William Coleman, First Editor Of The New York Evening Post, Writes To Connecticut Lawyer On Pending Litigation

WILLIAM COLEMAN (1766-1829). Coleman was the first editor of the New York Evening Post (today’s New York Post) from 1801 until his death. He was an ally of both Aaron Burr and, later, of Alexander Hamilton. ALS. 2 pg. 8”x 10”. July 11, 1809. New York. An autographed letter signed by “Wm. Coleman” to “Stephen Titus Hosmer Esqr”: “You did not inform me when your next Supreme Court at which my question would come up, would be in Session. I would thank you to let me know as I Shall try to be present” Stephen Hosmer was a Connecticut lawyer soon to be named Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court. At this point, he seems to be referencing Coleman in some legal dispute, as the letter summarizes some of the legal research Coleman completed. “I only hope, permit me once more to repeat, that your practice will allow you to Spread all the facts of the motion or in Some other way get them before the Court, as our’s will. Pray find time to write me before long”. One of the individuals mentioned is most likely Oliver Wolcott, former Secretary of the Treasury under Presidents Washington and Adams. Though little public record seems to exist to verify the case, it seems to concern fraud, most likely a controversial, salacious, and/or false story published by Coleman or one of his competitors. Early American newspapers were known for frequently resorting to rumor and innuendo, especially directed against leading American politicians. Coleman’s paper was fiercely Federalist and Anti-Jeffersonian in nature, to the point where in 1819 he was viciously beaten and paralyzed by a rival politician. The letter is in very good condition, and a typed transcription of the letter is included.