LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 October Rare Books & Manuscripts #675  / 

30017

George Clinton Autograph Letter Signed

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:450.00 USD Estimated At:900.00 - 1,200.00 USD
George Clinton Autograph Letter Signed
<B>George Clinton Important Autograph Letter Signed</B></I> “<I>Geo Clinton,</B></I>” two pages, 8.25” x 12.75”, front and verso. Poughkeepsie, April 17, 1779. To Col. Stephen Lush. In part, “<I>I waited till the 13th Inst for Genl Ten Broeck's return but on conceiving no consideration could justify a further delay in raising the men for the Defense of the Frontier I ventured to fix the quotas the different Corps are to furnish from such returns as I was possessed of & my orders are accordingly passed. I have therefore on this subject only to desire that while you continue in Albany you will afford Gen'l Ten Broeck such assistance as your leisure will admit in expediting these levies from his brigade. It is impossible for me to give any directions more particular than those contained in the law as is the distribution of the money granted for the relief of the Frontier inhabitants whose property has been destroyed by the enemy. It is clear that those who are supplied with provisions by the public (if this is to be confirmed to them) are not objects of the law. The sum granted, I have, is very inadequate. It must therefore be well husbanded and no part given to any person who can by any means subsist without it. This is the best rule to be observed by the persons appointed to this business.</B></I>” Governor Clinton then writes about “<I>the high price of wheat and corn</B></I>” and says that if the people knew the reasons behind the fixing the prices, “<I>they would applaud instead of condemning the measure.</B></I>” He notes the lower prices of wheat and flour in Connecticut and New Jersey and that “<I>this afforded so strong a temptation to smuggle</B></I>” but it is “<I>not worth landing the Embargo Law & Guards stationed at the overt common Passes to prevent it…</B></I>” George Clinton served as a Member of the Continental Congress from May 15, 1775, to July 8, 1776, when he was ordered to take the field as Brigadier General of Militia, voting for but never signing the Declaration of Independence. He was the first Governor of New York (1777-1795, 1801-1804) and Jefferson and Madison's Vice President from 1805 until his death in 1812. Colonel Stephen Lush (c. 1753-1835) became aide-de-camp (secretary) to General George Clinton during the Revolutionary War, continuing in this position when Clinton became Governor. Brigadier General Abraham Ten Broeck was Mayor of Albany (1779-1783, 1796-1798). Thin mounting strips strengthen the left edge of each page. Lightly soiled. Fine condition.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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