At The US Mint - "Embezzlement of metal or coins is punishable by DEATH"

1630Boston

from https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/516575?page=19

ricko

It would appear the sentence of 'death' was more of a threat than actuality. Surprised that once realized as a threat (due to historical evidence), even more theft was not attempted. Cheers, RickO

PerryHall

Colonial currency frequently had "Tis death to counterfeit" printed on them. Counterfeiting was fairly common at the time. Does anyone know of any documented instances of the death penalty actually being imposed on a counterfeiter?

1630Boston

@PerryHall said:
Colonial currency frequently had "Tis death to counterfeit" printed on them. Counterfeiting was fairly common at the time. Does anyone know of any documented instances of the death penalty actually being imposed on a counterfeiter?

I do not know but found this

Britain influenced America’s use of the death penalty more than any other country. When European settlers came to the new world, they brought the practice of capital punishment. The first recorded execution in the new colonies was that of Captain George Kendall in the Jamestown colony of Virginia in 1608. Kendall was executed for being a spy for Spain. In 1612, Virginia Governor Sir Thomas Dale enacted the Divine, Moral and Martial Laws, which provided the death penalty for even minor offenses such as stealing grapes, killing chickens, and trading with Indians.

Laws regarding the death penalty varied from colony to colony. The Massachusetts Bay Colony held its first execution in 1630, even though the Capital Laws of New England did not go into effect until years later. The New York Colony instituted the Duke’s Laws of 1665. Under these laws, offenses such as striking one’s mother or father, or denying the “true God,” were punishable by death. (Randa, 1997)

1630Boston

stealing grapes ?????

PipestonePete

1630Boston

@PerryHall said:

. Does anyone know of any documented instances of the death penalty actually being imposed on a counterfeiter?

here are a few
link: https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/2018/04/18th-century-warning-tis-death-to-counterfeit/

excerpt:

Before his execution, John Smith confessed that he was previously convicted of counterfeiting, was sentenced “to be cropt and branded,” but had escaped from the Hartford jail and joined Daniel Lewis in “dollar making.” He admitted that he had a counterfeit bill at Ichabod Miller’s house, but said he never exchanged it. His last words were said to have been: “Alas! You may think… there is no danger, bread eaten in deceit is pleasant, but know ye for all these things God will bring thee unto judgment.”

Gilbert Belcher was reported to have barricaded himself in the Albany jail with gunpowder, but was subdued and hung the next day. It is said that his dying words were: “No gain afforded me so much pleasure as that which I acquired by illicit means.”

Broadside of the confession of John Wall Lovey printed in 1773John Wall Lovey was the last of the Berkshire County counterfeiters to hang. With his dying breath he is said to have forgave Daniel Lewis and his prosecutors, praying God pardon his sins.

Use the link above to read the interesting story of -- Tis’ Death to Counterfeit: New England Counterfeiters in NY

1630Boston

BuffaloIronTail

@1630Boston said:
stealing grapes ?????

...................and trading with Indians?

O'Rourke and Agarn would have really ran afoul of that law

Pete