George Clinton (1739-1812) Revoltionary War General First Governor of New York Twice Vice President of U.S.

George Clinton was born in Little Britain, New York, July 26, 1739. Following service in the French and Indian War, he entered politics and was elected to the provincial assembly of New York. In 1775 he became a delegate to the Continental Congress. A brigadier general in the American Revolution, he was prevented by his military duties from signing the Declaration of Independence. In 1777 he was elected the first governor of New York State, a position he held until 1795 and again from 1801 to 1804. As an antifederalist, he was a strong advocate of state sovereignty and unsuccessfully opposed ratification of the U.S. Constitution at the 1788 state convention.

Clinton was twice elected U.S. vice-president: in 1804, serving under Thomas Jefferson, and in 1808, under James Madison. He died on April 20, 1812, shortly before the completion of his second term; he was the first U.S. vice-president to die in office.

The piece being offered by this unusual patriot is a vellum document signed by George Clinton as Governor of New York in 1790. There is staining and foxing, but still a very nice manuscript from a truly influential American Revolutionary War Era Patriot.