Held on a libel charge in the City Hall jail, then located on Wall Street, John Peter Zenger objected to the conditions in his cell. Zenger’s not-guilty verdict in the 1735 case paved the way for the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which, in part, protects freedom of the press. Common Council records, NYC Municipal Archives.
Transcription Note: Handwritten document dated October 17, 1735, with a prominent
signature of the Royal Governor, Edmund Andros, at the top. The document lists the appointment of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriff of the City of New York.
Transcribed Text:
To the Worshipful The Mayor, Recorder Aldermen
and Assistants of the City of Newyork, in Council
The humble Petition of John Paeck
and John Peter Zenger
Humbly Sheweth;
That your Petitioners being at present in the Sheriffs Custody, are confined in that Part of the City Hall which is above the Room the Assembly of this Province usually meets in upon Business; the Roof of that Part of the House is so bad, that with every Rain your Petitioners are not only much discomoded, their Healths endangered, but other inconveniencies may be expected
The Windows also are so much shattered – that your Petitioners are not able to keep out the Winds tho never so severe
Your Petitioners do therefore most humbly Pray that your Worships will be pleased to give order for the Repairing the above Inconveniencies, and to Cause such other Conveniences to be made as to your Worships in your great Wisdom shall seem meet, and your Petitioners shall ever Pray &c.
Johannes Paeck
J. Peter Zenger