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Post by Michael on Jul 27, 2007 7:28:16 GMT -5
Here's a different approach to the ransom notes - the Analysis based upon grammer and composition. The following is a section from a report of the same name written by Laura Bishop who sent it to J. Edgar Hoover in 4/35: Uses of the Infinitive Note 1Very Bad: We warn you for making anything public or notify the police.[Correct: not to make or to notify] Note 2Half Right: We have warned you note to make anything public also notify the police.[Correct: or to notify] Right: It is really necessary to make a world affair out of this or to get your baby back as soon as possible.[Insert 'either' before 'to make.'] Note 3Right: It is necissery to make a world affair of it or to get your boy back as soon as possible.['Either' before 'to make' is again omitted. Only the infinitves are "graded" here.] Note 4Right: We warn you not to set any trapp in any way[Also he knew the difference between any way and anyway] Note 5Right: It is in Mr. Lindberg interest not to notify the police.Note 6Right: Becauce we dont like to give up our safty plase ar to move the baby.["to give or to move" are correct in form, in construction, and in the conjunction used.] Right: Pleace tell Mrs. Lindberg interest not to notify the police. [ The uses of the infinitive here run: Very bad; half right; right with slight error in conjunction; right with slight error in conjunction; right; right; right; right. He learned the infinitive too fast.]
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mairi
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Post by mairi on Jul 27, 2007 18:00:34 GMT -5
Terrifically interesting analysis. Noso, being multilingual, would have known (just call me the "Noso-kid" ) the idiosyncrasies of sentence structure from language to language and use them to disguise. Of handwriting: The woman who claimed to see writing overlay in some of the ransom notes. Was her analysis ever posted, in full?
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Post by Michael on Jul 28, 2007 9:38:26 GMT -5
This woman was Hilda Braunlich whose last name would later become Zaenglein-Shaffer. The myth was that all the Defense Experts had, after examining the notes, decided Hauptmann wrote them and were told by Reilly to "get out of Dodge." Unfortunately that's not true at all, and we can see the prove in The Case That Never Dies by Dr. Gardner. A book despised by those who do not want the truth to be told (or learned). The problem with the Defense Expert examination is that it is a double-edged sword. They were not allowed a proper examination of the notes - ever. In my opinion this alone is enough for a mistrial. However, if they didn't have the proper time to examine then how does Trendley draw his conclusions? Well his testimony answers that. The other problem is whether or not Braunlich was an "Expert" in the first place. Dr. Gardner doesn't seem to have much confidence in her abilities ( p. 337). I have researched her and found that she was considered an Expert in Germany and had testified in several Court cases there and was the President of the Handwriting Experts Association of Europe. Regardless, one may argue it doesn't take much time to, or even be an "expert" to see what Braunlich claimed to have seen. I am certainly not an Expert in Handwriting but can tell you I am confident that I have never seen these "forgeries" she claims to have seen. This presents a dilemma. Was she lying? Was she nuts? One guess I've come up with is they may not have been given the original notes to examine in the short and confused period of time they were reluctantly handed over by the Prosecution. I've seen a lot of dirty tricks employed by the Prosecution during my research and wouldn't put this past them. There was never any "report" written by Braunlich for anyone to see or post. Tony Scaduto found her in Florida where she recounted what she had remembered. She told Scaduto that Goodspeed saw it first under his magnifying glass. In a letter written to Former Governor Byrne she wrote: I was shocked at what I saw. It was the evidence of a crime no one could ever detect from photographs or facsimiles, nor with the naked eye. Clear and large, I saw over-writings on the ransom letters, forged strokes. She claimed the over writings were done with a different blend of ink and done at a much later period of time. She also claims she was next to testify only to be dismissed by Reilly who forbid her to say what she was going to testify to.
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Post by Michael on Jul 30, 2007 5:19:08 GMT -5
I will continue to mention some of Bishop's report which I happen to think is interesting. Where I can I will replicate it but mostly will sum up those points due to the length of the report. Uses of the Auxiliary 'Will' She goes through the notes here pointing out how most of the notes are correct such as: Note 1 We will inform youNote 2 we will hold the baby to settle those affair will be better [would be better] ....and goes throughout the rest of the notes doing this. What's interesting is her find here: Note 9We will inform youwe ___ find out very son
you ___ gete the adr
you ___ find two ladies
___ put it in the New York JournalNote 10 you ___ find a letterNote 12you will find the boadHer comments concerning this difference: An Indian omits the auxiliary as the man has done here, but I never heard a German omit it so. The German says:
We vill inform you We vill find out very soon You vill gete the adr You vill find two ladies We vill put it in the New York American
An Amateur at imitation nearly always omits the auxiliary will, and so his imitation is full of grunts. He sounds like an Indian but not like a German.
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kevkon
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Post by kevkon on Jul 30, 2007 21:05:02 GMT -5
We have kidnapped your child and demand $25,000 for his safe return. If you give us the money he will return as safe as when you last saw him, but if you refuse, we will put acid in his eyes and blind him." The note continued with a number of threats followed by these instructions: "Get the money all in gold, 5, 10 and 20 (dollar) pieces... Get in your buggy alone on the night of December 19 at 7 o'clock p.m. Follow the paved road toward Fremont. When you come to a lantern...by the side of the road, place the money by the lantern and immediately turn your horse around and return home.
_______________________________________________________
Dear Sir:
As you no doubt know by this time, your son has been kidnapped. Allow us to assure you that he is at present well and safe. You need fear no physical harm for him, provided you live up carefully to the following instructions and to such others as you will receive by future communications. Should you, however, disobey any of our instructions, even slightly, his death will be the penalty.
1. For obvious reasons make absolutely no attempt to communicate with either police authorities or any private agency. Should you already have communicated with the police, allow them to continue their investigations, but do not mention this letter.
2. Secure before noon today $10,000. This money must be composed entirely of old bills of the following denominations: $2000 in $20 bills, $8000 in $50 bills. The money must be old. Any attempt to include new or marked bills will render the entire venture futile.
3. The money should be placed in a large cigar box, or if this is impossible, in a heavy cardboard box, securely closed and wrapped in white paper. The wrapping paper should be sealed at all openings with sealing wax.
4. Have the money with you, prepared as directed above, and remain at home after one o'clock. See that the telephone is not in use."
_____________________________________________________
Dear Sir Have 50000$ ready 25000$ in 20$ bills 15000$ in 10$bills and 10000$ in 5$ bills After 2-4 days we will inform you were to to deliver the mony We warn you for making anyding public or for notify the polise The child is in gut care Indication for all letters are singnature and 3 holes
Notice Anything?
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mairi
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Post by mairi on Jul 31, 2007 12:47:43 GMT -5
Hi Kevkon~~Will give it a try, but then hope to hear what you have in mind The LKC note(s) never make any real threat for non-compliance. The notes you give all specify denominations. The other notes give concrete instructions for ransom payment , where and when. Other aspects of similarity could almost make one think the LKC writer had seen these letters.
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kevkon
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Post by kevkon on Jul 31, 2007 15:52:01 GMT -5
Dear Sir The child is in gut care We warn you for making anyding public or for notify the polise Have 50000$ ready 25000$ in 20$ bills 15000$ in 10$bills and 10000$ in 5$ bills After 2-4 days we will inform you were to to deliver the mony Indication for all letters are singnature and 3 holes
What about this?
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mairi
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Post by mairi on Jul 31, 2007 18:48:31 GMT -5
Kevkon~~Well I don't know except~~~~~~Singnature for all letters (Letter s=plural). Am I getting closer? Also "child is in gut care" placed at beginning. (written before child was in their /his possession?) Am ready for next clue
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kevkon
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Post by kevkon on Jul 31, 2007 19:49:20 GMT -5
What I have posted are two examples of ransom notes from actual kidnappings in addition to the LKC Nursery note. Actually one of the kidnappings might be considered a hoax. Regardless, my intent was to show the logical and practical format which ransom notes typically follow and how the Nursery note differs radically. Sort of a priority of thought. Think about writing a note for an intended kidnapping or, if you prefer, a note for a hoaxed kidnap. It really doesn't make a difference here because in both cases the very first thing you will write is the declaration of the act; Dear Sir, We have kidnapped your child. Next would be a consolation or a warning; Your child is in good care We warn you not to notify the police. Usually followed by a demand; Have $50,000 dollars in unmarked bills ready Then the drop instructions; Place the money in a packet and leave it under ............... And finally a threat; If you fail to follow these instructions you will never see your child again.
So what is the Nursery note all about? Does this appear to be a well thought out composition written prior to the crime?
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Post by Michael on Jul 31, 2007 20:39:31 GMT -5
A key point Kevin hits on here is the major differences between the Nursery Note and the rest of the notes that follow. So the context of the acutal situation involving multiple notes must be considered. The first thing we need to ask ourselves is why and/or what could be the cause/reason. As for the content of the Nursery Note I tend to agree with his line of thought. However, the "Devil's Advocate" approach I somethings utilize begs me to ask might it have been done this way on purpose? Here's the 1st note from the Charley Ross kidnapping: Mr. Ross- be not uneasy you son charly bruster he al writ we as got him and no powers on earth can deliver out of our hand. You wil hav two pay us befor you git him from us. an pay us a big cent to. if you put the cops hunting for him yu is only defeeting yu own end. we is got him fitt so no living power can gits him from us a live. if any aproch is maid to his hidin place that is the signil for his instant anihilation. if yu regard his lif puts no one to search for him you money can fech him out alive an no other existin powers don't deceve yuself and think the detectives can git him from us for that is one imposebel
yu here from us in few day This note tends to follow some of Kevin's logic, some that doesn't, and also seems to follow a line of logic employeed by the Lindbergh Abductors. This note doesn't say how much they want AND puts them off until word comes from them a few days later. The spelling is obviously done on purpose as a method of diguise. Might the NN have been influenced by the above ransom note?
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kevkon
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Post by kevkon on Jul 31, 2007 21:23:57 GMT -5
Look at the all important first line ; Mr. Ross- be not uneasy you son charly bruster he al writ we as got him and no powers on earth can deliver out of our hand. The declaration or introduction. It's natural, anyone sitting down to write such a note will start off this way. And that goes for whether you are a real kidnapper or attempting to portray one. You just don't open with; Have 50000$ ready 25000$ in 20$ bills 15000$ in 10$bills and 10000$ in 5$ bills. Think about it, imagine yourself as the kidnapper here. Is this what you would open with? Would anyone with the time to plan this?
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Post by Giszmo on Jul 31, 2007 22:31:05 GMT -5
Not being a kidnapper it's hard for me to say just what I would start a ransom note with. However, that said, does the emphasis on the monetary aspect necessarily point to a last minute note or could it also show that his focus is on the money? Could it also be that the note itself was written last minute while the overall plan for the kidnapping was prepared earlier? Coming up with the symbol took some forethought and some sort of "planning" (for lack of a better term) even if the final production of it is shoddy. I dunno. Just some thoughts...
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mairi
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Post by mairi on Jul 31, 2007 23:04:56 GMT -5
:-[Well, fellows, I feel as if I've simply fallen off the boat!! You all are way beyond me. I'll follow along though and see if I can hitch a ride onto your analysis. Rick~~It fully puzzles me, as well, why Breck's encounter with Fisch/Fisch look-alike, just never went anywhere. The whole bunch surely did throw out many things to do the Lone-wolf wizardry. CAL and Breck seemed to have some sort of lock on things beyond lawyer/client privilege, given the circumstances.
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kevkon
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Post by kevkon on Aug 1, 2007 6:18:09 GMT -5
Giszmo, good to hear from you. Your point about not being a kidnapper is important. None of the notes I posted were written with the benefit of experience. As for the focus on the money, isn't that usually the reason for ransom kidnappings? But kidnappings are generally well planned as it is a crime requiring a fair amount of coordination and infrastructure. Part of that planning is the introduction and instructions to those whom are to pay for the prize you will have abducted. If you choose to do this by leaving a letter behind then you obviously create this letter prior to the abduction. If you compose this letter prior to the crime it's only natural to start off with a declaration of the crime. Look at the examples of other notes. I am not re-inventing the wheel here nor should anyone else. Then there is the very strange issue of relegating the child and his condition to the status of almost an afterthought. The ransom victim is always the goose that lays the golden egg. This is the single most important aspect of ransom kidnappings. And in the LKC we have arguably the most famous 20 mo old child in the world. Does anyone really think that with benefit from careful planning and time to prepare a kidnapper would not stress the issue of that child and his potential fate? This is the "crime of the century" , carefully planned and executed and having the advantage of time to compose the all important first note, you come up with the Nursery note? Giszmo, I do agree that it is possible that the "singnature" may have been prepared prior to the note or it may have been a device used by Hauptmann for another reason. But I don't see the body of the note itself as the product of someone with the luxury of time. In fact, the table should be turned here. Anyone who believes that this note was not extemporaneous should be given the burden of proving what evidence indicates that is so.
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Post by Giszmo on Aug 1, 2007 7:27:24 GMT -5
I do agree that it is possible that the "singnature" may have been prepared prior to the note or it may have been a device used by Hauptmann for another reason.(Kevin) That's one of the things that's so damn odd about the first note. The symbol was prepared ahead of time, but the note was written in haste; last minute. Like he was all set to go and suddenly realized, "Oh shoot, I forgot to do the ransom note" and quickly scrawls it out. What I don't understand (yet) is if the note really was extemporaneous - what does that tell us? What's it mean? How does it fit in with the other facts of the case?
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kevkon
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Post by kevkon on Aug 1, 2007 15:54:33 GMT -5
I see two distinct possibilities; First, as you suggest Giszmo the note was hastily written at the last moment. That's pretty hard for me to find plausible, though. We know there was at least amount of time allotted to prepare the ladder and do some recon of the house. Then if you believe the "singnature" was made prior, why would Hauptmann not find the time to write a proper ransom note? If he spent the time thinking about that "singnature, surely he would thought about the letter it was applied to. Second, the note was not part of the plan, at least not the Nursery note. This note was left on the window sill after the entry and abduction. That would explain the two section ladder off to the right. He had to go back up after writing this note, leave it on the sill and close the window to keep it secure from the wind. The reason for the note is due to the death of the child and the need to buy some time. Having been written under such conditions it would be understandable that it is not composed in a manner typical of these notes. Just the fact that it was written after the crime changes the writer's perspective. He is not writing a note about an intended action, but one that has already occurred. Explaining the action ( your child has been kidnapped) is no longer his primary thought, that's already been done. Mentally he has moved on to the money. Add to that the emotional stress resulting from the act he has just performed and we end up with the Nursery note.
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Post by Giszmo on Aug 1, 2007 16:50:50 GMT -5
I see where you're coming from, but I think we're in a Catch-22 because even in the scenario you describe, the note is showing forethought and not last minute writing. For example, why would he be riding around with blue and red ink and a fountain pen? Not to mention note paper and an envelope that would hold the paper (that he tore from a larger sheet). He also must have been under incredible tension and pressure having gone into the house without the intention of kidnapping a baby and coming out WITH the baby, and somehow ending up with it dead. He wrote quite a bit. Why not just write "I have your kid. If you want him back get $50,000. I will tell you where to leave it." or something like that? Instead, he writes a business letter.
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kevkon
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Post by kevkon on Aug 1, 2007 17:19:37 GMT -5
That's about all he did write. Look at the length of the other notes ( assuming you have access). Look at ransom notes from other kidnappings. I am not certain about the time line of "singnature". I would expect it to be better than the rest, but that's not to say that couldn't have been created beforehand. We assume that it is integral to this crime because it has become married to it. But it is conceivable that the "singnature" was not originally created for this crime. I know that's hard to believe, but stranger things have happened. It's also possible that a group of notes with the "singnature" were made before hand and carried along with other items specific to the crime. I don't know, and I don't think it's possible to determine. What I do know is that the Nursery note does not resemble other kidnapping ransom notes and it does not contain the order of thought one would expect in a pre-crime written note. There must be a reason for the strange construction of the Nursery note and that reason must be related to Hauptmann's ( or anyone you care to nominate) state of mind and position. Let's not forget that this note required some effort to place, regardless of who placed in that Nursery. That effort does not seem consistent with it's message.
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mairi
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Post by mairi on Aug 1, 2007 20:57:53 GMT -5
Suppose the singnature was pre-prepared (which in my view would have to have been)--nothing incriminating written, yet.The kidnapper(s) had to recon, first to see if it was "good to go". When it appeared workable, then and only then the note was written. This then, may account for it's odd look, including something of a rush(?) Am bothered to death that the perp(s) seemed to arrive so early before the event, no matter which time one assigns it. Can't yet work through that. Am not fully convinced that Highfields was the place planned except as a last min change for the Tuesday. I need to get straightened out about when they resided at the Mt Rose farmhouse and how directly it was linked up to the weekends at Highfields. Did it take "a year already" (or thereabouts)for Highfields to be built? (sorry to stray off the thread here.)
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Post by Giszmo on Aug 2, 2007 9:31:06 GMT -5
Mairi - did you try looking in Anne's diaries for information about the houses?
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Post by rick3 on Aug 2, 2007 10:30:47 GMT -5
Are the ransom notes in reverse vis-a-vis the symbol-signature?
It would be nearly impossible to copy the NNote because it is so crudely proportioned?
But more like the NN is copied from the 1st ransom note which matches up with the 2nd ransom note?
Either ways it portends two writers? And two artists? One who doesnt get the concepts?
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kevkon
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Post by kevkon on Aug 2, 2007 16:09:09 GMT -5
Mairi, then you are proposing that the crime was not planned to occur that night, it was only an option. I don't have a problem with that , but I expect others will. I agree that it is possible that the note was not written prior due to fear of discovery, but it's hard for me to believe that this guy is going to be scared of something like that considering what he is about to do. I not even sure that being caught in possession of that note would be a crime. On the other hand the "recon" could land you in jail. No matter how anyone tries to explain or justify it, the Nursery note does not resemble a kidnapping note written prior to the crime. It is missing all of the qualities that kidnappers ( and pretend to be kidnappers) love to embellish their note with. Look at Mark Falzini's latest blog. That note is from someone who I doubt would ever get close to his quarry and even it contains the proper elements of a ransom note.
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Post by Michael on Aug 2, 2007 16:17:09 GMT -5
The lease for the house in Mt. Rose was signed on October 10, 1930 (but not in Lindbergh's name).
I just don't see how it can be proven one way or another. The symbol itself wasn't extemporaneous and it existed on this note as well as the rest. As Kevin points out - it's the worst of all the other symbols but its still the symbol AND those holes were made in the unique distance which is what really identifies our party.
As Gismo points out, the 2nd Ransom Note is the other 1/2 of paper torn from the Nursery Note. If the Kidnapper(s) doesn't have the luxury of time then why are they tearing paper then saving the other half? I cannot bring myself to believe this was done in the car or on site.
The appearance of the note seems to me to be from the use of the opposite hand. I think anyone of us can prove this to ourselves simply by trying it.
Kevin's point about how the note is laid out does seem to show it was composed somewhat backwards. Might it have been someone writing down what they remembered had been the plan to put down here? Might it be the recollection came out in the wrong order?
Someone involved either knew the home or did indeed surveil it. Heck, they used the boardwalk in the dark! Could they have been rushed because the date of the event changed and changed quickly?
I have always been of the opinion the actual event was planned for the weekend. Perhaps somehow they get tipped off or told the plan has changed and the time is now?
Gismo's claim of a "Catch-22" seems to apply to all theories. I personally believe the symbol was created first and put on the paper before any thought was put into what would be written on the note. After it was decided to continue on with the collection they would continue with this practice by creating symbols first then writing out the words.
And so I can believe the sheet of paper with the symbol on it could have been penned out on the dash of the car while waiting for the 8PM timing of the event, but I cannot accept it as somehow an "afterthought" due to the child's accidental death.
I think we may want to summarize what facts we can all agree on as concrete then work from there to weigh the odds of the explanations concerning what we don't know.
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Post by Michael on Aug 3, 2007 5:26:40 GMT -5
Here's something else to consider since we're kicking ideas and thoughts around... What if the only thing meant to be left behind was the symbol and only the symbol? The Nursery Note itself is tiny when the real thing is looked at. It seems to me they didn't intend to write much when they took the action of tearing it down to size in the first place.
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Post by rick3 on Aug 3, 2007 15:30:34 GMT -5
Well if only someone [credible} had recognized the Symbol right off the bat then it would have sufficed in and of itself. One problem may have been that the Nursery Note symbol is a hack job and not proportioned properly? Maybe the perps were trying thier best to "represent" a known symbol? - I just recently read that Mickey Rosner had a visceral reaction to seeing the symbol the first time at Highfields and started shaking all over? Then he said he needed to take it to NYC? Robert Thayer, or someone, made an exact repiica for him to take.
- Jafsie Condon told Thayer over the phone that it was the sign of the Mafia? But that was just a bit before the second envelope to CAL was opened up? Howd did JFC see thru the envelope? After that Condon took it around towne to show his buddies too?
- What exactly does the "Mafia" mean in 1932 just in case Condon was right? Which gang or mobsters? Italian, Purple or Irish?
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kevkon
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Post by kevkon on Aug 3, 2007 16:42:56 GMT -5
Any way you care to look at it, the Nursery note does not resemble the type of note typically received initially by the family. Then add to that the target in this case is Lindbergh. Kidnappers are a special breed of criminal, one that takes pleasure in the power exerted over the victims. That's probably why their initial contact is usually filled with threats, demands, and boasts about the crime. To believe that the Nursery note was the product of careful planning and perhaps more than one mind seems absurd to me. The first letter actually more closely resembles a true ransom note (minus the horrific threats usually included). If the original intention was to just leave the "singnature" then why bother with the envelope and why locate the symbol in the area at the bottom. We also go back to the whole issue regarding the symbol. It's simply not necessary for a kidnapper, a pseudonym would suffice nicely. The symbol doesn't insure that the letters will be prioritized since it can't be seen inside an envelope. We are not talking about a serial killer like the Zodiac, here. There has to be a concrete reason for why the Nursery note was left and why it so lacking. The only reasonable explanation for me is that it was not initially planned for and circumstances that night dictated it's creation.
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mairi
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Post by mairi on Aug 3, 2007 18:40:27 GMT -5
Thanks for the tip, Gizmo. I have Anne's Hour of Gold Hour of Lead. Will go back to that for possibly clues about the houses.
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Post by Michael on Aug 4, 2007 9:59:35 GMT -5
I am going to try and organize my thoughts about this... Be sure to disagree if you do or find a flaw within my attempted logic....
Either the symbol was pre-made or made at the scene.
If made at the scene then we have to add, as pointed out by Gismo, Blue, Red, and Black Ink. We must add the differing punches used as well as whatever it is one thinks was the model for the distance between the holes and not to forget the pen.
For me the answer is, like the ladder, it was pre-made and planned for.
Next we have the paper to consider. It was half a sheet of the next note. As I pointed out above I cannot believe someone pressed for time or "on the fly" is worried about ripping paper in half then saving the unused portion.
For me the answer is it had been done ahead of time.
Next we have the writing. It's written differently. The symbol isn't as well defined. And its message appears to be out of order.
For me, it could have been written in the car before the "snatch." As Mairi has pointed out there are a few spotted smears which Kevin has accurately said could be due to lack of blotting.
I don't see smears as any attempt to disguise so this may be a valuable clue.
I can't see any possibility in it being written in the dark. So if we're talking the Nursery then we have that factor as well as the insanity of remaining there to write it. If its written outside beneath the window then we have darkness, rain, and another trip up the ladder to consider - so that's even worse.
I personally believe the opposite hand was used so I don't necessarily see the way it was written as opposed to the rest as evidence of "stress" rather - merely an added attempt at disguise.
My beliefs are a little less profound considering what we know.... But first let me point out I am not without some bias guiding my position. We all have our own little ideas we like and those we don't so its quite possible I am overlooking things based upon this fact. Be sure to point this out if you catch me doing that.
I believe the note was planned. I believe it may not have been written by the time word was given to "go" because I have always been of the opinion the plan was for a weekend job.
If you think about it, the actual writing on the note would be the last thing you do because its discovery would be incriminating whereas everything else could yield a possible explanation and therefore defendable.
My beliefs certainly aren't etched in stone here so as we discuss this more I may give in here or there depending on what's developed.
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Post by rick3 on Aug 4, 2007 10:46:35 GMT -5
Lets break the NN down into 3 stages: - Punching the holes
- Creating the symbol w/ 3 inks
- Writing the note
1. I think punching the holes on the fly is not too likely. Therefore, the 3 holes were punched before hand...in a shop, basement, office etc. This location of the Mersman table has never been found? 2. Its possible that the symbol was copied in a car from a drawing or document? Lets just assume it was a rough draft? But opening ink bottles in a moving car sounds like no planning at all? 3. Surely, the writing could be on the way in the car--but not while you are driving. So that means one is driving, one is writing. The problem I have starts right out with "Dear Sir". The capital Ds and Ss are so different from ransom notes #2 and #3? When you switch hands (no pun intended) do you also switch scripts? 4. Even The Great Osbournes only used one lonely "IS" from the Nursery Note and stated categorically that they did not compare scripts between any notes? What then were they paid for? Ellis Parker assumed 2 writers as did other. Makes sense to me/
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kevkon
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Post by kevkon on Aug 4, 2007 11:50:46 GMT -5
OK, I will add my 2 cents worth;
Put it this way, we are not talking about a highly complex procedure here. In fact, the symbol is an amazing example of a simple but effective identifier. Why a kidnapper would find this device necessary is beyond me. Also, Hauptmann is a "carpenter" who has worked as a subcontractor. That means he must record his time and work as well as specifics regarding the jobs. I carry a variety of writing instruments and paper with me as a matter of course. Today its ball point pens and felt tip markers, back in the day it would be bottles of ink and ink pens. The ladder is obviously a item requiring specific tools and spatial requirements for it's construction, not so the note.
That is a conclusion based solely on the assumption that the paper was torn specifically to make the note. We don't, and probably never will know that. The paper might have been torn to make a convenient notepad. It's another thing I often do with unwanted copies. In any case why does tearing the paper make more sense if it was written prior to that night and without regard to time?
I don't think it was written in complete darkness and it's not the "left hand " writing that makes the note sloppy. Compare the line spacing and straightness to the first letter. And why, if not for a presage of time, why is the first letter more developed and carefully constructed? Why is the note left in the location it was found if only one climb was made?
And one would expect a note to be a major part of a planned kidnap abduction. That's the problem, this note does not reveal a great deal of thought and planning. Why, for example, couldn't the first letter have been left? There's nothing date specific about the note. Why if this was so well planned did Hauptmann not include the packet requirement? He obviously felt it important enough to draw with dimensions. Why if this crime (kidnapping) was so well planned for, do we see obvious signs of evolution in the note and letters? Why does the first contact, the Nursery note, lack the elements commonly found in ransom notes? This is the Lindbergh child we are talking about, the crime of the century. Does anyone honestly see the magnitude of this caper reflected in the Nursery note? Can you even imagine contemplating such a kidnapping and producing the Nursery note as your calling card? I can't.
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