of the Phoenix Club are L. M. Brock, president: Henry Weill, vice president: David H. Desbecker, treasurer, Abram L. Warner, secretary. The house committee who must be given the chief credit for the appearance the clubhouse now presents is. Frederick Ullman, Isidore Cohen, Daniel Desbecker, Irving Frankel, Edward ]ellineck, David M. J. Wall, and Isidor H. Falk. Capt. Burslem is manager.”
Transcribed from the Buffalo Express, May 21 1890,
There must have been a subsequent falling out as the following court case was reported two years later.
Court -Trial Term – The Hon. Edward W. Hatch, Judge. May 13th.”
Godolphin T. Burslem vs. Phoenix club of Buffalo.
Verdict of $184.38 for plalntiff.
Transcribed from the Buffalo Morning Express May 14, 1892
24.
The following story appeared in September1891
“Robbed a Club Steward.”
Buffalo, Sept.4. Steward Burslem of the Phoenix Club was robbed yesterday morning of valuables estimated to be worth about $1,000. Burslem had temporarily employed a stranger to do some work about the club. While Burslem was occupied in another part of the building the man entered the steward’s apartments and took jewelry and other articles of value to the above amount, He has not yet been arrested.
Transcribed from the Syracuse Evening Herald, Sept 4 1891
In view of his criminal background in England and his subsequent activities in New York it seems very likely that this claim was an attempt to gain some “reimbursement”, either from the club or from the club’s insurers. 21
25. He was involved in a court case for slander in 1892. 1 He was sued by Minnie Cummings, the Actress.
26. He was the Manager or Owner of the Cafe de Paris from about 1892 to 1893 in Buffalo, New York. 22
Capt Burslem. a few years ago, was well known in Buffalo and many will remember him. His was a strange personality. For a time he conducted the Café de Paris on Washington Street, near Clinton Street. He told many wild stories of his career as an English army officer in London and was even a greater attraction in the Cafe de Paris than was its cuisine. He went to New York about seven years ago and became steward, in one of the larger hotels. From time to time, since then, news of his various troubles have reached his acquaintances in Buffalo.
Transcribed Buffalo Morning Express July 4 1901
Even then he seems to have been in trouble with the authorities. There are a number of newspaper references to the “Canadian Bartender Affair”.
“A CANADIAN BARTENDER.
Capt. Burslem is Said to Have Hired One and Now Has Trouble on His Hands.
Capt. G. Burslem of the Cafe de Paris cannot regard life on American soil as a rosebud experience. After settling complications with the excise regulations, the Captain appears to hare run flatly against the Alien Contract-labor law . Inspector De Barry has made an investigation which disclosed facts rather damaging to the Captain. It is said that a short time ago he contracted with Samuel O. Edwards of Bellevue, Ont., in Toronto, to serve as bartender in the Captain’s saloon for $20 a month. Edwards came over the border and has been working for Burslem several days.
It is expected that warrants, civil and criminal, will be sworn out against Burslem today, while Edwards will be deported.”
Transcribed from the Buffalo Express September ? 1892 (date unreadable)
“NOT A CRIMINAL CASE.
Commissioner Fitzgerald Would Not Issue a Warrant for Capt. Burslem’s Arrest.
It now appears that the proceedings begun against Capt. Burslem, in reference to his alleged Violation of the Alien-Contract Labor Law, as noted in yesterday’s issue of “The Express,” should have been taken civilly and not criminally. At least, so United States Commissioner Fitzgerald and District Attorney Alexander think. A warrant was applied for to the Commissioner, and he, finding that Capt. Burslem did not import Edwards, his Canadian employee, expressed himself as in doubt. He consulted with Mr. Alexander, and he says the latter agrees with him that the case is not one for criminal prosecution. No warrant, therefore, was issued. It is likely that civil proceedings will now be brought.”
Transcribed from the Buffalo Express September 28 1892
“BARTENDER EDWARDS DEPORTED
L. G. Edwards, the young man who Inspector De Barry insists was brought from Toronto to this city by Capt Burslem under contract to work as a bartender in the Captain’s cafe, has returned to Canada. The Inspector had a long talk with him yesterday afternoon, the outcome of which was Edwards’s deportation. Asked if a civil action against Capt. Burslem would follow, Mr. De Beers said: “Yes, there would he if remained in the States, but I could not legally hold him, the only ……….(the rest of the report is unreadable)”

Transcribed from the Buffalo Morning Express, Sept 29 1892
27. It is reported that:
“BUFFALO. N.Y., April 7 – William Rooke, said to be a former accountant of London, England, was arrested several days ago on the charge of taking out naturalization papers as Wallace Ross, under which assumed name he had been conducting a Washington street saloon here. The complaint was made by Captain G.Burslam, a British army pensioner, who keeps a restaurant above Rooke’s saloon, who claims to have known Rooke in London. Rooke was arraigned and held in bonds for the May term of the United States court at Rochester.

27. It is reported that:
“BUFFALO. N.Y., April 7 – William Rooke, said to be a former accountant of London, England, was arrested several days ago on the charge of taking out naturalization papers as Wallace Ross, under which assumed name he had been conducting a Washington street saloon here. The complaint was made by Captain G.Burslam, a British army pensioner, who keeps a restaurant above Rooke’s saloon, who claims to have known Rooke in London. Rooke was arraigned and held in bonds for the May term of the United States court at Rochester.
Captain Burslam said to a United Press correspondent today that he knew Rooke, in London and the latter was an official accountant with a large business and moved in good society. Burslem also said that Rooke was a defaulter to a large amount and was wanted in England on that charge.”
A follow up story appears in the Buffalo Express later in the month, headed “CASE OF GET EVEN’

What Burslem says of his arrest for violating Excise Ordinances.

The troubles between Capt. Burslem and Wallace Ross are evidently not at an end yet.
Not long ago, it will be remembered, Burslem had Ross arrested on the charge of obtaining citizenship papers under an assumed name. Commissioner Hirschbeck held him for the Rochester term of the United States Court, which begins next month. And now Ross has had Burslem arrested. At least Burslem says the arrest is at the saloon-keeper’s instigation.
The restaurant-keeper was taken in to custody by Specials McCabe and Notter on the charge of selling liquor without a license. Burslem, of course, denies the accusation. He says that the complaint is based upon a single occasion in the early part of last March, when he, Ross and a number of the latter’s friends were shaking dice in his (Burslem’s) place. When Burslem was “stuck” he ordered some of his own liquor, so he says, and did not sell it, but gave it to the others. The police say that the arrest was made on the complaint of a number of persons who claim to have been sold liquor at Burslem’s restaurant. Burslem was arraigned to the Police Court yesterday and his case was postponed until May 4th.
Transcribed from the Buffalo Express , April 27 1892
23
28. In Aug 1894 he was involved in a court case for the non return of furniture held as security by Edward Vogel, a plumber in New York. 24
A newspaper report stated that:
” Captain G.F. Burslem, an ex-army officer who, until recently,was manager of the Towers, a Summer house, conducted by Miss Minnie Cummings, the actress, at Elberon. N.J. Captain Burslem alleged that Vogel was holding his furniture for a plumber’s bill of $16.50, which Miss Cummings owed to him. The Capatin said that when he had been engaged as manager of the Towers he had stored his furniture with Vogel and sent Vogel down to Elberon to do some plumbing work. Miss Cummings refused to pay and the Captain said that Vogel was holding his furniture as security. Vogel said that Captain Burslem owed him a quarter and that he could not have the furniture until he had paid the quarter. Captain Burslem promptly paid the quarter and the case was dismissed.”
This report is curious in that he had fallen out with Miss Minnie Cummings in 1892, two years before, with accusations of slander.
29. He received his United States citizenship on 5 Oct 1894 in Superior Court, New York County. 25 His occupation is listed as Hotel Manager.
The Elmira Telegram. October 7 1894 reported the following story:
LOSES HIS PENSION. [Special to the Telegram.]
New York, Oct.. 6.-Captain Godolphin F. Burslem, well-known in Buffalo, Niagara Falls and western New York as a hotel man and caterer, was naturalized today by Judge Gildersleeve in the superior court. The.captain, who is now steward of the Empire hotel, wears seven decorations gained for heroism in the Zulu/ Kaffir and Egyptian wars and draws a pension ot $80 a month, which he will lose through’ becoming an American citizen. He is going to join Tammany hall.
Judging by the extravagant claims of his miltary decorations and his claim of a pension of $80 a month (his military records show 10 shillings a month, subsequently cancelled as a result of his conviction for fraud) it looks as though he either submitted the story himself or told the reporter a tall story.
30. In1895 he authored and published a book “Crime and Criminals” through the NY Publication Print Company. This appears to have been a vanity press publication. However it is noteable in several ways. It appears to be a plagiarised version of the Newgate Calendar but, tucked away in the last chapter is the story of a very sophisticated confidence trick played on a London jeweller who was defrauded of a silver dinner service worth in excess of £5,000. The story is told in the first person by the author who claims to have been the detective officer investigating the crime. Because of the amount of detail and different writing style to the rest of the book it may well be that this is autobiographical.
_______________________________________________________________
The last chapter reads:
“In the summer of 18** an immense sensation was created not only in Whitehall, but throughout the metropolis, by the news that Messrs ****, the eminent silversmiths and jewellers, of **** street, had been “confidenced” out of an immensely valuable and complete silver banqueting service, valued at nearly five thousand pounds sterling. The cool impudence and clever manipulation with which the firm had been “done” have never been surpassed and rarely equalled. In common with several other detective officers I have engaged for weeks searching for “clues” to the daring performers whose feat was commented upon by most of the leading newspapers of the day, several of which devoted leading articles to the subject, so unprecedented were the circumstances considered and oddly enough no blame was repeated to us, when all our efforts and patience was found to have been exhausted in a fruitless chase, so cunning were the precautions of the swindlers on every hand allowed to have been. But let the reader judge as to whether the odds in this particular game were greatly in favour of the criminals and against their natural foes, the pursuers."

Subject: Re: Gunner Godolphin Finney Burslem Wed Jul 11, 2012 9:04 pm

Look at the bottom of document. Expenses Strafford House.
They list the cost of his cork leg... Sad

http://www.anglozuluwar.com/content/files/2009033009121730000100/Sister_Janet_Part_three.pdf

Subject: Re: Gunner Godolphin Finney Burslem Wed Jul 11, 2012 9:38 pm

Click Godolphin Finney Burslem

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