The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-01-18


A London letter TO the New York Times,
dated the I'd, has much that will prove oil
interest here in relation to Mrs. Pigeon
alias Mrs. Labouchere, who recently In
stituted n divorce suit in the Chancery
Court OF this city. The following is taken
therefrom
The legal revelations recently made in
America through Richmond corresponds
ents Justify the publication OF few items
that are within my knowledge in reference
TO the extraordinary divorce suit whlch
Mrs. Labouchere, otherwise Mrs. Pigeon,
has instituted in America. Miss Hen
rietta Hodson, rs a glrl, was n member
of the stock company OF the old inca
ire ROYAL at Bristol. She played chiefly in
burlesoue, and was the cleyerest Aladdin
IN II. j. ByrOn's piece ! remember to have
seen. Miss Marie Wilton (Mrs. BancrofD
was the original, | believe, on ITS produc-
ton at the Strand Theatre, London. MISS
Uodson is the daughter of professional pa
rents OF the highest responsibility, ana du-
ring her association with the Bristol COM
panv she must have seen the first efforts OF
the Terrys, the Reynolds, and Mrs. Kendall
Uhen Madge Robertson), who all began
their artistic careers in the famous western
city. Miss Hodson was petite, pretty, eX-
ceedingly graceful as dancer, and sang
burlesque ditties with much taste and
charm of manner. 1t is known that she
might have made q most advantageous
match had she desired to marry, but the
Bristolian idea was that she preferred the
stage and independence. The city was,
therefore, not little surprised when she
elected TO accept the matrimonial proposals
OF Mr.. Pigeon, lawyer and widower
with several children. Indeed, her more
faithful admirers were scandalized at the
lady's want OF taste. By-and-by there were
rImors Of something even more worse
than "ineompatibility OF temperament !"
disturbing the relationships OF the newly
married couple. 1t was said that Mr..
Pigeon had actually beaten "that pretty
little wife OF HIS" A woman OF spirit, Mrs.
Pigeon (who had on her marriage retired
from the stage) determined to resume her
professional engagements, and she went TO
London. Some people said this step was rem
dered necessary on financial grounds.
After a short residence in London Mrs.
Pigeons name became associated with that
of Mr.. Labouchere, rich banker and Il
gentleman OF distinguished family connec-
fions. An application for divorce was
made by Mrs. Pigeon. 1t was resisted by
her husband, and did not succeed; but it
was understood that formal agreement Of
separation was made between the diScon-
tented wife and husband, whereby the lat
ter received the solatium of an annual al
lowance. Mrs. Pigeon lived with Mr.. Id
bOuchere, and those who knew her story
svmpathized with her and justified her
conduct. She became gradually known as
Mrs. Labouchere, and two or three years
ago il was reported that Pigeon had died
and his widow had indeed become Mrs.
Labouchere in the full acceptance OF the
law.
According TO the statement made at
Richmond the marriage was true, though
il is not certain whether, according TO the
strict letter of the law, the parties have not
committed bigamy. The question as to
Miss Hodson's real position was c0nsid-
cred TO be set at rest q year or two since by
her appearance in a tritling lawsuit in 4
local court. The question at issue was one
concerning the responsibility OF Mrs. Labou-
chere for a small debt contracted through q
certain Laundry Company Ulmited),"
which she had started somewhat after the
manner of the New York Dress Associa-
ton Company, but it was generally
thought that the incident was merely ar
ranged for the purpose OF making known
that Miss HodsOn was in reality Mr.. La
bouchere's wife. She was called into the
witnesS-boX and sworn as Henrietta La
bOuchere. The circumstance was much
commented upon in general society, and
the lady received cards from one or two
families which had not previously recog-
nized her. At Bristol, however, l hap
pen TO know that the death OF Pi-
geon was questioned, and now it seems
that the lady herself is in doubt
upon this point, and suggests that pos
sibly the man has committed some crime,
on account OF which he has disappear
ed from England. He was never pre-
possessing gentleman either in appearance
or manners. Above the average height, he
had red hair and wbiskers. His position
was that of a third or fourth-rate solicitor,
and he held q commission in the Bristol
Volunteer Corps. His father was an old
in the local police and county
aud was much respected. The
news of Mrs. Labouchere's proceedings ut
Richmond will fall "like a bombshell" In
professional society, and the inference will
be that 10 be a companion to Mrs. Langtry
was not the chief cause OF her visit 10 the
United States.
Since Mrs. Labouchere herself elects to
submit her domestic story to the criticism
Of the public. it is only just to her to say
hat bevond the above incidents no item
~ reproach can be offered against
ler character. She married unvisely,
was ilI-treated, and found peace outside
, miserable home. No man could be
! more devoted husband than Labou-
here, and they live the happiest OF lives.
During Mrs. Labouchere's tutelage OF Mrs.
Langtry both he and she received many In
,ulting anonymous letters rejecting upon
heir relationship; and ii is easy to see how
much both have suffered in social credit
or their defiance OF society laws. Mr..
[,abouchere long ago made handsome set
dement's upon the partner OF his
nome, ard they have had the honor
II receiving many distinguished guests
4 Pope's villa, and also at Queen
lnne's Gate. The Prince OF Wales has ire
,uently dined there, and on summer sun
law afternoon, calling at the beautiful La
,ouchere residence on the Thames, you
night rely upon meeting there many emil
lent persons, ladies and gentlemen. asso-
lated with politics, literature, and the |
rts. Labouchere comes OF an arlstocrallc
amily, and II he had chosen he might have
aade very influential position In diplo-
lacy. for which he has special qualifica-
ous. Before he was elected TO seat In
he House OF Commons for Northampton