Star.
London, England, 1830-12-06 00:00:00

MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE AND SUPPOSED

FORCIBLE DETENTION OF A LADY.

=Our readers will not have forgotten the statement which appeared a
week or two back respecting the disappearance of a lady, who had been
inveigled over from France under false representations, and of whom her
friends could obtain no clue beyond her having entered a carriage in the
Regent's Park. These particulars were also extensively placarded about
the town, and a reward offered for any one who would give information
which might lead to the discovery of the lady, who was supposed to be
in a state of durance. The lady's name we have ascertained to be Ma-
cleod. She is of most respectable connexions, and appears to have been
made the victim of a diabolical fraud ; but for what specific object she
bast been singled out by her persecutors, no evidence has as yet trans.
pired. We are enabled, says the " Sunday Times," to impart to our
readers all that is known on the subject by the friends of the unfortunate
lady, in the following letters, which were despatched by her to her
mother, Mrs. Inglis, at Havre de Grace, since her arrival in England,
including one from the mysterious being who avows herself to be her
trepanner. Upon receiving these letters Mrs. Inglis lost no time in
coming over to this country in quest of her daughter, who had left her
in pursuance of the information contained in the anonymous letters re.
'reefing her husband :
COPIES OF THREE ANONYMOUS LETTERS,
Address to " Mrs. Macleod, of Hurls, St. Adresse, Havre

(No. 1.) London, Sept. 22d.
Vadarn,—l do not write this in the usual spirit of annonymous
letters ; on the contrary, it is in the spirit of kind feeling to you ; and,
also, that in doing so, I shall be discharging what I should consider a
duty were I placed in your circumstances. As shortly as I can, then,
Madam, I shall relate the following facts, and in corroboration of my
being worthy of credit, I shall afterwards give you a means of finding
me ont. Your husband, Mr. Macleod, of Harris, has long carried on
a secret intrigue with a young person of considerable personal attrac-
tions; this person has gained an ascendancy over his mind so strong,
that your claims and merit are overlooked. Were it nut that I know
that soon this ascendancy Is to be tried against you for evil purposes, I
should never have intruded on you. The moment he gets a situation
tinder Government, or sooner, the intention is to make good his claims
on you and your children; then, should he not succeed with you,'
ro put the latter under the care of Madame Lucy as
governess, providing for them so as to support her. 1
know well how little attention is paid to anonymous intimations, but
irons my friendship to your father's family, I determine to take the
odium, and put you on your guard. I send this by the medium of a
respectable merchant in Havre, and through Mr. Chanoine, by a private
hand, not wishing to cause you expense. Knowing the situation of
your family, nothing but friendship leads use to add to your troubles.
If I were able to travel so far, I would convince you, Madam, of my
sincerity and truth; my means of information regarding Mr. Macleod
arc certain. If I find his views to be portending evil to you, you shall
be informed. lamtobe in London soon, and if I can, will come to
Havre before your rascally husband. I neither seek secrecy, nor ask 1
for disclosure; pity for your situation is more prevailing than any
other feeling, and I truly dread the consequence of his visit to your
peaceable dwelling.
Your friend, M. A. C,
(No. 2.) Brunswick Hotel, Sept. 27.
sladam,—l before intruded upon you, but not I assure you in the
spirit of an anonymous letter-writers as I suppose my correspondent
took proper means of forwarding the letters,• I need hardly repeat their
contents ; but having, unfortunately, been enabled to detect a great
body of proof in support of my first assertions, i.e. the intrigue carried
secretly on between your husband, Mr. Macleod, of Harris, and the
young woman in question, I almost feel it a duty to you, Madam, and
to your family, to take the means of acquainting you with these
further particulars. Lucy A—, the girl, is now about twenty-
two, and born of respectable parents; but alas! for the last
three years she has disgraced herself and family, by her connec-
tion with your husband. Were it not that I am in possession of
his letters to the woman, with the determination of annoying
you and your family, he says, by getting your children away, and put-
ting them under the charge of this woman, I should not have Intruded
or disturbed your tranquillity. I should hardly hesitate to disclose my
name and rank in society were I to see you, but you are not personally
acquainted with me, and it is too delicate an affair for me personally to
appear in; Should you, however, Madam, be by any chance in Lon-
don, and that I could have an hour's conversation with you, I would
end your doubts, and, at least, convince you that my motives are friend-
ly to you. I would deliver, or at least show, those letters are sufficient
to prove the truth of my assertions. That he intends coming to Havre
de Grace, I know, but do not believe he has yet fixed the time of his
visit. If you think it of consequence sufficient to attend to, I have de-
termined to do this, 1. e. to write to you again in a few days ; this will
enfold more than you are aware of. If you wish to see me, I will
be at the Brunswick Hotel, Jermyn-street, from the tenth to
the fourteenth of October, from ten to twelve in the morning, by hand.
iug your card enclosed to me, and addressed "Mn. Thompson," I
shall wait upon you with satisfaction. My husband, an eminent
lawyer, is in the knowledge of my communications to you, this being
my third letter. I repeat, Madam, that my motives are good. I
have no snore to disclose upon paper than is contained in the
two former letters ; at least, I cannot resolve to do it at pre-
sent. After the fourteenth of next month I leave London,
and beg to observe, that I will not answer any letter, at
least for some months, if ever. I need not say, that the name given is
sot my real one. The letters were procured for me by the treachery of
a servant, and the one apparintly the most important, is his extreme
urgency for secrecy, dreading your exposing him, and thereby depriving
him of the right to the persons of your children, which would be cer-
tainly taken from him were all known.-1 beg, Madam, to remain, with
sincere esteem and respect for you and your amiable and respectable fa-
mily, ANNE THOMPSON.
Anonymous.
This also comes by a private individual, a person connected with Messrs'
Lafitt and Co. Paris, and he having connections in Havre, paw
through that town.
(No. 3.)

Brunswick Hotel, Oct. 1830.
Madam,—After deliberations, and by the advice of one more cape.
rimmed than myself, I regret to say that 1 cannot trust by post either
the letters I now have, or any certain information. I will still be,
as before stated, at the hotel, the days and hours mentioned...-
Personal communications in an affair so important to you, and
of consequence to me, will, I think, be satisfactory to both. It
remains for you to decide, Madam, and in so far as I shall have
it in my power to do you essential service, so far I rely: on
your not compromising me afterwards. Whatever you decide on, I
feel my consciencecleared in having thus warned you, and as much
in favour of the unhappy young woman's destiny, as of your's, and
your children, Awns TMOMPION.
From the 9th to the 14th Oct. Brunswick Hotel.
I think, according to my latest information, a very few days may
being Mr. Macleod to Havre de Grace.
[After receiving these three letters, which appeared to Mrs. Macleod
to be written in the spirit of friendship towa•ds herself and family,
Idle after much deliberation, determined to go to London, and, by see-
ing this lady, either satisfy herself of the truth of her assertions, or
have her mind relieved of the distresing 'doubts her letters bad
created. She accordingly left Havre on Saturday the ttb,
reached London on Sunday the 10th, went to Webb's Hotel, Piccadilly,
and having arranged before she left home that Monday, the Iltb,
should be devoted to the arrangement of some family affairs, she
did not send her card to Mrs. Thompson, at the Brunswick, till Tues-
day morning, when it was returned, with a message, that there was
no such person there; she then began to think the whole wee a
hoax, and determined to return immediately to Havre; but upon in.
quiry, finding that the steam-boat for Boulogne had ceased for the
reason, she decided upon going to Southampton, by the coach, at nine
the following morning (Wednesday the 13th.) Still, however, having
an idea that she might yet find Mrs. Thompson, she made up
bee mind to call herself at• the Brunswick Hotel, in the

morning, before the coach started. The two following letters from Mrs.
Macleod to her mother, will explain what then took place.]
From Mrs. Macleod to Mrs. Inglis, and received by her along with the

ar.onymous letter, marked Na 4.

[lt appears the following was written by Mrs. Macleod, as a sort of
memorandum for herself. which afterwards, from want of time, she was
obliged to send off as a letter.
(No. 1.) Wednesday Evening.
Where is all this to end ? I must now write down in earnest.
This last night in London, or rather the not going of the Bou-
logne steam-boat, has been a Ood-send, or the contrary. Went up to
the coaeh-office to take my plass, then to the Brunswick, when, inquir-
ing about Mrs. Thompson, a servant pushed a note into my hand; it
was written exactly as before, and said, "To-day, at half past eleven,
meet me in the itegent's Park; I am in a blue carriage. Anne
Thompson." I began to be frightened, but, of course, resolved to meet
this woman : had to dress again, and went. I sou soon stopped by a
servant in green and red livery, and afterwards a lady, very well dressed,
stepped out of the carriaae,_and said, that not having met me on Mon-
day, she did not return on Tuesday, but sent her servant in case there
had been a chance of my calling, or sending my name; that she was in

perfect despair when she found I had sent en Tuesday, and that by the
time she came, I had left Webb's ; that just as a last resource, she
sent her servant with a note. I cannot write every thing, only the out-
lines of her story to me :--First, she is a Mrs. Yearn ; was a Scotch
woman of the name of Maxwell, and knows you perfectly; is
about forty years of age; very good-looking, and rather well-
dressed; for the better to make her communications ; she asked
me to drive with her, and I did so. She has a very neat plain blue
carriage, lined with crimson ; and her appearance and manner, particu-
larly on speaking to her, indicate great respectability Her husband is
a milkiest, and, according to her account, an eminent one. They live
in the City, in Lombard-street. But to continue : the reason she could
not send the letters is, that they are not now in her possession. Mr.
Pane having made her deposit them with anolher solicitor, of the
name of Jones, who lives in Ctosby-square. To me all these places
were perfect wildernesses ; and I said to her, Madam, I am obliged
to you for the concern you tale, inmy affairs, (I. e.) if your modes is
good; but I must first see the letters before I can believe any thing so
vile of Mr. Macleod. She said I was perfectly right, that I could only
judge from very strong proofs. I showed her my last letter; she
seemed astonished, and asked me if she might show it to Mr. Puree,
after I had been introduced to him, who, she says, will give me all the
advice and assistance in his power. The woman's name is Anderson,
and of Leith. The gill was brought up as a governess by her father
and mother ; the latter of whom is a very respectable woman, but the
father not so much so ;and that he had heard sinesiber last letter,lthat he
had been informed by his daughter of the loss of her letters, and was
determined on making a noise about them. I must try to detail plainly,
but all other particulars must be left till we meet. I only put down the
important facts, and, bless my stars, you are not expecting me today.
She says from Mr. Pearse, also, she understands that Harris
has left Edinburgh. I will believe nothing but the ,letters,
though it is hard to disbelieve things which appear so true, and it is only
a suspecting woman like me that could disbelieve. By the time we
came to her house, Mr. Pearse was out, and not to return tillevening.—
She requested me to stay with her that night. Her house is rich and
handsome, but in a curious place. I said,:no ; but if she would help
me to get a lodging for one night I should be obliged to her ; she has
done so, and lamin a very neat, quiet room, and bedroom. It is now
four o'clock—waiting for Mr. Purse. Wednesday night,—l have seen
Mr. Purse, and we go to-morrow to see Jones, and unfortunately An-
derson is with him, but Mr. Purse says he will be easily managed.—
I shall yet be with you on Saturday with the letters. This makes
up for every thing but the horrible expense. I had got very clear,
and not expensive till this morning. lam going to bed, and
really require to write what occurs, as I am not at all so clear in the
bead as I should be. Mrs. Pearse is very kind indeed ; she
much that you are not with me. I do, but the expense is too murgr."l
must act for the best. I cannot do any thing but pant for the letters.
Mr. Pearse says, as I know, that anonymous letters would be laughed
at as proofs, and that Harris has so much the good word of the world,
that nothing less than such letters could be believed. There are four.
Thureclay,--Well, I have seen the letters,-.Mood God how is it pos-
sible to fancy such ; and what is more, I must send this in the shape of
a letter, in ease lam detained too late for Southampton. Mrs. Pearse
goes on Saturday, via Dover, and if lam too late, is to take me. lam
horribly perplexed, and scenes have passed before me which seem like
fairy tales, and nobody could believe. The whole is true, acd mote than
true ; but, should this arrive before me, do not quarrel with Harris,
for the sake of these devoted and unfortunate children. Letter
dated Gerrit, Inverness, and the last two no date; two from Harris.
Anderson is an old sturdy brute. I went to the solicitor's, and with
Mr. and Mrs. P. He said I must only read them, and I must pay him
for the perusal. Good Goo I became too much bewildered. Mr.
Pestle was enraged beyond measure. It was settled for five pounds.
I read and compared them ; I requested at least to take a copy. No.
He will let me know to-morrow what the bargain is to be. I thank
heaven I have enough to satisfy him ; but have I a right to squander
the subsistence of my children 1 Your's—Oh, for advice. Thank
heaven that these people are friendly and good advisers; else I do not
know what I should do. They are as anxious as I can be for me to get
the letters. I try to be a little clear, and to-morrow decides my fate.
The letters I will have. lam going out with Mrs. Pearse to dissipate
my head. Hope the best. Tell the children to behave well. I sent
via the F. O. all I had before written ; but this by Mr. Lefeune, in
case the F. 0. detain the letters. Your's, most affectionately,
Ricamown.
From Mrs. Macleod " to Mrs. Inglis, St. Adresse," arid received with
the preceding, No. 1.

(No. 2.) Lombard.street.
To tell you what has passed since I last wrote, is quite almost Im.
possible, and I can now only trust to Mrs. Pearse's kindness to give
you the real state of things ; they either (I mean Anderson), burn the
letters, thereby depriving me of the clearest proofs, or I will pa a sum
which must not even write down—yes, I may—Three Hundred
Pounds I ! Mrs. Year.e will hardly advise me; she says, I alone
can judge In such circumstances. I was allowed three hours for re.
Election ; I have the certainty of losing my children ; have spent
loads of money ; I never, so help me 00D, can see Harris again ;
his low and horrid meanness; his hypocrisy; and I have not a
penny to clear myself of him, and my head has been turning. I
have really spent YEA RS of burning misery since my last. Mrs.
Pearse has tiled to get him down—has reasoned with him—has offered
him, by my advice, Fifty Pounds down—has said I would procure
money if he let me write to my friends. No, the moment I wrote, or
stir to go home, or do any thing, he will burn the letters. Mr. Pearce'
is coming soon, I must treat somewhat to her; perhaps give up all,
and come home ; but to lose the children, for ever ! Mr. Pearse says '
he cannot come forward, for me, without the proof. Jones appears to
act for that Anderson. Oh, that I could work, or do any thing, I
would be better if 1 came to a decision. I cannot tell you my state
just now. lam writing as if I could get an answer. My bouts
are worn over, and I Will have the letters. I have also
spent the whole day in looking over and attending to ad.
vertisernents. There are more respectable ways of getting
money than I thought. lam stung to the soul by Harris's villainy;
I am also in despair at the money spent, for Mr. Pearse gave Anderson
more than I thought for the reading of the letters. Mrs. Pearse is to
do this,—to go to Havre and see you, (Mr. Jones and Anderson not
suspecting her,) and tell you what I have now to do. Oh 1 for God's
sake keep the children, and let me hear by this friend, for such I must
ever consider her, that you do not think it madness. My resolution is
taken. Ono year passed must make up the Three Hundred Pounds
b4ifeannuary, 1832. Then, then, I grieve for you more than for myself.
better able to write, I will. I can say no more. I am driven
on—on—by a cursed fatality ; but I am composed and better when this
is sent. RICHMOND.
Tut Canons)! !
10 o'Clock, Morning.

I have remembered, thank GOD, that before that, my signature may
be wanted for Henry, and at St. Andresse, Mr. Pearce says. It is too
signed, that if I am ill I am to be allowed to return, and the letters
burned. lam not ill, but the contrary.
(No. 4.)

to Mn. Inglis, without date.

You receive along with this a letter from your daughter: give me
credit for being a good maneeuvrer. I have worked upon her in such •
way I hardly ever expected to do, and here are the consequences : a ray
of compassion sometimes touched me when I saw her horror ; and
now, for several reasons, I unfold to you that it is all a s
That 1 was first influenced by private pique against Mrs. 111=,
—that I intended to set her more at variance with her husband, and by
getting her to London and making up stories upon half facts, lead to
a total quarrel, and consequently deprive her of her children. I had
always the intention to try and make money, and by making Mr. Jones,
ask 3001. for the letters, secure the money for myself. Pearse, Jones,
Anderson, Maxwell, are forged names, or rather some of the alias's I
have assumed. I. you may be Buse, never intended to return to France,
1 have had a great deal of trouble and expence, but nothing else would
satisfy my vengeance. I have a knack of getting hands fac-almilied.
Mr. Macleod's last letter was of great use. I principally bewildered
Mrs. Macleod by streets and lanes, and lawyers terms, and so=
and well-nigh named her head. If you had come with her, I
have acted differently but with equal security. She now thinks she
is acting for the 'best, and has recovered bet head a litds--she
shall not be undeceived till I get the money, which she, from being de-
termined upon, has no fear of accomplishing. I have her promissory
note, and it you leave her alone she shall be left in peace, if I find a
stir making, except an explanation to particular friends, beware of my
power; I will astound her and her respectable emploYer with anony-
mous letters, till she considers herself an outcast on the earth, and she
never can hold up her head again. Mon the contrary, you act prudently,
for lam quite satisfied with my revenge, she shall rest in peace. I
worked upon her with the utmost caution; principally I saw her fear of
meeting Mr. Macleod— making a public quarrel—ruining her children,
by the certainty (I told her) of their being in Mr. Macleod's power. It
has, I again add, caused me much trouble and expense, beyond whit
expected, for my carriage. horses, hire of livery servants, A.c. My good
motive is, that these little children be not deprived of a home;
also that it is needless to quarrel with Mr. M. and show you the use.
lesancas of competing with me about the trick and skill and experienced
swindling. Be prudent ; I know your Scotch Friends. I can defy the
police, were the head of It Vidoc. Be satisfied of Mrs. Macleod's
safety, heatuse if ill, I shall send her home—she Is of no more use; be
satisfied then with the fact, that she is tranquil, because she thinks she
la doing her duty, and the letters entrusted to me she thinks you will
get weekly; be satisfied that in explaing the plot, I allow you the
power of retaining the children ; she shall think her letters reach you--
some may, were the noise blown over. Last of all—Beware of my power
over her, and of my malice, lest I should lose my money, so hardly
earned.
It is not the first time Lhave revenged myself on ambers of your
family; to those who remain I have no grudge; I purposely avoided
seeing Mrs. M. at a Hotel, but I had nearly lost her the day the laft
Webb's, when she again threw herself ipto my power.

I copy the address of her letters ; no need now to send over Mr.
Yearn with letters, to be put in a few days after one another.
BEWARE! !