Stealing from the Mint -- Bad Idea 1 1

[UrbanDecay4]

On 4/25/2021 at 8:05 PM, RWB said:

Stealing from the Mint was usually ruinious -- or worse. This fellow was fortunate.

Mint, U.S.
April 4, 1823
James Monroe
President of the United States
Sir:
On the 25th of November last, one of the workingmen in the Mint (Benjamin Lenderbach), was
detected in embezzling a few pieces of silver coin he was employed in striking, and in
consequence, was committed, by the District Attorney, to prison where he yet remains, and
awaiting his trial, which is to take place about the 11th of this month.
This offence is, by an Act of Congress, passed the 2nd of April 1792, declared to be felony, and
punishable with death.

The above unhappy person is a young man, with a wife and two children, of reputable
connexions [sic] in this city, and had been employed in the Mint about five years, without any
thing being known to the officers derogatory to this character. It is believed, Sir, both by the
District Attorney and the Officers of the Mint, that none of the ends of public justice would be
impaired by a nolle prosequi, arising from this situation; but it is our earnest and humble request
that you would have the goodness to signify to the District Attorney, that this [measure] would
meet with your approbation.
I have the honor to be, Sir, in behalf of the Officers of the Mint ,
with the greatest respect and esteem,
your most obedient servant.
Robert Patterson

In consequence of the above, the District Attorney received from the Secretary of State, on the
14th of this month, after the grand jury had presented a bill, a letter signifying that the President
approved of the measure recommended; and the prisoner was set at liberty.

N.B. Benjamin Lenderbach being set at liberty, Adam Eckfeldt received from the family of the
said Lenderbach $250, and from himself, of wages due him at the time of his commitment, $20
making $270; which same B. Lenderbach had said, his friends would pay to A. Eckfeldt, towards
the losses that he had sustained by the said Lenderbach’s frequent embezzlements, out of this
sum, however A. Eckfeldt had paid upwards of $15 for contingent expenses.

Wow... He was lucky! Never steal from the government...