The Sun.
London, England, 1863-03-20 00:00:00

POLICE INTELLIGENCE--March 19.

11iANSION-HOUSE. INVEIGLING GOVER-
NESSES TO PARIS.—At the conclusion of the busi-
ne:s of the d4y, Alderman Sir Robert Carden re-
ferred to en application made to him on Wednesday
on behalf of the London Society for the Protection
of Young Women as to certain sysiematic attempts
which were being made by a man named Robertson
to decoy young women, principally of the class of
governesses, to Paris, on the alleged pretence of pro-
viding them with desirable situations, but in reality,
as there was reason to believe, for immoral purposes.
He (the Alderman) said he had that morning re-
ceived a letter from John Blanshard, the manager
of extensive premises at 90, Lower Thames-street,
stating that letters in the handwriting of ladies had
of late been addressed to this Mr. Robertson, to the
care of a Mr. Weiman, who had an office there, in
answer to an advertisement in the 7intes ; that
Weiman requested him to take in letters so ad-
dressed, and that he did so, suspecting nothing
wrong, until he found that a number of young
ladies came there to visit Robertson on his arrival
from Paris, which aroused his suspicion. Enclosed in
that communication were six 'letters, addressed by
lathes to Robertson at the office of Weiman ; and,
judging from the handwriting, they were evidently
from women of superior education. He could
not open them, but under the circumstances he
would hand them over to the police, to be detained
for the present. He remembered, some years ago,
being instrumental in punishing a man named
Flynn, who was concerned in inveigling young go-
vernesses over to Paris under circumstances similar
to-the present ; and he should like to have Mr.
Robertson and Mr. Wieman before him, for in that
case he would assist in giving them their deserts.
"A Poor Governess" had written to him (Sir
Robert) enclosing a letter she had received from
this Mr. Robertson, and urging him to use his best
exertions " to prevent any of her weak sex being
deceived." Sir Robert read the enclosure, which
was as follows :—lt was dated "London, March 13,'
and in the corner were the words, " Agence de F.
Robertson, 32, Rue de Paridis-Poissoniere."
" Miss,--In answer to your honoured letter of February
the 24th, I herewith inform you that I can introduce you
as a governess in a highly respectable French family,
where it would be your business to instruct two young
ladies about 13 and 15 years old. If you can send me
good references you are certain of being accepted upon my
introducing you; I therefore send you the conditions, £72
per annum, with your washing put out, and you are
privileged to use your employer's carriage (a laugh), and a
separate apartment ; your travelling expenses paid in afl st
class department; an engagement for three years certain,
and you are always expected to speak English to your
pupils. (A laugh.) The conditions of our firm are as
follows—commission £4, to be paid in four months, or £1 a
month; and in order to pay our first advances, and as
security for both parties, you are expected to send imme-
diately with your references the first month's commission
of .£1 by a post-office order. It is understood that in case
you decline to accept the situation for serious reasons, your
first fee will be returned.—l remain, Miss, yours respect-
fully, "F. ROBERTSON.
" Business of importance obliges me to be in London for
a few days. Therefore, to avoid all delay, write me Mr.
ts s
deludewere
Robertson, Office Weiman, first floor, 90, Lower Thames-
street, City, London.' "
The services of the public
calculated
in exposing schemes
unsuspect-
ing people, and to it he appealed to defeat the one
under consideration. In the meantime he would
mtioanttser, to
anudserep theirort
press
put the letters to which be had alluded into the
bheasntdesxoefr
exertions
s police,to
investigate wi th instthr ui
so
1 the result to him.

TUE CONDEMNED CONVICTS AT DORCHESTER.—
It is stated that the tvvo prisoners left for death at
the Dorset Assizes will be executed by Ca'craft on Friday,
the 27th inst. Preedy, who murdered the warder at Port,,
land Convict Prison, has since his condemnation continued
to behave in the most violent and outrageous manner, in-
sulting almost every one who comes near him, and it was
with difficulty he was even persuaded to see his mother and
aunt before they left Dorchester after the trial. He is
attended by three mon at night and two in the daytime,
notwithstanding that he is still in ire ns. Upon being put
under further restraint he said he supposed he had letter
" draw in his horns," but he has repulsed the clergyman to
whom he had previously been very attentive, stating that
he does not want to see him any more. lie is, however,
perfectly conscious of the nature of his actions, and says
the sooner they hang him out of the way the better, as, if
he gets back to Portland or anywhere else, he will be sure
to murder others. Unless he alters very much, there is
every reason to believe it will be necessary to hang him in
irons. The other convict, Fooks, condemned for the mur-
der of his cousin, a neighbouring farmer, at Walditch, near
Bridport, appears to be preparing himself for the c.baiDego
I
that awaits him. A petition is, however, being got up "
a reprieve in hie favour.