George Clinton, born on the 26th of July, 1739, in Little Britain,
Ulster County, New York, was of English extraction, his father having
emigrated to this country in 1729. In early life he evinced his love
of enterprise and adventure by leaving home to sail in a privateer.
Upon his return he joined the English troops in the French and Indian
War; but when peace was restored, he left the army and entered upon
the study of the law. Gaining reputation in his profession, he was
chosen in 1768 a representative to the Colonial Assembly and afterward,
in 1775, to the Continental Congress. He voted for the Declaration
of Independence; but the invasion of New York by the enemy, and the
trouble and excitement engendered by the Loyalists, caused him to be
summoned home before that famous document was ready for the signatures.
Having been appointed brigadier-general of the New York Militia in
July, 1776, he served in that capacity until the 25th of March, 1777,
when he was transferred to the Continental army with the same rank;
and the unfinished defences along the Hudson were committed to his
care. On the 6th of October these fortresses were stormed, and at
last, on account of their unfinished condition and the smallness of
the garrison, had to be abandoned, General Clinton and many of the
Americans escaping under cover of the night.
General Clinton was elected first Governor of New York State in 1777.
With great executive and much military ability, he continued to fill
his doubly responsible position; and the public records of that period
bear witness to the extent and value of his services. In 1786, a
large body of malcontents, having been discomfited in Massachusetts,
took refuge in New York. Governor Clinton marched promptly to their
encampment with two regiments, and in less than twelve hours the
rebel army was dispersed and the leaders brought to justice. In
1788, he presided at the convention at Poughkeepsie when the federal
Constitution was ratified. After five years of private life, he
was again elected to the Legislature, and in 1801 was again chosen
governor, holding that office until 1804, when he was elected to the
vice-presidency of the United States. He filled this office until his
death, which occurred in Washington on the 20th of April, 1812.