5th Feb 1866
The Sheffield Independent said:
We are glad to find that there is a probability of the reward in this notorious case being distributed in a manner much more conformable to the popular feeling than we at first supposed.
In writing upon the subject a few days ago, we inferred that the approver Woodhouse would receive the Government reward of £100. Since that paragraph was written, we have been reminded by a gentleman, whose position entitles him to be regarded as an authority upon the subject, that Woodhouse has no claim whatever upon the reward.
The Government offered a £100 reward, and noblemen and gentlemen in the neighbourhood of Silverwood increased the amount to nearly £500 to any person who would come forward and give evidence that would lead to the apprehension and conviction of the actual murderer or murderers.
It has been too hastily assumed that the approver had entitled himself to at least a share of the reward, but it must not be forgotten that Woodhouse was actually in custody. He made the avowal clearly with the view of saving his own neck, and he succeeded. Whether he would have been successful if the authorities had allowed Booth to come forward in his place, is a question which the public have already decided. It is clear, therefore, that Woodhouse cannot be regarded as a voluntary witness, and it would be a public scandal if he were allowed to be the gainer in a pecuniary sense out of this transaction.
The committee of magistrates who have the apportionment of the reward consists of Messrs. Chambers and Otter, and Major St. Leger.
It was announced a few days later that Woodhouse had been set at liberty, and received £150 as his share of the reward, on condition of his departure for America.
The money remaining would be given to the police officers who distinguished themselves in the case.