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Severe penalty for use of a bowie knife...



Item # 633201

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September 16, 1837

NILES'  NATIONAL REGISTER, Washington D.C., Sept. 16, 1837 

* Early Bowie Knife legislation
* Murder - Severe penalty


On the third page under "Use Of Bowie Knives" is the text of an "act" passed by the legislature of Alabama. The first section of the act states that: "...if any person carrying any knife or weapon, known as Bowie knives...on a sudden recounter, shall cut or stab another with such knife, by reason of which he dies, it shall be adjudged murder, and the offender shall suffer the same, as if the killing had been by malice and aforethought...". The second section says that anyone caught "...selling, giving or disposing..." of such a weapon, will be subject to a fine of one hundred dollars. This act was approved on June 30, 1837. There is also a footnote that says: "A similar act has passed in the state of Mississippi."
An article: "The Capitol" includes a nice descriptive report on the improvements to his iconic building. Very detailed and taking over half a page.
Sixteen pages, 8 1/2 by 12 1/4 inches, some ink stains to the front leaf, generally nice.

This newspaper began in 1811 and was a prime source for national political news of the first half of the 19th century. As noted in Wikipedia, this title: "...(was) one of the most widely-circulated magazines in the United States...Devoted primarily to politics...considered an important source for the history of the period."

Category: Pre-Civil War