. . . arrested as an early suspect . . . of Portuguese descent . . . also worked on one of Andrew Borden's Swansea farms
. . . He was brought to the police station and claimed that Joseph Chaves, a clerk at Talbot and Company, would prove he was not in the area at the time of the murders. Chaves vouched for Auriel and he was released from custody. [See W.S., pg. 6].

He claimed Mr. David Sewell Brigham, the former city marshal of Fall River (d. Oct.22, 1893), and connected with the B.M.C. Durfee Safe Deposit and Trust Company where Andrew Borden reportedly kept his fortune, had killed the Bordens. Mr. Newton's allegations were unfounded. [Mrs. Newton] did not believe her husband committed suicide and felt 'there was foul play.' . . . Dr. Dolan . . . found that Mr. Newton's skull was fractured. 'How this was is not known but it may have been made by something striking the skull after death and while the body was in the water.' The reporter for The Globe wrote, 'The fractured skull might have been the cause of death, however, and this surprising find adds something more of the mystery to the case.'

Brightman was an early suspect . . . occasionally did jobs for Andrew [Borden]. A neighbor saw Brightman digging in his own backyard and thought Brightman was burying a hatchet . . . never arrested.

. . . neither Brightman nor Silvia was found to be connected to the Borden slayings in any way. [See Joseph Silvia].

Henry M. Carter No. 88 Snell street had a dispute with Mr. Borden about rent and water bill. On this day he was engaged serving a needing breakfast up to 10 A.M. at Mr. Garvey's No.10 Cross street. At 11 A.M. he took the train at Ferry street for Stone Bridge. He has paper of credit from A.J. Borden for $66. for rent, dated Aug.1 st.

Sheriff Kirby of Westport was interviewed Monday [August 8] in regard to the investigation being made in his town, with a view of connecting some well-known shady characters of the place with the crime. He said, 'I know that the officers have been working here, but, so far as I know, have not been made any progress towards a solution of the mystery. They first started to follow up Lincoln and Cooper, the two western dealers who are here at present, but they soon gave up that scent. I can say this much, that not the slightest suspicion attaches to any member of the Borden family so far as any dealings in Westport may be concerned. Throughout New Bedford there is a strong feeling that either the guilty party or parties or someone with a guilty knowledge are located in this section, and increased efforts will be made in this direction.'

Cooper was never arrested . . . his alibi was confirmed . . . [See Horse Traders].

Mr. George A. Collier of Quincy, Massachusetts, a former police officer in Fall River, went to the Boston Police Department and claimed he had the name of a Frenchman who committed the murders.

. . . Dr. Handy so readily pronounced him not the man, is, to my mind, very significant.  His social relations with Miss Lizzie are very close.  She was to spend her vacation at Dr. Handy's cottage at Marion, with his daughter . . .  

Now Mr. Harrington, I never told you I thought the man I saw committed the crime, did I?  I never said the man I saw committed the crime, and don't think he did.

James E. Cunneen . . . Drove up Second street that day, and the only strange thing I observed was Dr. Handy's actions.  His carriage was drawn up to the west side of the street, about opposite Dr. Kelly's yard.  He sat in the buggy, and was quickly turning his head from right to left, and left to right.  He seemed very nervous, and his strange actions caused me to look around to see what was the occasion of this;  but I observed nothing.  Before I reached where he was standing, he started and drove slowly down the street by me. [see Henrick Wood].

There was at that time a camp of itinerant horse traders in the town of Westport.  It was related that Mr. Morse had had dealings with these men and the sensational press soon coupled his name with a possible hired assassin, a member of the gang of traders.  This story was given color by the then unexploded story of young Kierouack, especially when it became known that officer Medley had discovered a man who seemed to fit the description of the stranger alleged to have been seen around the premises.  This suspect was the head trader in the Westport Camp and when accosted he readily consented to come to Fall River and surrender himself.  He succeeded in showing beyond a reasonable doubt that he was in the city of New Bedford at the time of the Borden murders . . . [see Bearsley Cooper.].

o.  Dr. Coughlin--Autopsy that P.M.  Dr. Abbo (?) says he heard Coughlin say when there with Dolan soon after the murder that they wouldn't have to go out of the house to find the person who did it.

Monday Aug. 15, 1892.  Called at Geo. Bentley's No. 185 N. M. street.  Bentley's statement.  On Thursday Aug. 4, 1892, an Italian, about 24 years, light complection, not certain of mustache, if he had one it was small, about 5-7 or 8, 160 or 170 lbs., called, left a trunk and a box . . . trunk contained . . . an old carpet bag, the inside of which was stained with what looked like blood, or iron rust . . . the box had a tag . . . 'For Peter Cerety' . . . Sought for a man of this description in Tiverton, Portsmouth, and Bristol Ferry, R.I.

. . . inquiries directed to the domestic (Bridget), elicited answers to the effect that the Portuguese must have done it.  The individual referred to was a Swede laborer, and Marshal Hilliard thereupon drove to the Somerset [sic] farm.  The investigation there was necessarily brief in its character . . . satisfied the Marshal that the laborer (Swede) . . . was far removed from the house on Second street at the time the murders were committed . . . another trip . . . made to Somerset [sic]. . . confirmed the opinion of Marshal Hilliard.  The man established a thoroughly satisfactory alibi, and the officials were forced to acquit him of the possibility of any knowledge or of complicity in the affair.

. . . was an early suspect in the Borden killings.  He had lived in Fall River in 1890 and boarded at the home of Mrs. Ella Cross at 17 John Street.  He worked for three months in 1890 at Marshall's hat factory . . . Mrs. Cross claimed she had letters and telegrams from Mahr in England, proving he was not in Fall River when the Bordens were murdered.

d.  Mrs. Horatio Hart- Light suit of clothes (mixed suit) derby hat mustache--looked impudent, inquisitive as if prying in our business not far by 9:50  (fri)-- didn't notice his shoes, awkward position, made me uncomfortable I knew every house there  my sister is Alice Russell's mother.  Never saw the man before . . . as I know.  Looked as though he was prying with something, walked by us . . . elbow (?) at s gate post got down street just time enough to take 10 o'clock (city hall) car, bell struck before I got to it.

. . . walking with unusual haste in front of 'Flint's building'.  The stranger was carrying a cleaver with the handle facing down towards the street . . . looking like a tool carried by fish mongers.  It was rusty and appeared not to have been used in quite a while.  The strange man was described as short in stature, poorly dressed and clean-shaven.  Griffiths suspected that the cleaver could have been the murder weapon used on the Bordens.

b. Brow Stephen (Pouson called) 'About 10:20 I was standing at Mrs. C's gate.  I saw a man by a tree in front of Mr. B's standing still coming towards the house, about 10:35 after Mr. B. had gone in, I saw him come up, he passed me at Mrs. C's gate.  Then he looked down the street and walked off, as far as Wade's store, then I went in yard.  A man brought carriage over after man had gone from Hartwell Street.  Man as P height-- black mustache and bright suit-- kind of stiff hat cut away coat hollow faced dark complected I saw d. Handy go by (fast) while the man was walking away.'

August 14^th I saw Ronnald St. Amant.  He said that August 4^th he was coming from Atwater's coal yard on Eight Rod Way with a half ton of coal at 2:30 or 3 o'clock.  He met a man at the corner of Eight Rod Way and Pleasant Street.  'The man asked me if he could get in.  I told him yes, come on then.  He asked me if I could take him to New Bedford . . . He asked me how much I charge to take him to New Bedford.  I said four dollars.  He said all right . . . .I asked him what part . . . He said the south part.  Then he asked me if I could come back at four or five o'clock in the morning.  I said it is too late, I want to come back at eleven or twelve.  He said that all right, lets hurry up . . . Then my wife came and asked me where I was going.  I said, to take this man to New Bedford.  Then she said that there had been some one murdered in the city today.  She said it might be bad to take that man to New Bedford. She said, I don't want you to take that man to New Bedford. I told her he had paid me. She said, give him back his money . . . I told him my wife did not want me to go. Get out, I don't want to see you here again. . . .Mrs. Extentive StAmant said that the man sat in the carriage, his head bent forward, and his hat drawn down over his eyes, and kept saying hurry up and get in . . . Age 30 or 35 years;  height 5 feet 8 or 8 and 1/2 inches; weight 175 or 180 lbs.;  dark complexion, full face, smooth shaven, black hair, a little round shouldered, and leans a little to the left when walking, a plain dark suit, cut away coat, a black stiff hat, white shirt and collar, and black bow.

Have you any reason, no matter how slight, to suspect anybody?  'N-n-no, I have not.'  why hesitate?  'Well, a few weeks ago father had angry words with a man about something.'  What was it?  'I did not know at the time, but they were both very angry at the time;  and the stranger went away.'  Did you see him at all?  'No sir they were in another room;  but from the tone of their voices, I knew things were not pleasant between them . . . About two weeks ago he called again.  They had a very animated conversation, during which they got very angry again.  I heard Father say  "no sir, I will not let my store for any such business."  Just before they separated, I heard father say "well, when you are in town again, come up, and I will let you know about it.''' 

A man came here this morning about nine o'clock, I think he wanted to hire a store, talked English.  I did not see him;  heard father shut the door, and think the man went away.

Called on West Cook at the Durfee Ice houses, who directed us to Hiram Brightman of Wilson Road at the head of New Boston Rd.  There was a man loafing around there, who had his face and hands blacked with burned cork or soot, but he had not been seen since July 31^st, or the Sunday before the murder.

In pursuance of orders I this day visited Mrs. John Marshall at Pawtucket.  I was unable to secure an interview with her because Mr. Jennings had telephoned to allow no one to see her until he came on.  I waited until next day, when Mr. Jennings and I had an interview with her, and she made the following statement.  She was out riding with Mrs. Robert Marshall in Fall River on the fourth of August.  They were going south through Third street about eleven o'clock, or a few minutes after.  When opposite Dr. Chagnon's house, she saw a horse and top buggy, and a man standing beside it.  He was not in a hurry, did not seem excited;  no blood or anything on his clothing;  nothing in his hands, but simply standing beside his carriage, and presently he got in, but did not notice which way he went.  He had a red face.  In concluding, she said 'that is all I know.'  September 8.  This day visited Mrs. Robert Marshall at the Melon House.  She is what I consider a very upright conscientious woman . . . she said 'No, I cannot [concur].  I was with my mother in law on the 4^th of August riding out . . . I must tell The truth, and I cannot say that I saw anything at all either on Third street, or anywhere else, that could be construed into a suspicious circumstance.  While on Third street in front of Dr. Chagnon's house, there was absolutely nothing at all;  neither did she call my attention to anything at all.  When we passed the High School Building it was 10.45, she told me so herself.  I am sorry I cannot agree with her, but it is my duty to tell what I honestly believe to be the truth.' [See Man, Red-faced, Mrs. Conant] [See Yankee Dan].

a.  Mrs. P.D. Conant 'Clock 11 at Reynolds and Franklin it was within few minutes of 11:10 and when at (?) end of Dean's store she saw awfullest looking man--he--running Second St.  very red in face--NO necktie--eyes staring out of his head--very frightened. . . .Conant Mrs. P.D. and daughter  'Saw man who resembled a description of Handy's man near City Hall about 11:10'  'Mrs. P.D. Conant will testify she and her daughter Minnie Reynolds 'In the Borden Block at what could be the right time.  The worst looking man she ever saw-- Minnie didn't see him.  He had the reddest looking face and neck she ever saw, though she thinks he might be naturally a light complected man, his eyes were protruding 'Just as if he was scared to death.'  He was not over and above tall, but still quite tall and of square build--kind of rough, common looking fellow, not dressed up, walking fast towards Pleasant Street, but not running-- She thinks she could pick him out of a million.' [See Man, Red-faced, Mrs. Marshall] [See Yankee Dan] [See Man, Wild-eyed].

8:30 o'clock P.M.  Joseph Lemay of North Steep Brook reports that about 5.30 o'clock this afternoon, while in the woods about a mile form [sic] his house, he heard somebody say 'too bad about Mrs. Borden.'  Looking around to his left, he saw a man sitting down on a stone.  Mr. Lemay asked him if he was tried [sic].  The man made no reply, but took up a small hatchet and commenced to grind his teeth.  Mr. Lemay says that 'he had some spots of blood on what was once a white shirt, three drops.'  His coat sleeves were pulled up, so that the wrist bands of his shirt could be seen, and there was some blood on both of them.  They looked at each other for some minutes, when the man got up, jumped a wall, and went in a northerly direction.  Description.  30 or 35 years of age, height about five feet three inches, 140 pounds weight, brown mustache, quite good size, face looked as though he had not been shaved in two or three weeks.  Dressed in black coat, dark pants, laced shoes, black derby hat, torn on top.  Looked as though he had been having hard times recently, as he was a hard looking customer.  Investigated by A. Perron, August 17, 1892, and finds it as reported as above.

Dr. Handy's statement was that at some time within fifteen minutes of 10:30 o'clock that morning he was driving down Second street. When he was passing the residence of Dr. Kelly, -which is the next house south of the Borden premises,-his attention was attracted to a pedestrian walking slowly along the sidewalk near the Borden house . . . he looked twice at the passerby, and even turned in his carriage to inspect him more closely . . . There was a peculiarity about the man . . . The individual was about 30 years of age, five feet five inches in height, weight perhaps about 125 or 130 pounds.  His clothes were of light gray of just what cut and texture the doctor could not positively state;  nor could he tell whether the man's hat was of felt or straw . . . He was pale, almost white;  not with the ghastly pallor of a sick man, but rather the whitish appearance of a man whose face had not been touched by the sun's rays;  who might have been in confinement, or whose work was of such a nature as to keep him constantly in a cellar . . . he appeared to be in a state of intense nervousness . . . Column after column of the leading newspapers were devoted to the discussion of the stranger until he became known as 'Dr. Handy's Wild Eyed Man' . . . There was a man known to the police as 'Mike the Soldier' and he in a measure seemed to fit the description of the 'Wild Eyed.' 

c.  Handy Dr.  His strange looking man 'I was up St. (street) bet 10:20 and 10:40 perhaps after as near as I can guess I know Tom Boles well for years.  Dr. Bowen said his driver says he called his attention to a strange man--the man struck me as very singular he was moving between D. Kelly's and Wade's store.  There's a detective on his track Furlong, conductor Should say he had a small mustache.  I told that night and Frank Trafton (?) said the police are looking for this very man—Dress, suit all of one color common short coat.  I should say he was pretty well dressed.  Can't say about hat, think it was straw.' [See Nephews][See Mike the Soldier].

We . . . drove to Bliss Fourcorners, found (S.R.) Paquin.  He said it was John Henry Manchester of State Hill, Portsmouth, R.I. [Paquin told Harrington Manchester had told him 'he had carried a man from Newton to Newport.'] His statement.  'On Friday August 5 at 5:30 A.M. gave a young man a ride to Newport.  He was about twenty years of age, belonged to Nova Scotia, worked at Dighton, picking strawberries, and also in the canning factory.  Thought Newport a good place to get employment during the Summer.  Walked from Dighton to Fall River.  Heard of the murder, to which he incidentally referred while riding.  He said nothing more than a murder had been committed.  He was well dressed and smart looking.'

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