Illustration in "Harper's Weekly," January 6, 1872, from a drawing by Theodore R. Davis. Image size: 9 1/8 wide by 5 7/8 inches. Accession 2994.
The Tammany Hall "Tweed Ring" ruled New York, allegedly stealing two hundred million dollars from the city. "Boss" Tweed went on trial for corruption but was freed due to a hung jury. He said he would never be convicted. But on retrial he was found guilty, fined, and imprisoned, serving about a year. Upon his release, having been sued for the stolen money, he went to debtors' prison, then escaped to Europe, was returned, and died in jail.