In 1808, the federal government passed an Embargo Act forbidding trade with Great Britain in reaction to unfair British policies. Because the Champlain Valley relied on trade with British Canada, the act was unpopular and significant smuggling developed. The Black Snake became the most notorious smuggling vessel of its day. In August 1808, it was in the Winooski River to load potash for Canada when the Revenue Cutter Fly seized it, and in the confrontation the Black Snake crew killed three men. The smugglers were tried for murder, and three men were sentenced to be hung, but only Cyrus Dean was executed. On November 11th, with 10,000 people present in Burlington, he was "swung off".
