I was reading colonial-era newspapers this morning and found this gem in the March 3, 1766 issue of the Boston Evening Post:

A large Gallows was erected in Elizabeth Town, last week, with a rope ready fixed thereon, and the inhabitants there vow and declare, that the first person that either distributes or takes out a stamped paper, shall be hung thereon without judge or jury. 

I think this will make it into the book!