Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Kidnapping

KIDNAPPING, a term which implies the forcible taking away or seizure of any man, woman, or child, from their native soil, and conveying them to foreign countries.—This atrocious violation of natural liberty has at all times, and in every nation, been held in just abhorrence. Few crimes, indeed, can be more heinous; for, independently of the anguish it must occasion in the hapless captive's family, it deprives the sovereign of a subject; exiles a man from his country, while it exposes him to dangers, and hardships. Hence, our common law punishes the criminal with fine, imprisonment, and pillory. The stat. 11 and 12 William III. c. 7, (though chiefly intended against pirates) contains a clause, by which it is provided that, if any captain of a merchant vessel, during his residence abroad, force any person on shore; or wilfully leave him behind; or even refuse to bring home such men as he carried out, in case they are able and willing to return; he is liable to suffer an imprisonment of three months.—Nevertheless, there is great reason to apprehend that such iniquitous practices are but too prevalent on the Coast of Africa, and in those distant climates, where the offender is too remote from the courts of justice, or whence it is difficult to procure the requisite evidence.