THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Oct. 12, 1723  The entire front page and much of page 2 are taken up with the particulars of the recently passed "Black Act" of Parliament.
The report, from the Council Chamber at Whitehall, begins: "Whereas by An Act made in the last session of Parliament entitled, An Act for the more effectual punishing wicked & evil disposed persons going armed in disguise & doing injuries & violences to the persons & properties of his Majesty's subjects, & for the more speedy bringing the offenders to justice....".
This Act was in response to a series of raids by two groups of poachers, known as the Blacks. It was expanded over the years, greatly strengthening the criminal code. It specified over 200 capital crimes, many with intensified punishment. Arson, for example, was expanded to include burning or the threat of burning haystacks. The legal rights of defendants were strictly limited. Local villages were punished if they failed to find, prosecute and convict alleged criminals.
The particulars of this Act are outlined in great detail in this issue.
Six pages, 7 1/4 by 11 1/2 inches, very nice condition.