William Cosby

William Cosby (1690–1736) served as the British royal governor of New York from 1732 to 1736.

During his short term as governor, Cosby was portrayed as one of the most oppressive royal placeholders in British Colonial America. In 1735, Cosby accused publisher John Peter Zenger of sedition and libel for publishing unflattering reports about Cosby. In spite of Cosby's efforts, Zenger was acquitted of all charges and the case helped to establish the concept of freedom of the press.

Read more about William Cosby:  Early Life and Military Career, Balearic Islands, Governor of New York and New Jersey, The Zenger Case, Death, Legacy

Famous quotes containing the word cosby:

    I guess the real reason that my wife and I had children is the same reason that Napoleon had for invading Russia: it seemed like a good idea at the time.
    —Bill Cosby (20th century)