Presented here is a New York City Street Department voucher from 1869 signed by William “Boss” Tweed. A corrupt politician who ran Tammany Hall, Boss Tweed was one of the richest men in America during his active years. Arrested for corruption in 1873, Tweed managed to escape jail once, but was swiftly returned. He died penniless in Ludlow Street Jail.

     This voucher is for the value of $1,392.37, a large sum at the time but a relative pittance for Tweed. He signed the inside of this blue trifold voucher in black fountain pen as “W.M. Tweed”. This voucher comes with a LOA from University Archives.

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