Research

Scope and Content Note

This volume contains official correspondence between Governor Clinton and the legislature as well as gubernatorial proclamations and annual messages.

Most of the volume consists of transcripts of letters to the legislature. These are written and signed by George Clinton or, in a few cases, are written and signed by DeWitt Clinton, his nephew and secretary from 1790-1795. Many are transmittal letters giving little information on the items being transmitted. Also included in some cases are the original replies of the Senate and Assembly to the Governor's annual message to the legislature.

The correspondence concerns such matters as: bounty lands for Revolutionary War troops; organization of the militia and other military matters; treaties and relations with Indians; appointments to state offices; and land purchases and settlement.

The volume also contains the Governor's annual messages to the legislature, proclamations concerning the legislature, and proclamations delaying the execution of convicts.

Governor Clinton apparently used this book to record his official gubernatorial correspondence concerning legislative and judicial matters; the volume breaks off after Clinton retired from the office in 1795 and resumes in 1802 following his return to that office.