Monday, February 3, 2020

Origins of the U.S. Secret Service, + a Giveaway



While the United States Secret Service (USSS) is one of the oldest federal law enforcement agencies in America, dating to the Civil War. While the Secret Service is known today for providing protection to the President and his family, part of the Department of Homeland Security, it was originally part of the Treasury Department, founded to combat counterfeiting of American currency.


1880 Legal Tender, Public Domain, National Numismatic Collection, National Museum of American History.

Before the Civil War, American money was much different than it is today. Over a thousand individual banks issued their own bills, called banknotes, and government paper currency was limited to Treasury notes, fractional currency, and postal currency, which could be redeemed for postage but was also used as money. During the Civil War, the federal government also introduced "greenbacks" as national currency, but banknotes and other currencies were still in circulation after the war.

With so many varieties of currency, it wasn't hard to create fakes to fool the unsuspecting. The US Marshals Service was tasked with curbing counterfeiters along with their other duties, and hired detectives to assist--Allen Pinkerton, for example. But in the meantime, an estimated third to half of all currency in circulation in America was counterfeit, which created problems to the national economy.
Hugh McCulloch.png
Hugh McCulloch at the approximate time the Secret Service was founded. Public Domain.
In 1865, Secretary of the Treasury Hugh McCulloch advised President Abraham Lincoln to establish an agency to combat counterfeiting, and President Lincoln signed the paperwork on April 14, 1865, the very day he was assassinated at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. 

While the idea of creating an organization to provide presidential protection was discussed after the assassination, it was not originally part of the Secret Service's role when it was officially begun on July 6, 1865 under its first chief, William Wood. National Headquarters were established in the Treasury Building in Washington. Operatives were hired primarily for their experience as detectives.

Operatives were not paid particularly well for their services, and they were expected to write daily reports to their superiors. They were well versed with the world of counterfeiting and its techniques, which varied from engraving to painting replica bills, a time-consuming process.

By all accounts, the Secret Service was an immediate success, but it had a large job to do. Budgetary restrictions capped the number of agents employed, and some operatives were responsible for enormous districts that spanned several states. Within two years, the Secret Service's responsibilities broadened to include other frauds against the government, from battling smugglers to investigating the Ku Klux Klan.

The Secret Service created rules to help with investigations that influenced law enforcement procedures. Suspects were often photographed by professional photographers after arrest, and operatives recorded identifying details about the suspect as well as the arrest and investigation. 

In 1869, the chief, Hiram C. Whitley, granted permission for operatives to obtain badges if they so wished, but they weren't issued until 1873. Alas, there is no information as to what these first badges looked like, but a the 1875 design remains. The star's five points each signify one of the agency's core values: justice, duty, courage, honesty and loyalty.

File:Badge of the United States Secret Service (1875–1890).png
Badge from 1875-1890. Public Domain.

In 1890, the badge was redesigned so the smaller size would fit easier into the agents' commission books.

File:Badge of the United States Secret Service (1890–1971).png
1890 Badge. Public Domain.

While the Secret Service continued to fight currency and other frauds, two more presidents were assassinated: James A Garfield (1881) and William McKinely (1901). It would take another 36 years before the Congress gave the Secret Service the job of protecting the President, although in 1902, there were just two agents assigned to this particular task.

The role rapidly expanded and today, it's what the Secret Service is known for more than any of its other responsibilities. Additionally, American currency has many security features to make counterfeiting far more difficult than in years past. 


Today, counterfeit money comprises about 0.01% of American currency.


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The Blizzard Bride

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Abigail Bracey arrives in Nebraska in January 1888 to teach school…and to execute a task for the government: to identify a student as the hidden son of a murderous counterfeiter—the man who killed her father.

Secret Service Agent Dashiell Lassiter wants to protect Abby, but when a horrifying blizzard sweeps over them, can Abby and Dash set aside the pain from their pasts and work together to catch a counterfeiter and protect his son—if they survive the storm?

***

Have you ever been in a snowstorm?

I'm giving away a copy to one person who comments before 11:59 am February 4, 2020, PST. Winner announced here. US-only, please. Void where prohibited.


***

Susanne Dietze began writing stories in high school, placing her friends in the starring roles. Today she's a RWA-RITA nominated author. Learn more at www.susannedietze.com.


40 comments:

  1. I'm in NC, so we've had snow and maybe a snow storm or two, but no blizzards here in my lifetime. I'd love to read this book!
    susanlulu(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hi! No blizzards for me, either. I think that's ok, too!

      So glad you could come by! You're entered into the drawing. :)

      Delete
  2. Fascinating post. I didn't realize the original charter of the Secret Service was not protecting the president. I live in New Hampshire, and about seven years ago I was caught in a snowstorm while going home from work. I'm not sure if it counted as a blizzard, but the 20 mile trip took over 2 hours and visibility was very poor, often with whiteout conditions. It was so harrowing that I don't drive in the snow.

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    1. Hi Linda! Yes, the Secret Service has a fascinating history! The way things are nowadays, with protecting presidents, it's strange to think how people used to be able to just wander into the White House and hang out upstairs to see the President...or just to look around!

      That storm sounds so scary. I don't blame you a bit for not driving in snow anymore! Yikes!

      Thanks for coming by.

      Delete
  3. This was interesting! I think it's quite a stretch from investigating fraud to protection of the President! Thanks for the post.
    bcrug(at)twc(dot)com

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    1. Hi Connnie! Yes, it was a big change to go from hunting counterfeiters to protecting the President. Things have sure changed in the last hundred years!

      You're entered into the drawing! Thanks for coming by.

      Delete
  4. Wow, an informative and great post about US Secret Service and currency.
    Living in the midwest, I have been in snowstorms and blizzards. There were times when travel was impossible with law enforcement warning people to stay off the roads with businesses, medical clinics and even courthouses closed. Thank you for the giveaway. This is on my TBR list. marilynridgway78{at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Hi Marilyn! I have never been in a blizzard and the idea of it is very scary! I think it's so smart of law enforcement to keep people off the roads when conditions are dangerous.

      You're entered into the drawing! Have a great day.

      Delete
  5. this is a cool article. thanks for sharing your research. i was in a snowstorm once in Illinois. we all got to stay home from school for a week. that was the best. i would love to read one of these books. quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

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    1. Oh my goodness, a whole week off school--that must have been fantastic!

      Thanks for coming by. You're entered into the drawing!

      Delete
  6. Interesting post. I forget how much other stuff the SS does in addition to guarding the President. Your book sounds good. I'll have to check it out. Weird, but I tried to post from my laptop but it wouldn't let me do it in my name and said I had to subscribe, but when I did, I was told I already had a subscription. So, I came back to my PC and here I am. Computers drive me crazy. :)

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    1. Hi Martha! I confess, computers drive me crazy as well. Blogger can be tricky sometimes. Glad you were able to get it to work on your PC!

      Thanks for your kind words on my story! Hope you have a great week ahead.

      Delete
  7. I grew up in MI so I have seen a few snow storms in my day. But I now live in SC, so don't see much snow.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Oh yes, I imagine you have experienced quite a bit of snow, coming from MI! Snow is beautiful, but the shoveling, ice, and driving issues are a challenge to me.

      You're entered into the drawing. Thanks for coming by!

      Delete
  8. Thank you for sharing your great post. Born and raised in Texas, I have never been in a snowstorm.
    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. As a native Californian, I haven't been in a bad snowstorm, either!

      Thanks for dropping by, Melanie!

      Delete
  9. I have been in Blizzard conditions but I have not been snowed in with no electricity.

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    1. Tammy, I'm glad you didn't suffer any power outages from the blizzards you've been in! That would be so scary!

      Thanks for coming by!

      Delete
  10. Wow, I never knew the beginning of the Secret Service! Quite a history to it. As for snowstorms - I live in MI and grew up here so I have been through many. We talk about the big one in 1978 (I was only 1, so I don't personally remember but my hubby does) and how there were ten foot drifts and snowbanks and how the plows couldn't even get through places. There are pictures in our families of the aftermath.

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    1. Wow, Susan, that sounds like one amazing storm! Ten foot drifts! Yikes! I'm glad no one in your family was hurt!

      Glad you enjoyed the post. Have a good day!

      Delete
  11. I read this post to my 11 - year-old son who is fascinated with history. He really liked it. Thanks!! No I have never been in a blizzard-like snowstorm. Indiana doesn't receive much snow anymore.

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    1. I'm glad he enjoyed it, Kelly! My son is a history buff, too. It's so wonderful to see kids learning about the past!

      I didn't know that about Indiana. Interesting!

      Delete
  12. Yes we were in a blizzard in Indiana when my hubby and I drove an 18 wheeler. We were were to get a spot in a truck stop but the snow blew so hard that when we walked to the restaurant there you couldn't hardly see. On way back to the truck the snow was above my knees and I could hardly move and could hardly see my hubby ahead of me and he was getting farther and farther away when another driver saw me and honked to get my hubby's attention and he came back to help to the truck. He thought all along I was right behind him but I couldn't keep up. We laugh about it all the time

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    1. Oh wow, Deb, that sounds like one awful snowstorm. I'm so glad you were safe! That could've been so scary!

      I hope you're snug and warm today! Thanks for coming by.

      Delete
  13. I live in the high Rockies of Colorado so yes I’ve been in a few snowstorms! In fact we’re due to have one today and tonight!
    Thanks so much for the chance to win! Looking forward to reading this book!
    faithdcreech at gmail dot com

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    1. Oh boy, Faith, stay warm and safe! I hope you don't experience any problems from that snowstorm!

      Thanks for coming by!

      Delete
    2. Faith, congratulations! You're the winner! I'll send you an email. :)

      Delete
  14. Sounds very good. We have snow storms here in Michigan, but not blizzards.

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    1. I imagine you see a bit of snow in Michigan, but I'm glad you don't have blizzards! Hope you're staying warm this winter!

      Have a great day.

      Delete
  15. Living in my part of Texas, I've never been in a snow storm. I'm excited to read Susie's new release!
    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

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    1. Hi Caryl! You and I come from areas where it doesn't really snow! I can get to snow in a short drive, however.

      Thanks for coming by!

      Delete
  16. I grew up in Colorado and we definitely had blizzards sometimes! Usually it was when the weatherman said we'd get a couple inches of snow. As long as we didn't need to drive anywhere they were pretty enjoyable.

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    1. CL, I got a good laugh out of your comment about the weatherman. Seems like there is never much rain when they say we'll get a lot, or when they say 10% chance it's a downpour! LOL.

      So glad you could come by!

      Delete
  17. Such a fascinating premise for the story. I’m excited to read this.
    As an Idaho native I have been in many snowstorms. I can actually say, “back in the day when the snow was as high as the top of the sliding glass door” we had a great time walking on the snow. Still living in Idaho we have had quite a snowy January and welcomed February in (last night) with a snowstorm that cancelled school across half of the south eastern side of the state.

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    1. Oh wow, Terressa! That's a lot of snow! Brr!

      Right now it's cold enough for snow at my house, but the sun is shining and there's not a cloud in the sky.

      Thanks for saying hi!

      Delete
  18. Very interesting to read. We used to live in Iowa and had a few blizzards. Where we currently live, we don't thank goodness.

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    1. I don't think I'd enjoy being in a blizzard at all! So scary!

      Glad you enjoyed the post. Have a great day!

      Delete
  19. We live in Maine where we usually get to experience several blizzards a year. I’m rather disappointed that we haven’t had one this year...and haven’t had much snow at all. Weird winter!

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    1. That does sound like a weird winter! It's been crazy across North America this winter, it seems, with either more snow than usual or far far less. Just crazy.

      Hope you have a great day!

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  20. Congratulations to Faith Creech, who was randomly chosen as today's winner. Thanks to all who entered!

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