Contributed by Maine Historical Society
- MMN #152240
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Description
On the night of August 1, 1818, thieves used a "false key" to rob the Cumberland Bank on Exchange Street in Portland, Maine. They escaped with $200,000—equivalent to over $4 million today. Until the Civil War, many American banks issued currency they printed themselves, and this broadside suggests the Cumberland Bank printed most of the stolen money. The bank increased its reward from $1,000 to $10,000.
Authorities quickly solved the case. Investigators identified Benjamin Rolfe and Daniel Manley as the culprits. Police found Rolfe first, recovered $1,600 from him and pursued him when he tried to flee. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers soon arrested Manley and recovered the remaining money.
Manley’s trial lasted just forty minutes. Prosecutors argued he sought revenge against the bank. The court convicted him and sentenced him to thirty days in solitary confinement and twelve years of hard labor. Over the next several months, Maine newspapers reported on his case, including his failed escape attempt. According to reports, someone provided a key tip before the broadside was posted, so the bank only paid the original $1,000 reward.
Transcription
About This Item
- Title: 10,000 Dollars Reward broadside, Portland, 1818
- Creation Date: 1818
- Subject Date: 1818
- Location: Portland, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Ink on paper
- Dimensions: 25.5 cm x 34 cm
- Local Code: Coll. 463, #43
- Object Type: Text and Image
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For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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