Man as "Actress"
Man as "Actress" is an article published in the Weekly Dispatch on 12 january 1908.
Man as "Actress"
Begging Letter Writer's Alleged Fraud on Miss Lena Ashwell.
The story was told at Bow-street Police Court how Miss Lena Ashwell, the actress, sent money on two occasions in response to begging letters, and eventually was compelled to have inquiries made, with the result that Francis Elgin Crawford, forty-two, was arrested and eventually remanded on the charge of obtaining money, by fraud.
It was stated that Crawford, using the name "Margaret Mayne," wrote to Miss Ashwell, stating that the writer was an actress in great distress, and asking for pecuniary assistance. Miss Ashwell caused 30s. to be forwarded to the address given and received a receipt, together with a request for a further sum of 32s. 6d. Miss Ashwell also sent this amount, and then she received a letter, purporting to be written by "Thomas Mayor, M.D.," asking for £5 to assist in starting "Margaret Mayne" in business.
Crawford was arrested at Bradford. On the way to London, it was alleged, he said. "I will do all I can to save Miss Ashwell further trouble. I know I did not go the right way about it to get the money."
Sergeant McEvey said that complains had been received from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Miss Ellis Jeffreys.
