In
1772, prison keepers were indemnified from creditors for any
escapes of debtors due to conspiracy and break out with weapons
and firearms rather than negligence, as had been occurring.
Any pirate, accessory to piracy, commander or master or other
person of any ship or vessel who trades with a pirate or furnishes
him with ammunition or provisions of fits out a ship to trade with
pirates shall suffer death and loss of lands, goods, and chattels.
Seamen maimed in fighting pirates may be admitted into Greenwich
Hospital. (This hospital received support from duties paid by
vessels of the realm and of the colonies.) Masters or seamen not
fighting shall forfeit their wages and spend 6 months in prison if
the ship is taken. Masters shall not advance to any seamen above
half his wages since deserting is the chief occasion of their
turning into pirates.
In London penalties for crimes against property rose so that by
1740, a child could be hanged for stealing a handkerchief worth
1s. from a person's body.
No more than 600 pounds of gunpowder may be kept in any building
in London or Westminster or suburbs thereof. Later, no more than
200 pounds of gunpowder were allowed to be kept therein for more
than 24 hours. Buildings may be searched on "reasonable cause"
shown to a Justice of the Peace. Later, no more than 400 pounds of
gunpowder could be kept for more than 24 hours near any town, or
more than 300 pounds for more than 24 hours in any place.
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