[Paul, Abraham]:

TRIAL OF WILLIAM AND PETER C. SMITH, ON AN INDICTMENT FOR A CONSPIRACY, TO HARRASS [sic] AND OPPRESS ONE ABRAHAM PAUL. TRIED ON THE 9TH, 10TH, 11TH, AND 12TH OF NOVEMBER, 1824. BEFORE THE GENERAL SESSIONS OF THE PEACE OF THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. BY JACOB D. WHEELER, COUNSELLOR AT LAW

New York: Printed for the Publisher, and Sold at the Book-Stores, 1824. 48pp. Light rubberstamp, faint blindstamps. Modern plain wrappers, light scattered foxing. Good+.

Abraham Paul was a successful, busy New York publisher and printer. "William and Peter C. Smith, publishers, were charged with conspiracy to ruin the business of another publisher, Abraham Paul. They placed fictitious orders with him and cut the price of their edition of a Bible commentary which was also published by Paul" [Cohen]. This trial pamphlet prints the indictment, and summarizes statements of counsel, the testimony, the charge of the court to the jury.
William Smith had "made unfriendly declarations against Paul, as to his business." He had also made statements of his intention to "take every advantage of Paul he could." Other circumstances and declarations indicated his guilt; but the evidence against Peter Smith was very shaky. The court indicated that a verdict of 'Not Guilty' was appropriate, and the jury agreed. Since the defendants had been charged with conspiracy, and the involvement of Peter was doubtful, no conspiracy existed. Hence the acquittal.
Cohen 12219. Sabin 103189. OCLC records eight locations under four accession numbers as of February 2018. Item #34668

Price: $500.00