"B." is the first initial of a man found murdered in Baltimore, Maryland on June 9, 1861. He is believed to have been a stranger from New York.
Case[]
The victim was found in the morning on the beach near Lazaretto. He had three chains, one trace and two dogs, around his neck attached to a carpet bag that held three shirts, around a dozen white handkerchiefs, and a 56-pound weight. The chains were passed through the handles of the carpet bag, with the trace chain being padlocked around his neck.
It is believed the victim was in the water for only a few days, although it was in "a bad state." His clothing, specifically his hat and boots, had parts of them cut off, presumably to hide his victim's identity. Among his possessions were money and slips of paper with several names that indicated he was from New York and may have been involved in banking.
The jury initially thought the victim had committed suicide; however, they determined he was murdered. Some members of the jury thought he had a bullet hole over his right eye and that his skull was fractured. After the jury's verdict, he was buried at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Baltimore.
Characteristics[]
- Large in proportion.
- Black beard, described as "not very long."
Clothing and accessories[]
- High felt hat.
- The maker of the hat had been cut out.
- Recently new full black suit.
- Fine calf skin boots.
- Each boot had the name of the owner which was carefully cut out leaving only the letter "B", the commencement of line, and the letters "st." at the end of some space below.
- Gold watch with fob chain which has a fist grasping a ring.
Belongings[]
- $18.17
- $5, $3, and $1 bank notes from the Merchant's Bank of New York.
- The balance was in gold and silver.
- Piece of envelope of a letter with the name "Jacob Johnson" written on a pencil.
- Piece of paper with the names Jacob, John, Henry, Jimmy, and two or three other names written with $10, $6, &c, set opposite and below all the name Singleton. The reverse of the slip had written, "Due me about $200.00" with the name "Singleton."
- Copy of the New York Tribune dated June 2, 1861.
Gallery[]
Sources[]
- "B." at Find a Grave