260

Lot 260: Three Political Signatures, 1808

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Lot  260: Three Political Signatures, 1808
<b>Autographs</b><hr><b>Three For One! Signed by Two Governors and a Vice-President</b>

<b>DANIEL D. TOMPKINS & DE WITT CLINTON. Here Two Governors of New York - One Of Whom Became Vice President - Sign An Appointment.</b>
Document Signed, by Tomkins as Governor and Clinton as Mayor of New York City, being the appointment of Patrick G. Hildreth 'a master of our Court of Chancery; 1 page, 15.5' x 8.5', Albany, November 15, 1808. Choice; some slight separations at folds, one of which is repaired on the verso with archival repair tape - but handsome overall, and bearing TompkinÕs six-inch signature, replete with paraph. Clinton has signed a statement on the verso, to the effect that Hildreth was sworn-in by him. In 19th century New York, the Court of Chancery - an equity court - was a distinct tribunal, having its appropriate judge, or chancellor, and officers; the master of the Court was a chief clerk.

Tompkins and Clinton were not only on opposite sides of New YorkÕs labyrinthine political battles but, with TompkinÕs election as Veep, their enmity advanced to Washington, where they continued to fight over, mostly, appointments. To have the two of them on one document, appointing anyone, is almost oxymoronic.