I conclude this sketch by quoting a characteristic description by Sir James Stephen, who knew Palmer, had studied the criminal type, and himself presided at one of the most famous trials for poisoning. He says of Palmer--“His career supplied one of the proofs of a fact which many kind-hearted people seem to doubt, namely, the fact that such a thing as atrocious wickedness is consistent with good education, perfect sanity, and everything, in a word, which deprives men of all excuse for crime. Palmer was respectably brought up; apart from his extravagance and vice, he might have lived comfortably enough. He was a model of physical health and strength, and was courageous, determined, and energetic. No one ever suggested that there was even a disposition towards madness in him; yet he was as cruel, as treacherous, as greedy of money and pleasure, as brutally hard-hearted and sensual a wretch as it is possible even to imagine. If he had been the lowest and most ignorant ruffian that ever sprang from a long line of criminal ancestors, he could not have been worse than he was. He was by no means unlike Rush, Thurtell, and many other persons whom I have known. The fact that the world contains an appreciable number of wretches, who ought to be exterminated without mercy when an opportunity occurs, is not quite so generally understood as it ought to be--many common ways of thinking and feeling virtually deny it.”
August Walter Palmer, William Palmer’s brother, dies. Payment of policy on his life for £13,000 assigned to William Palmer, and held by Pratt, moneylender, as security, refused by insurance office. Negotiations about it continue up to Cook’s death.
Nov. 6. Writs issued by Pratt against Palmer and his mother for £4000, Mrs. Palmer’s acceptance being forged. Writs not served, for Palmer to have opportunity of raising instalments.
“ 13. (Tuesday) Palmer and Cook go together from Rugeley to Shrewsbury Races. Cook’s mare, “Polestar,” wins Shrewsbury Handicap, and he has in his possession, in consequence, £700 or £800, and is entitled to stakes of £350 and bets, to be paid at Tattersall’s the Monday following, of over £1000.
“ 14. (Wednesday night) Cook ill at the Raven, Shrewsbury, where he and Palmer stayed. Palmer is alleged to have dosed his drink.