Drama Unfolds In This Very Early Mention Of New York Racetracks: “Mr. Colden Wrote…An Offer For The Course…The Other Party And Rented The Course To Burr’s Man Mr. Botts During The Next Races For The Trifling Sum Of $350”

(HORSE RACING). ALS. 3pg. 8” x 9 ¾”. February 7, 1833. New York, NY. An autograph letter signed “Eliza Colden” to William P. Haskins of Troy, New York. The letter regards a racetrack rental gone wrong. This is a very early mention of American racetracks, since they were not in common use until after the Civil War. In part: “I understand that Mr. Colden wrote yesterday to Mrs. Wells making an offer for the Course but at the time he did it he had no conception that Mr. Dey had gone over to the other party and rented the course to Burr’s man Mr. Botts during the next Races for the trifling sum of $350. I feel hurt to think that while we were doing every thing in good faith to aid and assist and after having spent my money that we should be thus treated Mr. Dey, not even thinking it worth while to mention the subject to either myself or Mr. Colden. Had Mr. Dey done his duty and got possession and you wished to have rented the property you might have got $1000 for it during next May Races. I write this letter without the knowledge of Mr. Colden, in order if possible to prevent mischief which I fear it will be too late to prevent. He is outrageous and says that as the other party have acted treacherously and gone over too Burr he does not see why he should not make terms with Burr also Burr had made overtures to him which he has here to fore rejected with disdain as I am told but I now fear your will be the sufferers…”. Many early racetracks were operated by the rich to showcase their horses; they frequently appeared and quickly disappeared. Eliza Colder may have been related to Cadwallader Colden (1769-1834), the mayor of New York City from 1818 to 1821. Aaron Burr (1756-1836) was Vice President and the killer of Alexander Hamilton in a duel; later in life, he served as a New York attorney. The letter is in fine condition, with light toning and folds.