Dear Withnail,
I have read your last comments on the MAC website and your kind sentiments concerning the execution details. I have a connection to the author and proposed biography of MAC, and I can clarify your concerns. The information which is written within the manuscript, could not come from a better source, such as MAC's living relations, it is they who have the information which is otherwise unknown to Appleton or Tony Whitehead. It is therefore without doubt that the information is genuine and without reproach or such that the information should be questioned. There can be no question as to their recollections and comments, who apart from them can supply such comments, who on Roots chat can question their information, if they are not related. However I can state with accuracy that Calcraft took the rope with him to Hoxton London, he regarded the possession of the rope(s) after executions as being his property, it was as he stated many times "his perk" because he could sell the item of a notable criminal ie, the rope to a collector of exhibits. The rope which hung MAC was not within the coffin or attached to MAC's neck, whilst the Coroners Inquest was being conducted later that afternoon. This information is not questionable as it is recorded within Home Office documents. The Coroner stated quite clearly that Calcraft had the rope, and further to that we know that Calcraft did indeed sell the items to either Madame Tussauds or arranged collectors, he was noted for this action, as the Home Secretary and Department had known about this for many years. The shoes and shawl were also without doubt placed within the coffin, as later that afternoon at the inquest MAC's relation(s) identified her corpse, they took nothing away from her coffin. Durham Prison at that time in 1873 had a procedure in place which quite clearly was adopted by Calcraft. No prisoner would be executed with clothing which would in any way hinder the execution, ie the neck shawl. It is for reference that earlier the week before her execution, MAC's child was adopted by a childless couple from West Auckland, the shawl was ripped in half and the child was wrapped within it and taken from her arms and prison. Before her execution she left her condemned cell wearing the same dress which she had been arrested in, 1872. Her shawl was over her shoulders as she was escorted to the Gallows, she wore a hair net which kept her hair free from her face. Before the execution all items which would hinder the execution were removed. Indeed Durham Prison confirmed this fact in 2008. Also a point to mention is that the execution white hood was also taken by Calcraft, there is no mention whatsoever of this item, as the rope being present in the coffin. The death mask is another point, I have myself written to numerous academic institutes throughout the UK, they have no knowledge of the whereabouts of the mask, I also contacted the Black Museum, they as with the numerous institutes have no knowledge of the mask, so I assume personally that the mask is probably in a collectors hands. Probably the collector does not even know who the mask is from, but then again that is my own opinion. As for the information above, it is fully accurate and not in question, either the recollections of MAC's living relations are false or so called biographers are truthful, I know from my own experience, that family tales and recollections are far superior to the optimistic biographer. I hope withnail that this information will set your mind and thoughts on the path of truthfulness as being recorded by MAC's descendants, it is they who recollect the facts within the manuscript.
Bertram Gregson.
