Scope and arrangement
The John Peter Zenger trial collection includes letters, affidavits, and other documents, many relating to the trial. The papers, arranged chronologically, are mostly in the hand of James Alexander. Many of these are articles and letters addressed to Zenger for publication in New-York Weekly Journal and reveal Alexander's responsibility for the intellectual content of the paper. There is a statement of Zenger's estate, with his signature, as well as documents pertaining to his trial. There are also significant documents related to the death threat received by Alexander. A 1722 holograph manuscript of Francis Harison is believed to have been used by the opposition party for comparison with the death threat letter.