Boss Tweed delivered to authorities after capture in Spain

Background. William Magear 'Boss' Tweed was the political boss of Tammany Hall, the Democratic Party's machine in New York City. He was convicted for stealing an estimated $25 million to $45 million from taxpayers. After his release from The Tombs prison, New York State filed a civil suit to recover $6 million in embezzled funds. During one of these proceedings on December 4, 1875, Tweed escaped and fled via Cuba to Spain, where he worked as a common seaman on a Spanish ship.

Recapture in Spain. Tweed was recaptured in Spain after his escape. He was turned over to an American warship, the USS Franklin. The USS Franklin delivered him to authorities in New York City on November 23, 1876. This delivery marked the end of his time as a fugitive in Spain, where he had worked as a common seaman on a Spanish ship following his flight via Cuba.

Aftermath. Following his delivery to authorities in New York City on November 23, 1876, Tweed was returned to prison. He was held in the Ludlow Street Jail, where he died in 1878 from severe pneumonia. He was buried in Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery. His death occurred after his recapture and return to custody in New York.