Lucas forgery (1878)

Post date: Aug 31, 2012 9:48:50 AM

Extract from Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper of 16th June 1878:

STRANGE CHARGE.-The Rev. Arthur Eden attended to answer a summons, which charged him with having comforted, harboured, and assisted one Samuel Lancaster Lucas, in the City of London, well knowing that he, the said Samuel Lancaster Lucas, had forged an acceptance to two bills of exchange for the sums of £600. and £400. respectively. This case would have come on a fortnight ago, but on that occasion, with the consent of both parties, the summons was adjourned. Mr. G. Lewis, who appeared on behalf of the complainant, now said, having carefully considered the facts, he was of opinion that the charge against the reverend gentleman could not be supported, and he, therefore, wished to withdraw the summons. The Lord Mayor merely remarked, " Very well; the summons is withdrawn." Mr. Edward Chute, who appeared as counsel for the defendant, said that from his knowledge of the case and of the facts he was not surprised at Mr. Lewis withdrawing from the case, as there was no evidence whatever to support the charge. The summons was then formally dismissed.

This case of aiding and abetting Samuel Lancaster Lucas was widely reported but as no charges were ever reported against him the speculation is that he fled abroad. A note in the April 1894 Parish magazine corrects the age quoted (should have been 67 years) for "the late Mr. Lancaster Lucas" in the March magazine-unfortunately the March 1894 magazine is missing.