1888 Autograph Letter, Sir Charles Warren Commissioner during The Ripper Murders

Offered here is an original autograph letter signed by Sir Charles Warren, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, written and signed in June 1888, just weeks before the start of the infamous Jack the Ripper murders in London.

The letter is handwritten in ink on original stationery and signed “Charles Warren”. It was written in response to an autograph request and is addressed to J. P. Mann, Esq.

While the content is routine and polite, the historical context makes this a particularly compelling artefact from one of the most notorious periods in criminal history.

Transcription:

44, St. George’s Road, S.W.
21 June 1888

Dear Sir,

In reply to your request I enclose my autograph herewith.

Yours truly,

Charles Warren

J. P. Mann, Esq.

About Sir Charles Warren:

Sir Charles Warren served as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police from 1886 to 1888, placing him directly in charge during the Whitechapel murders attributed to Jack the Ripper.

He was already a prominent public figure prior to the murders, having had a distinguished career as:

• A British Army officer

• An archaeologist involved in early excavations in Jerusalem

• A senior colonial and military administrator

During the Ripper investigation, Warren faced immense public pressure, media scrutiny, and political conflict. His handling of the case—fairly or not—became the subject of intense criticism, and he ultimately resigned in November 1888, shortly after the murders ceased.

Because of this, authentic material signed by Warren during his tenure as police commissioner is highly sought after by collectors of crime history and Victorian-era documents.

Historical Context: The Jack the Ripper Era:

This letter is dated 21 June 1888, just over two months before the first canonical Jack the Ripper murder (31 August 1888).

At this moment in time:

• London was already tense with social unrest, poverty, and crime in the East End

• The Metropolitan Police, under Warren’s command, were about to face unprecedented scrutiny

• The events that would soon unfold became one of the most infamous unsolved crime cases in history

Although the letter does not mention Jack the Ripper directly, it was written immediately before the murders began, making it a rare, calm snapshot from the final weeks before the crisis that would define Warren’s legacy.

Condition Notes:

• Original paper with toning and light foxing

• Fold line

• Ink and signature remain clear and legible

• Housed in a protective sleeve

Please review the photos carefully

Dimensions:
Height - 17.7cm 

Width - 11.5cm