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1868 Letter: Charles Blanchard Editor "Daily Democrat" Newburgh NY Press History
5" by 8"
Item DescriptionOverview
Date: February 18, 1868
Author: William L. Swezey (signed "Wm. L. Swezey")
Location Reference: Newburgh, Orange County, New York
Subject Matter: Legal debt collection regarding Charles Blanchard, the editor and "sole proprietor" of the Newburgh Daily Democrat newspaper.
Historical Significance & Content
This original, hand-written 19th-century manuscript letter provides an interesting look into early American journalism, newspaper financing, and regional business dealings in upstate New York.
Writing to his legal representative or agent, William L. Swezey requests assistance in collecting an overdue financial note:
"I have a note for $52.50 against Mr. Charles Blanchard, Editor of the 'Daily Democrat' in Newburgh, which was due Sept. 18, 1867. I have come to the conclusion that I shall have to push him a little to get it..."
Swezey goes on to justify his confidence in recovery, noting that Blanchard is likely solvent because:
"...he has his name at the head of the paper as 'Sole proprietor'."
This letter serves as an excellent piece of primary source material documenting New York press history, specifically regarding the short-lived Daily Democrat (published in Newburgh starting in 1867) and its publisher's early economic struggles.
