Transcriber’s Note:
This book was originally published in 100 weekly installments. Thevolume number of each issue is provided as a sidenote, highlighted inlight grey, occasionally mid-paragraph. Illustrations that appeared atthe beginning of each issue were moved to the nearest paragraph break.Additional notes are at the end of the book.
CHARLES PEACE
OR THE
Adventures of a Notorious Burglar
CHARLES PEACE.
No. 1.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
Charles Peace alias John Ward, whose life andadventures form the subject-matter of our story, hasgained for himself a reputation equal, if not superior,to the lawless ruffians, Jack Sheppard, Dick Turpin,and others of a similar class. He is a union of variouselements.
In more senses than one he was a local character.Born in Sheffield he was, in early days, trained accordingto the customs of the day, and when about eight orten years of age was one of the foremost amongst hiscompanions in any game of audacious fun.
He was always considered a “rough,” even amongsthis earlier associates, and it is said that he was dreadedby the children with whom he played. At ten years ofage he had to assist his father who was namedJoseph Peace, in the earning of the daily bread for thefamily.
Mr. Joseph Peace was a man well respected. Hewas what is known in Sheffield as a “little master,”but in commercial terms would be placed as a “filemanufacturer.” He had a large family, and amongsthis children was this lad, who has achieved suchnotoriety in the world.
Charles Peace, from his very boyhood, was wild. Itis said that there was no adventure to be undertakenin regard to which he had any fear; neither did herequire twice telling when he was requested to leadthe way in any mischievous plot.
Mr. Joseph Peace was a man of religious inclinations,and was a member of the Wesleyan body. He occupieda house in George-street, Langsett-road, a thoroughfarewhich is now known as Gilpin-street.
He had a taste for music, and played the “bass” atthe Wesleyan Chapel, Owlerton. When ten years ofage Charles Peace commenced to take lessons on theviolin, his instructor being his father, who ratherprided himself on the way he could play the double-bass.
His son Charles was a diligent pupil, and ultimately,having acquired a proficiency in the instrument, hestarted in life as a sort of successor to Paganini—fiddlingmost successfully on one string, and only failingto achieve some distinction because he lacked thepatience which was necessary to make the stage his“field of fame.”
Yet he was always an artist.
If he did not discern for himself a sufficiently splendidcareer in art, amateur violinists who lived in theneighbourhood of Greenwich, Peckham, or Blackheathhad sufficient reason to regret Mr. Charles Peace’sdevotion to music.
They found that some undiscovered burglar wasabroad who had a good taste in the selection of fineinstruments.
Mr. Peace indeed had a passion for violins; and if hespared a service of plate sometimes, he was neverknown to leave a really good fiddle behind.