Widnes Examiner. — 1890-02-22 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

THE CREWE MURDER.  LETTER FROM THE PRISONER RICHARD. The particular phase of the evidence in the enquiries made before the coroner and the magistrates respecting the murder of Richard Davies which created most discussion was that which referred to the feeling existing between the members of the family. It was stated both by those who have known the murdered man for years in Crewe,and his neighbours at the Hough,that he tyrannized over the whole of the family in a very harsh manner. The neighbours of the deceased at the Hough distinctly affirmed that rows were frequent, and that he had assaulted his wife. At the inquest Mrs. Davies stated with perfect composure and deliberation that the murdered man lived on good terms with the prisoners accused of his murder, and with the rest of the family, including herself. At the last hearing of the case before the county Bench Mrs. Davies was askeel the question, " On what terms was George with his father ?" and she replied. "Be was on good terms, for anything I know of." With regard to Richard, she said that he was on good terms with his father when he was at home with her at the Hough. On being asked if all the members of the family lived on good terms at the Hough, she answered rather indistinctly, and after a pause, that they had to make themselves co-nfortable, and added something to the effect that he (meaning her husband) was not comfortable with them. It is now hinted that previously to this Mrs. Davies had received a letter from her son Richard on this subject; but be this as it may, a letter was received by Mrs. Davies from Richard on Monday. In it he expressed his grief for the events that had taken place, and his contrition for the part lie had borne in them. He went on to urge his mother to speak without reserve upon the subject of the relations 'in which the family stood to the deceased, and made a touching appeal to her to speak the truth on the matter. The letter was of such a character that it moved the members of the family very considerably. Enquiries as to the state of the health of the widow are replied to by assertions that she is fairly well. Those who have met her say that she feels the trouble that has fallen upon her deeply, but bears it remarkably well. She states that if ' the boys had reason to dislike their father, they were free to leave his employ and make their own way. The shop in Victoria-street is still closed, and it is understood that the widow has relinquished an idea she had of still carrying on the business. The shop will therefore be let. With the power the widow has to sell a portion of the property, and thus redeem the mortgages on the rest, it is considered that she will be able to live fairly comfortably on the income fromithe remainder, coupled with what she can obtain for the cultivation of the small farm at the Hough. Since the prisoners have been at the gaol at linutsford, it is found that Richard has become deeply impressed with the seriousness of Ws position, and is manifestly suffering acute mental pain. George shows little alteration, and as the prisoners are confined in separate cells and will not see each other again until they are brought to the assizes, it is very unlikely that any fresh communications will be made by them to the police officials. Up to the present they have not been visited by anyone on behalf of their friends, but they doubtless will be interviewed as to their defence.  "