I have been on habits of friendship with some of the Committee, with others of them I have been acquainted, and some of them I don’t even know by sight. I took no charge whatever of their proceedings. In order that there might be no pretence for saying the truth was obstructed from fear, I gave a written protection to every person to say what he chose about or against me. The extent to which this was in some instances taken advantage of will probably not be soon forgotten by those who witnessed it.
After a severe and laborious investigation of about six weeks, the result is contained in the following report, which was put into my hands last night. It is signed by every member of the Committee except one, who ceased to act long before the evidence was completed.
I cannot be supposed to be a candid judge of my own case, and therefore it is extremely probable that any opinion of mine on the last view adopted by the Committee is incorrect and theirs [sic] right. If it be so, I most willingly submit to the censure they have inflicted, and shall hold it my duty to profit from it by due care hereafter. My consolation is, that I have at least not been obstinate in my errors, and that no sanction has ever been given in any fair quarter to the more serious imputations by which it has been the interest of certain persons to assail me. Candid men will judge of me according to the situation in which I was placed at the time, and not according to the wisdom which has unexpectedly been acquired since.
This is the very first time that I have ever made any statement to the public in my own vindication, and it shall be the last. It would be unjust to the authors of the former calumnies to suppose that they would not renew them now. I can only assure them that, in so far as I am concerned, they will renew them in vain.
I have the honour to be, etc,
R. KNOX.
* * *
APPENDIX IV
* * *
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO INVESTIGATE DR KNOX’S ROLE IN THE MURDERS
The Committee who, at the request of Dr Knox, undertook to investigate the truth or falsehood of the rumours in circulation regarding him, have gone into an extensive examination of evidence, in the course of which they have courted information from every quarter. They have been readily furnished with all which they required from Dr Knox himself, and though they have failed in some attempts to procure evidence, they have in most quarters succeeded in obtaining it, and especially from those persons who have been represented to them as having spoken the most confidently in support of these rumours, and they have unanimously agreed on the following report.
1. The Committee have seen no evidence that Dr Knox or his assistants knew that murder was committed in procuring any of the subjects brought to his rooms, and the Committee firmly believe that they did not.
2. On the question whether any suspicion of murder at any time existed in Dr Knox’s mind, the Committee would observe that there were certainly several circumstances (already known to the public), regarding some of the subjects brought by Burke and Hare, which, now that the truth has come out, appear calculated to excite suspicion, particularly the very early period after death at which they were brought to the rooms, and the absence of external marks of disease, together with the opinion previously expressed by Dr Knox, in common with most other anatomists, of the generally abandoned character of persons engaged in this traffic. But, on the other hand, the Committee, after much anxious inquiry, have found no evidence of their actually having excited it in the mind of Dr Knox, or of any other of the individuals who saw the bodies of these unfortunate persons prior to the apprehension of Burke.
The bodies do not appear in any instance to have borne any external marks by which it could have been known whether they had died by violence or suddenly from natural causes, or from disease of short duration, and the mode of protracted anatomical dissection practised in this and other similar establishments is such as would have made it very difficult to ascertain the causes of death, even if special inquiry had been instituted with that intention.
No evidence whatever has come before the Committee that any suspicion of murder was expressed to Dr Knox by any one, whether of his assistants or of his very numerous class (amounting to upwards of 400 students), or other persons who were in the practice of frequently visiting his rooms, and there are several circumstances in his conduct, particularly the complete publicity with which his establishment was managed, and his anxiety to lay each subject before the students as soon as possible after its reception, which seem to the Committee strongly to indicate that he had no suspicion of the atrocious means by which they had been procured.
It has also been proved to the satisfaction of the Committee, that no mutilation or disfigurement of any kind was ever practised with a view to conceal the features, or abstract unseasonably any part of the body, the presence of which might have facilitated detection, and it appears clearly that the subjects brought by Burke and Hare were dissected in the same protracted manner as those procured from any other quarter.
3. The Committee have thought it proper to inquire further, whether there was anything faulty or negligent in the regulations under which subjects were received into Dr Knox’s rooms, which gave, or might give, a peculiar facility to the disposal of the bodies obtained by these crimes, and on this point they think it their duty to state their opinion fully.
It appears in evidence that Dr Knox had formed and expressed the opinion, long prior to any dealings with Burke and Hare, that a considerable supply of subjects for anatomical purposes might be procured by purchase, and without any crime, from the relations or connections of deceased persons in the lowest ranks of society. In forming this opinion, whether mistaken or not, the Committee cannot consider Dr Knox to have been culpable. They believe there is nothing contrary to the law of the land in procuring subjects for dissection in that way, and they know that the opinion which Dr Knox had formed on this point, though never acted on to any extent in the profession, has been avowed by others of the highest character in the profession. But they think that Dr Knox acted on this opinion in a very incautious manner.
This preconceived opinion seems to have led him to give a ready ear to the plausible stories of Burke, who appears from all the evidence before the Committee to have conducted himself with great address and appearance of honesty, as well as in his conversations with Dr Knox as in his more frequent intercourse with his assistants, and always to have represented himself as engaged in negotiations of that description, and occasionally to have asked and obtained money in advance to enable him and his associate to conclude bargains.
Unfortunately also Dr Knox had been led, apparently in consequence of the extent and variety of his avocations, to entrust the dealings with persons supplying subjects and the reception of the subjects brought to his assistants (seven in number) and to his doorkeeper indiscriminately. It appears also that he directed or allowed these dealings to be conducted on the understanding (common to him with some other anatomists) that it would only tend to diminish or divert the supply of subjects to make any particular inquiry of the person bringing them as to the place and mode of obtaining them.
In these respects, the Committee consider the practice which was then adopted in Dr Knox’s rooms (whatever be the usage in this or other establishments in regard to subjects obtained in the ordinary way) to have been very improper in the case of persons bringing bodies which had not been interred. They think that the notoriously bad character of persons who generally engage in any such traffic in addition to the novelty and particular nature of the system on which these men professed to be acting, undoubtedly demanded greater vigilance.
The extent, therefore, to which (judging from the evidence which they have been able to procure) the Committee think that Dr Knox can be blamed on account of transactions with Burke and Hare is, that by this laxity of the regulations under which bodies were received into his rooms, he unintentionally gave a degree of facility to the disposal of the victims of their crimes, which under better regulations would not have existed, and which
is doubtless a matter of deep and lasting regret, not only to himself but to all who have reflected on the importance and are therefore interested in the prosecution of the study of anatomy. But while they point out this circumstance as the only ground of censure which they can discover in the conduct of Dr Knox, it is fair to observe, that perhaps the recent disclosures have made it appear reprehensible to many who would not otherwise have adverted to its possible consequences.
John Robinson,Chairman W.P. Allison
M.P. Brown Geo. Ballingall
James Russell George Sinclair
J. Shaw Stewart W. Hamilton
Thomas Allan
13th March, 1829
* * *
APPENDIX V
* * *
LETTER TO THE LORD ADVOCATE, DISCLOSING THE
ACCOMPLICES, SECRETS, AND OTHER
FACTS RELATIVE TO THE LATE MURDERS;
WITH A CORRECT ACCOUNT OF THE MANNER
IN WHICH THE ANATOMICAL SCHOOLS ARE SUPPLIED WITH
SUBJECTS. BY THE ECHO
OF SURGEONS’ SQUARE.
‘What? Shall wealth screen thee from justice.’
‘Good friends! let me not stir yosu up
To any sudden flood of mutiny.’
Mark Antony.
To Sir William Rae, Baronet, His Majesty’s Advocate for Scotland.
My Lord,
You are aware that, at this moment, the public feeling is strongly excited against the perpetrators of the late foul and cold blooded murders that have taken place in the very centre of a populous and civilized city. The exact extent to which this traffic in blood has been carried on, and by whom, is yet a secret. Part of the gang have been brought to light, and by a strict investigation, I have no doubt but the remainder may also be brought to condign punishment. Your Lordship is aware, that in all civilized nations, blood calls for blood. The holy religion to which we subscribe, and the God of all nature hath expressly said, ‘That he who sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed.’ The late horrible traffic has chilled every breast against the individuals, and it only surprises the public that such a traffic should be carried on in the heart of a populous city, and in so open a manner, without coming to the knowledge of the men in power; in carefully perusing this letter, your Lordship will perceive, that at one period, when a just suspicion fell upon Burke about the beginning of October last, a policeman was stationed at his door, but even then, he eluded their vigilance, and the body was safely deposited in the Lecture Room. Your Lordship will pardon me for not making farther remarks, until I give verbatim the words of some of the parties said to have acted a conspicuous part in the tragedy. My motives for setting the inquiry on foot were these, viz:– To have a candid statement from the individuals in the service of Dr Knox, who must have known when and how they became acquainted with Burke and Hare, – by what means the bodies were procured; from whence, – and by whom are the Anatomical Schools supplied, – who are the parties that examine the bodies before dissection, – and if there is any register of opinion kept respecting them.
Your Lordship must be aware that the public eye is fixed upon you, as public prosecutor, and as the greater portion of that public is ignorant of the regular routine and evidence required, before your Lordship can file a Bill of Indictment, with any degree of certainty as to its issue, and as it is a known trait in your Lordship’s character, to lean to the side of mercy, yet, in this case, we trust you will strain every nerve, and sift this dreadful plot to its very core. I will now proceed to detail P—n’s own words, which appears to me, (especially as it is supported by other proofs) to carry a considerable share of plausibility along with it.
David P—n was first in the employment of Dr K— in the year 1824 or 1825, for about one year, and on his return from the army at the close of 1827, did apply to Dr K— for his former situation, and was engaged in the beginning of February 1828, as the Museum keeper; his salary was very small, but from the fees paid him by the students, he contrived to make a very comfortable livelihood. He had nothing whatever to do with the subjects (or bodies) brought to the Lecture Room, his sole charge was to keep the Museum, and be answerable for articles therein; at that time he did not know how the Doctor obtained subjects. But shortly after saw Burke and Hare, (Burke was called John, and Hare William) who had brought a subject, and delivered it to Mr M—r, an assistant, who had the management of that traffic, and from the conversation that then passed, understood that they, (Burke and Hare) had been in the habit of supplying Dr K— with subjects previous to that time.
During the Lectures, Burke or Hare, and sometimes both, frequently called towards evening, and informed Mr M—r that they had a subject for the Doctor, when Mr M—r would accompany them, and return in the course of an hour and a half, or thereabout, the Doctor always desiring P—n to be in the way with the keys, as it would not do to keep the parties waiting on their return, and that the rooms should be kept open until they did return. In this manner did they continue to supply, or rather assist in supplying the Lecture Room during the season, nothing particularly occuring to his notice, until they had brought a female subject. Now, my Lord, mark his own words, “Not being in the room when the body was brought, – I found Mr M—r in close conversation with Burke and Hare, and a female subject stretched upon the floor, the beautiful symmetry and freshness of the body attracted my attention; soon after I heard Mr F—, another assistant of Dr K—, say that he was acquainted with the deceased, and named her as Mary Mitchell, (this was the girl Paterson,) my curiosity being roused, I was determined to enquire at the first opportunity where they had got the subject in question; accordingly, at their next appearance, which was a few days after, either informing Mr M—r that they had another subject, or requesting payment for the last, but not having heard their general conversation, could not say which, I then took the oportunity of enquiring at Burke where he had procured the last subject; when he answered, that he had purchased it from the friends of the deceased; it was rather a new thing for me to hear of the relatives selling the corpse of their friends, and I enquired where the relatives lived; at this, Burke looked very suspiciously at me, and at length said, as nearly as I can recollect, If I am to be catechised by you, where and how I get subjects, I will inform the Doctor of it, and if he allows you to do so, I will bring no more to him, mind that. Now, as I remembered that I had positive orders from the Doctor not to interfere at all with these men, I was content to be silent.” To a question put to P—n, whether he had any suspicion of Burke and Hare, as to the manner they had obtained the body of the female, or if he heard any of the students or assistants making any remarks upon it. Answered, that he had not the slightest suspicion as to the deceased having met with a premature death, but did think that it really was sold by the relatives, or by some one who kept a brothel or lodging house for paupers, from whom the resurrectionists purchase subjects; the only remark he ever heard made by either the assistants or students was, that it was a fine proportioned body, and that she must have been a very handsome woman, so much so indeed, that many of the students took sketches of it, one of which is in his possession.
About this time it appears that Burke and Hare became rather troublesome at the Doctor’s house, and he not being altogether over anxious of such visitors, requested to know where they lived, and finding that they resided in Portsburgh, requested P—n, as his lodgings was in Portsburgh also, to take any message for him they might have, which he was to convey to Newington, and return an answer, this he absolutely refused, saying that he did not wish resurrectionists to be coming about his lodgings, but they ought to call at the Lecture Room; this did not suffice, for either the Doctor, or some one for him, had given P—’s address, and in a few days they called at his lodgings, requesting a small sum, which they said the Doctor was due. He accordingly went to the Doctor and received the money for them, not at all pleased with the mission.
Previous to this period, Burke became a patient of Dr K—’s, and came to the L
ecture Room to have his wound dressed. He disappeared for some time during harvest. P—n being also from home during the vacation, the rooms were under the care of Mr Angus M—n. On his (P—n’s) return, he learned from (M—n) that Hare, or William as he was called, had been there a short time before with a subject, unattended by Burke, but P—n could not say whether it was male or female, as he did not see it, and although he firmly believes it to be the case – cannot vouch any father than M—n’s own words. When he again received the keys from M—n, and when the Lectures were about to commence, the Doctor made frequent enquiries at his assistants if any of them had seen John, (meaning Burke,) going about, and requested P—n to find him out, and desire him to call upon the Doctor. P—n’s enquiries were fruitless; some time after Burke called at the rooms to have the Doctor’s opinion respecting his wound, which had assumed a dangerous appearance. He said he had been either at the country or at the harvest. The Doctor and his assistants seemed glad of Burke’s visit, and he was earnestly requested by them to resume his supplies of subjects as formerly.
Burke’s confession, as stated in the Caledonian Mercury, sets forth, that P—n had frequently urged Burke and Hare to procure as many subjects as possible. P—n admits that, on one occasion, he was requested by the Doctor to desire John to get as many subjects as possible, as he would require all he could get; but denies that he ever received any fee or reward above his regular salary and students fees; and that he had nothing to do with the procuring of subjects, that being entirely the assistants’ duty, which another part of Burke’s confession fully corroborates, when he says, that he never sold a subject to any other person but the Doctor or his assistants; and that he had no more to do than leave the body at the Rooms and go to the Doctor for the money. Another proof that others were equally, if not more culpable, than P—n, is as follows:– At the commencement of the Lectures in October last, P—n overheard a conversation, rather in high words, between Mr F—n, one of the assistants, and Messrs Burke and Hare, the import of which was, that Burke and Hare were insisting on raising the price of subjects, whereas F— insisted upon £8 being a fair price. The sum demanded he did not hear, nor knows how the dispute was settled. Now, my Lord, you will observe, they did not apply to P—n as to the individual they considered authorized to make a bargain; but here is a more important point, and one to which I trust your Lordship will pay particular attention. He says, “That about this time Burke called at the Lecture Room and informed some of the assistants that he had a subject for the Doctor, and requested a box and a little money, he got a trunk and a few shillings and went away. He, however, did not fulfil his promise that evening, but called on the following day, and requested me to inform the Doctor that his neighbours, or the neighbours, suspected he had a subject in the house, and that as a policeman was watching their motions, and seldom left the corner of the house, he was afraid to bring it. I went and informed the Doctor what Burke had said, when he desired me to make minute inquiry into the truth of Burke’s statement; but not knowing where he (Burke) lived, and it being rather a delicate point to inquire after, I obtained no information; that day also elapsed without any appearance of the subject, and the following day the Doctor got rather enraged, he remarked that John was a coward, and said, that he would write to the authorities and procure a protection for him to carry any packages safe to his Lecture Room. Burke having called at the nick of time, I told him what the Doctor had said, and in a few minutes he saw the Doctor himself. The conversation was nearly as follows: after Burke requesting the protection, the Doctor said he had not got it yet; but that he (Burke) should bring the box, and that if he, or those employed by him, were stopt upon the street, they were for their own personal safety to suffer themselves to be taken to the Police Office along with the package. In a short time they would be relieved, and the package would assuredly be sent to him from the Office; Burke’s reply was, that if he was once taken to the Police Office he would not so easily get out again.”
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