George Clinton (British politician)
Encyclopedia
Admiral of the Fleet
The Hon. George Clinton (c.1686 – 10 July 1761) was a British naval officer and political leader who served as the colonial governor of Newfoundland in 1731 and of New York from 1743 to 1753.
George Clinton was the younger son of the 6th Earl of Lincoln, within the honoured Clinton family lineage. Consequently, George Clinton lacked any chance to take the leadership of his lineage. However, the wife of George's elder brother Henry
, the subsequent Earl of the family, was the sister of the English statesman Thomas Pelham-Holles (1st Duke of Newcastle
), who was amongst the most powerful Englishmen of that epoch, and George Clinton profited, continually, from his great support.
Firstly, George Clinton undertook into the Royal Navy
, and, attaining the highest naval ranks (Mediterranean
Commander-in Chief in 1737, Admiral
in 1747, Admiral of the Fleet
in 1757) he built a magnificent life career, which was the result of the extensive backup of Pelham-Holles. Actually, George Clinton didn't feel remorse, pleading and receiving such favours of Pelham-Holles, continually. However, through such special favours, Clinton dodged most naval tasks, which could have meant an actual risk to his own life. Whereas, during those years, England was seriously engaged at sea, warring against Spain, Clinton experienced almost no naval engagements.
Also through such means, George Clinton acquired the Royal Governorship of the New York Province
(1743), dealing with the northern French threat during King George's War
. However, he couldn't cope, ever, with the liberal politicians of the New York assembly, who were led by the sagacious James De Lancey. Hopelessly, Clinton spent his 12 year Governorship, confronting such anti-monarchy attacks.
. He was the second son of Francis Clinton, 6th Earl of Lincoln and Susan Penninston. This celebrated lineage of the Clinton lordship stemmed from a family, who had fought with William the Conqueror.
George's only sibling was Henry Clinton
, the 7th Earl of Lincoln. Henry's wife was the sister of both the 1st Duke of Newcastle
(Thomas Pelham-Holles) and Henry Pelham
. Pelham-Holles was amongst the most powerful figures of England, who was, virtually, as powerful as a modern Prime Minister
for much time.
George Clinton was married to an heiress, whose name was Anne Carle. Through this marriage, George Clinton begot Sir Henry Clinton (1730–1795), who became an English commander, in the American Revolutionary War
. Other child was Lucy Mary, whose husband was Admiral Robert Roddam
. Four other children died during their infancy.
As his brother begot a male heir, George Clinton had forcibly to pursue a career so he joined the Royal Navy
in 1708. Clinton used the leverage of Pelham-Holles extensively, during his entire naval career.
By such means, Clinton was Captain
in 1716. In 1720, he served in the Baltic Sea
, under Sir John Norris, on HMS Monck
. With some Swedish ships, the squadron patrolled, against Russian vessels. Subsequently, after four years of inactivity, Clinton returned into duty (1726), patrolling the Mediterranean Sea
, on HMS Colchester
, successively under Rear Admiral
Hopson and Sir Charles Wager
.
During those years, a severe international crisis existed against Spain, with frequent naval confrontations. Through the Pelham-Holles's leverage, Clinton managed to be commended for uncomplicated tasks, and he was limited to escort merchant ships, from Gibraltar
, toward distant ports (Portugal, Turkey
, England). Actually, although he entered into action against Spain, like attacking some battery positions about Gibraltar, such confrontations were light.
, George Clinton was sent with a squadron, to Newfoundland, as its governor. He was the first English officer, who bore both titles simultaneously.
At Newfoundland, Clinton patrolled, protecting the seasonal fishermen of England. Also, he surveyed the newly appointed local magistrate
s, who ruled the local fishing. Reportedly, George Clinton was a competent governor. In 1732, he was succeeded by another governor (Edward Falkingham
).
In 1734, George Clinton was the Flag Captain
of HMS Namur
, again under the command of Sir Charles Wager.
After the ensuing Jenkins' Ear war began, Clinton was commanded (1740) into the English fleet, which would confront Spanish Cartagena
. However, through Pelham-Holles, Clinton managed to be dismissed off the compromised region.
, Clinton planned to attain some profitable office. Consequently, he began to harass Pelham-Holles, to be an American Royal Governor.
Effectively, Clinton was appointed royal governor of the Province of New York
, on 3 July 1741. He arrived to New York on 20 September 1743, assuming his charge. Despite leaving his 35 year active service in the Royal Navy definitively, immediately after, Clinton attained the rank of rear Admiral
whereas he kept receiving further naval Admiralty ranks until, in 1747, he was full Admiral
.
George Clarke
, avoiding some political trouble, which could have been related to the quite controversial former royal Governor of the region, William Cosby.
Instead, Clinton approached James De Lancey, the Chief Justice
. However, De Lancey was an astute political figure, who led a powerful group of liberal assemblymen, and De Lancey recommended his political agents for the Council of the Governor, which ended under his political control thus. Additionally, by De Lancey, Clinton was convinced to relinquish some royal prerogatives. Then, while the assembly attained more control on the provincial revenues, it reduced the period of its approval for the Royal Governor's salary, which became annual since then.
In 1744, for De Lancey, George Clinton set a new mandate of Chief Justice, which was virtually everlasting, "during his good behaviour."
s would stir the colonies much. In 1745, he sniped the Dutch fur traders, who operated about Albany
. For their own convenience, these traders were operating uncompromisingly, between the English colonies and the French Canada
, despite the war, which was occurring between both nations.
began in 1744. Then, George Clinton, whose posture was belligerent, was confronted by De Lancey, whose liberal party preferred neutrality. Nonetheless, Clinton supplied artillery, which participated in the British victory of Louisbourg
(1745).
In 1746, about the issue of the military deserters, Clinton was confronted again by De Lancey, by whom a riot was provoked on the streets. Then, Clinton quit the Chief Justice's political influence, approaching Cadwallader Colden
instead.
The then hopeless Clinton attempted to surrender his Royal Governorship away, to resume his naval career elsewhere. However, through a deceiving political manoeuvre, De Lancey convinced Pelham-Holles and, so, De Lancey was appointed Lieutenant Governor (1747). Consequently, Clinton decided to stay further as the Royal Governor, to confront his political foe.
debt
.
Then, with his party, De Lancy began to smear that Clinton had defalcated much money through such financial manoeuvres. Clinton defended himself through his political ally. In 1749, Colden argued that, still, De Lancey's faction hadn't been able to prove such accusations. London cancelled the debt in 1751.
In August 1746, with Colden and Sir William Johnson, Clinton conferred with the Iroquois
and the Indians granted their support for the northern battlefront, against French Canada. Then, in a brilliant manoeuvre, Clinton appointed Johnson, who was beloved by the Iroquoians, for the management of the subsequent Indian affairs.
Despite the provincial idleness, the Iroquoians attacked the northern enemy. Consequently, in 1748, Clinton promised protection to the tribes. In Clinton's words, "we may live and die together" (sic).
) urged Clinton so he may demand more to New York's assembly, in the King's behalf.
Consequently, in October, Clinton rejected his annual salary, demanding a different one of many years. In response, the assembly asserted that it held the ultimate power of the province so, directly, it cancelled the whole remuneration of the Royal Governor. Nonetheless, during the subsequent years, without a local salary, Clinton manoeuvred to harm the opposition. Thus, De Lancey's assemblyman Daniel Horsmanden
was suspended and Clinton introduced loyal politicians (like James Alexander
and William Smith), for the assembly.
In 1750, the conflict of power concluded. George Clinton ended his salary claim, retrieving his regular annual pay, whereas the assembly agreed to share the provincial power with the Royal Governor more cooperatively, as before.
. After an investigation, to the Privy Council
, the Board of Trade
concluded (1751) that less public problems would occur, without a Royal Governor, who is usually involved in the genesis of all public problems, like George Clinton.
Besides, Clinton was suffering other border disputes. In 1749, New Hampshire
distributed lands, which were westward with respect to the Connecticut River
, although Clinton had already assigned such territories for New Yorkers. New Hampshire insisted that its Province should extend, westward, as far as Massachusetts' territory. The issue hadn't been settled after Clinton's final departure.
Also, Massachusetts claimed a manor, which was about Hudson River
. In 1753, supporting Massachusetts' claim some riots happened about that spot and Clinton repressed through his provincial constable
s.
. However, Osborne committed suicide just five days after his arrival and De Lancey assumed the Royal Governor office. Clinton departed afterward, in early November. After so many conflicts, Clinton's deposition meant a debacle of the local royal power, which wouldn't recover ever after.
borough, which was dominated by the influence of the Admiralty. In the parliament, Clinton used to comment, proudly, about Johnson's Indian management.
Besides, in 1757, George Clinton received the highest naval title of England, Admiral of the Fleet
, bearing it until 1761.
Nonetheless, about the parliamentary role of Clinton, Pelham-Holles lost interest, quitting its original support. Consequently, Clinton renounced in 1760.
A son-in-law was Admiral of the Red Robert Roddam (1720–1808) of Roddam Hall
.
|-
Admiral of the Fleet
An admiral of the fleet is a military naval officer of the highest rank. In many nations the rank is reserved for wartime or ceremonial appointments...
The Hon. George Clinton (c.1686 – 10 July 1761) was a British naval officer and political leader who served as the colonial governor of Newfoundland in 1731 and of New York from 1743 to 1753.
George Clinton was the younger son of the 6th Earl of Lincoln, within the honoured Clinton family lineage. Consequently, George Clinton lacked any chance to take the leadership of his lineage. However, the wife of George's elder brother Henry
Henry Clinton, 7th Earl of Lincoln
Henry Clinton, 7th Earl of Lincoln, KG, PC was the son of Francis Clinton, 6th Earl of Lincoln and his second wife Susan Penniston, daughter of Anthony Penniston...
, the subsequent Earl of the family, was the sister of the English statesman Thomas Pelham-Holles (1st Duke of Newcastle
Duke of Newcastle
Duke of Newcastle-upon-Tyne is a title which has been created three times in British history while the title of Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyne has been created once. The title was created for the first time in the Peerage of England in 1664 when William Cavendish, 1st Marquess of Newcastle-upon-Tyne...
), who was amongst the most powerful Englishmen of that epoch, and George Clinton profited, continually, from his great support.
Firstly, George Clinton undertook into the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
, and, attaining the highest naval ranks (Mediterranean
Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean surrounded by the Mediterranean region and almost completely enclosed by land: on the north by Anatolia and Europe, on the south by North Africa, and on the east by the Levant...
Commander-in Chief in 1737, Admiral
Admiral
Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
in 1747, Admiral of the Fleet
Admiral of the Fleet
An admiral of the fleet is a military naval officer of the highest rank. In many nations the rank is reserved for wartime or ceremonial appointments...
in 1757) he built a magnificent life career, which was the result of the extensive backup of Pelham-Holles. Actually, George Clinton didn't feel remorse, pleading and receiving such favours of Pelham-Holles, continually. However, through such special favours, Clinton dodged most naval tasks, which could have meant an actual risk to his own life. Whereas, during those years, England was seriously engaged at sea, warring against Spain, Clinton experienced almost no naval engagements.
Also through such means, George Clinton acquired the Royal Governorship of the New York Province
Province of New York
The Province of New York was an English and later British crown territory that originally included all of the present U.S. states of New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Vermont, along with inland portions of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maine, as well as eastern Pennsylvania...
(1743), dealing with the northern French threat during King George's War
King George's War
King George's War is the name given to the operations in North America that formed part of the War of the Austrian Succession . It was the third of the four French and Indian Wars. It took place primarily in the British provinces of New York, Massachusetts Bay, New Hampshire, and Nova Scotia...
. However, he couldn't cope, ever, with the liberal politicians of the New York assembly, who were led by the sagacious James De Lancey. Hopelessly, Clinton spent his 12 year Governorship, confronting such anti-monarchy attacks.
Relatives
George Clinton was born in 1686, in Stourton Parva in LincolnshireLincolnshire
Lincolnshire is a county in the east of England. It borders Norfolk to the south east, Cambridgeshire to the south, Rutland to the south west, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire to the west, South Yorkshire to the north west, and the East Riding of Yorkshire to the north. It also borders...
. He was the second son of Francis Clinton, 6th Earl of Lincoln and Susan Penninston. This celebrated lineage of the Clinton lordship stemmed from a family, who had fought with William the Conqueror.
George's only sibling was Henry Clinton
Henry Clinton, 7th Earl of Lincoln
Henry Clinton, 7th Earl of Lincoln, KG, PC was the son of Francis Clinton, 6th Earl of Lincoln and his second wife Susan Penniston, daughter of Anthony Penniston...
, the 7th Earl of Lincoln. Henry's wife was the sister of both the 1st Duke of Newcastle
Duke of Newcastle
Duke of Newcastle-upon-Tyne is a title which has been created three times in British history while the title of Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyne has been created once. The title was created for the first time in the Peerage of England in 1664 when William Cavendish, 1st Marquess of Newcastle-upon-Tyne...
(Thomas Pelham-Holles) and Henry Pelham
Henry Pelham
Henry Pelham was a British Whig statesman, who served as Prime Minister of Great Britain from 27 August 1743 until his death in 1754...
. Pelham-Holles was amongst the most powerful figures of England, who was, virtually, as powerful as a modern Prime Minister
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the Head of Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister and Cabinet are collectively accountable for their policies and actions to the Sovereign, to Parliament, to their political party and...
for much time.
George Clinton was married to an heiress, whose name was Anne Carle. Through this marriage, George Clinton begot Sir Henry Clinton (1730–1795), who became an English commander, in the American Revolutionary War
American Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War , the American War of Independence, or simply the Revolutionary War, began as a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies in North America, and ended in a global war between several European great powers.The war was the result of the...
. Other child was Lucy Mary, whose husband was Admiral Robert Roddam
Robert Roddam
Robert Roddam was an officer of the Royal Navy who saw service during the War of the Austrian Succession, the Seven Years' War, and the American War of Independence...
. Four other children died during their infancy.
Naval career
| HMS Monck HMS Monck (1659) HMS Monck was a 52-gun third rate frigate built for the navy of the Commonwealth of England at Portsmouth, and launched in 1659. She retained her name after the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660. By 1677 her armament had been increased to 60 guns.... (1720) |
|
|---|---|
| HMS Nottingham HMS Nottingham (1703) HMS Nottingham was a 60-gun fourth rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, built at Deptford Dockyard and launched on 10 June 1703. She was the first ship to bear the name.... (1721–1722) |
|
| HMS Colchester HMS Colchester (1707) HMS Colchester was a 50-gun fourth rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, built at Deptford Dockyard and launched on 13 February 1707.... (1726–1727) |
|
| HMS Sunderland HMS Sunderland (1724) HMS Sunderland was a 60-gun fourth rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, built to the 1719 Establishment at Chatham Dockyard, and launched on 30 April 1724.... (1728–1729) |
|
| HMS Namur HMS Namur (1697) HMS Namur was a 90-gun second rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched at Woolwich Dockyard in 1697.On 11 June 1723 she was ordered to be taken to pieces and rebuilt at Deptford, according to the 1719 Establishment. She was relaunched on 13 September 1729. In 1745, she was razeed to 74... (1732–1734) |
|
| HMS Berwick HMS Berwick (1679) HMS Berwick was a 70-gun third rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, built by Phineas Pett II at Chatham Dockyard and launched in 1679.She was rebuilt at Deptford in 1700, again as a 70-gun third rate, and was hulked in 1715.... (1734) |
|
| HMS Prince Frederick HMS Expedition (1679) HMS Expedition was a 70-gun third-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched at Portsmouth Dockyard in 1679.Expedition was rebuilt as a 70-gun third rate in 1699 at Chatham Dockyard. She was rebuilt for a second time as a 70-gun third rate to the 1706 Establishment at Portsmouth Dockyard,... (1739) |
|
| HMS Marlborough HMS Marlborough Six warships of the Royal Navy have been named HMS Marlborough after the Duke of Marlborough:*Saint Michael, a second-rate, renamed Marlborough in 1706, fought in the Seven Years' War, present in Sir George Pocock's fleet at the taking of Havana from the Spanish in 1762, foundered at sea later in... (1740) |
|
As his brother begot a male heir, George Clinton had forcibly to pursue a career so he joined the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
in 1708. Clinton used the leverage of Pelham-Holles extensively, during his entire naval career.
By such means, Clinton was Captain
Captain (naval)
Captain is the name most often given in English-speaking navies to the rank corresponding to command of the largest ships. The NATO rank code is OF-5, equivalent to an army full colonel....
in 1716. In 1720, he served in the Baltic Sea
Baltic Sea
The Baltic Sea is a brackish mediterranean sea located in Northern Europe, from 53°N to 66°N latitude and from 20°E to 26°E longitude. It is bounded by the Scandinavian Peninsula, the mainland of Europe, and the Danish islands. It drains into the Kattegat by way of the Øresund, the Great Belt and...
, under Sir John Norris, on HMS Monck
HMS Monck (1659)
HMS Monck was a 52-gun third rate frigate built for the navy of the Commonwealth of England at Portsmouth, and launched in 1659. She retained her name after the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660. By 1677 her armament had been increased to 60 guns....
. With some Swedish ships, the squadron patrolled, against Russian vessels. Subsequently, after four years of inactivity, Clinton returned into duty (1726), patrolling the Mediterranean Sea
Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean surrounded by the Mediterranean region and almost completely enclosed by land: on the north by Anatolia and Europe, on the south by North Africa, and on the east by the Levant...
, on HMS Colchester
HMS Colchester (1707)
HMS Colchester was a 50-gun fourth rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, built at Deptford Dockyard and launched on 13 February 1707....
, successively under Rear Admiral
Rear Admiral
Rear admiral is a naval commissioned officer rank above that of a commodore and captain, and below that of a vice admiral. It is generally regarded as the lowest of the "admiral" ranks, which are also sometimes referred to as "flag officers" or "flag ranks"...
Hopson and Sir Charles Wager
Charles Wager
Sir Charles Wager was a British Admiral and First Lord of the Admiralty between 1733 and 1742.Despite heroic active service and steadfast administration and diplomatic service, Wager's reputation has suffered from a profoundly mistaken idea that the navy was then at a low ebb...
.
During those years, a severe international crisis existed against Spain, with frequent naval confrontations. Through the Pelham-Holles's leverage, Clinton managed to be commended for uncomplicated tasks, and he was limited to escort merchant ships, from Gibraltar
Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean. A peninsula with an area of , it has a northern border with Andalusia, Spain. The Rock of Gibraltar is the major landmark of the region...
, toward distant ports (Portugal, Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, England). Actually, although he entered into action against Spain, like attacking some battery positions about Gibraltar, such confrontations were light.
Commodore Governor
In 1732, as a CommodoreCommodore (rank)
Commodore is a military rank used in many navies that is superior to a navy captain, but below a rear admiral. Non-English-speaking nations often use the rank of flotilla admiral or counter admiral as an equivalent .It is often regarded as a one-star rank with a NATO code of OF-6, but is not always...
, George Clinton was sent with a squadron, to Newfoundland, as its governor. He was the first English officer, who bore both titles simultaneously.
At Newfoundland, Clinton patrolled, protecting the seasonal fishermen of England. Also, he surveyed the newly appointed local magistrate
Magistrate
A magistrate is an officer of the state; in modern usage the term usually refers to a judge or prosecutor. This was not always the case; in ancient Rome, a magistratus was one of the highest government officers and possessed both judicial and executive powers. Today, in common law systems, a...
s, who ruled the local fishing. Reportedly, George Clinton was a competent governor. In 1732, he was succeeded by another governor (Edward Falkingham
Edward Falkingham
Edward Falkingham was an officer in the Royal Navy. He served for a time as Governor of Newfoundland.Falkingham received his first commission in 1703 when he was promoted to Lieutenant. On 26 February 1713 he was promoted to the rank of captain in command of HMS Weymouth...
).
In 1734, George Clinton was the Flag Captain
Flag captain
In the Royal Navy, a flag captain was the captain of an admiral's flagship. During the 18th and 19th centuries, this ship might also have a "captain of the fleet", who would be ranked between the admiral and the "flag captain" as the ship's "First Captain", with the "flag captain" as the ship's...
of HMS Namur
HMS Namur (1697)
HMS Namur was a 90-gun second rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched at Woolwich Dockyard in 1697.On 11 June 1723 she was ordered to be taken to pieces and rebuilt at Deptford, according to the 1719 Establishment. She was relaunched on 13 September 1729. In 1745, she was razeed to 74...
, again under the command of Sir Charles Wager.
Commander in Chief
In 1737, George Clinton was appointed Mediterranean fleet's supreme commander, as Commodore and Commander-in-Chief. However, because the Spanish crisis was worsening, Clinton was replaced by a higher rank officer, soon afterwards.After the ensuing Jenkins' Ear war began, Clinton was commanded (1740) into the English fleet, which would confront Spanish Cartagena
Battle of Cartagena de Indias
The Battle of Cartagena de Indias was an amphibious military engagement between the forces of Britain under Vice-Admiral Edward Vernon and those of Spain under Admiral Blas de Lezo. It took place at the city of Cartagena de Indias in March 1741, in present-day Colombia...
. However, through Pelham-Holles, Clinton managed to be dismissed off the compromised region.
Royal Governor of New York
When George Clinton realised that he wouldn't be able to repay his 3,000 pound debtsPound sterling
The pound sterling , commonly called the pound, is the official currency of the United Kingdom, its Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, British Antarctic Territory and Tristan da Cunha. It is subdivided into 100 pence...
, Clinton planned to attain some profitable office. Consequently, he began to harass Pelham-Holles, to be an American Royal Governor.
Effectively, Clinton was appointed royal governor of the Province of New York
Province of New York
The Province of New York was an English and later British crown territory that originally included all of the present U.S. states of New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Vermont, along with inland portions of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maine, as well as eastern Pennsylvania...
, on 3 July 1741. He arrived to New York on 20 September 1743, assuming his charge. Despite leaving his 35 year active service in the Royal Navy definitively, immediately after, Clinton attained the rank of rear Admiral
Rear Admiral
Rear admiral is a naval commissioned officer rank above that of a commodore and captain, and below that of a vice admiral. It is generally regarded as the lowest of the "admiral" ranks, which are also sometimes referred to as "flag officers" or "flag ranks"...
whereas he kept receiving further naval Admiralty ranks until, in 1747, he was full Admiral
Admiral
Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
.
The Early Alliance
George Clinton didn't know much about New York politics so, avidly, he sought some political adviser. He spurned Lieutenant GovernorLieutenant Governor of New York
The Lieutenant Governor of New York is a constitutional office in the executive branch of the government of New York State. It is the second highest ranking official in state government. The lieutenant governor is elected on a ticket with the governor for a four year term...
George Clarke
George Clarke (Governor)
George Clarke was also known as George Clarke of Hyde. He became Secretary of the Province of New York in 1703. Along with his wife, Anne, he purchased land in Hempstead, Long Island, New York, and built an estate called Hyde Park...
, avoiding some political trouble, which could have been related to the quite controversial former royal Governor of the region, William Cosby.
Instead, Clinton approached James De Lancey, the Chief Justice
Chief Justice
The Chief Justice in many countries is the name for the presiding member of a Supreme Court in Commonwealth or other countries with an Anglo-Saxon justice system based on English common law, such as the Supreme Court of Canada, the Constitutional Court of South Africa, the Court of Final Appeal of...
. However, De Lancey was an astute political figure, who led a powerful group of liberal assemblymen, and De Lancey recommended his political agents for the Council of the Governor, which ended under his political control thus. Additionally, by De Lancey, Clinton was convinced to relinquish some royal prerogatives. Then, while the assembly attained more control on the provincial revenues, it reduced the period of its approval for the Royal Governor's salary, which became annual since then.
In 1744, for De Lancey, George Clinton set a new mandate of Chief Justice, which was virtually everlasting, "during his good behaviour."
Political Interventions
Nonetheless, soon George Clinton proved that he began to understand his office. In 1744, he warned Pelham-Holles that a parliamentary taxation of the stampRevenue stamp
A revenue stamp, tax stamp or fiscal stamp is a adhesive label used to collect taxes or fees on documents, tobacco, alcoholic drinks, drugs and medicines, playing cards, hunting licenses, firearm registration, and many other things...
s would stir the colonies much. In 1745, he sniped the Dutch fur traders, who operated about Albany
Albany, New York
Albany is the capital city of the U.S. state of New York, the seat of Albany County, and the central city of New York's Capital District. Roughly north of New York City, Albany sits on the west bank of the Hudson River, about south of its confluence with the Mohawk River...
. For their own convenience, these traders were operating uncompromisingly, between the English colonies and the French Canada
French Canada
French Canada, also known as "Lower Canada", is a term to distinguish the French Canadian population of Canada from English Canada.-Definition:...
, despite the war, which was occurring between both nations.
The New Alliance
Against France, King George's WarKing George's War
King George's War is the name given to the operations in North America that formed part of the War of the Austrian Succession . It was the third of the four French and Indian Wars. It took place primarily in the British provinces of New York, Massachusetts Bay, New Hampshire, and Nova Scotia...
began in 1744. Then, George Clinton, whose posture was belligerent, was confronted by De Lancey, whose liberal party preferred neutrality. Nonetheless, Clinton supplied artillery, which participated in the British victory of Louisbourg
Siege of Louisbourg (1745)
The Siege of Louisbourg took place in 1745 when a New England colonial force aided by a British fleet captured Louisbourg, the capital of the French province of Île-Royale during the War of the Austrian Succession, known as King George's War in the British colonies.Although the Fortress of...
(1745).
In 1746, about the issue of the military deserters, Clinton was confronted again by De Lancey, by whom a riot was provoked on the streets. Then, Clinton quit the Chief Justice's political influence, approaching Cadwallader Colden
Cadwallader Colden
Cadwallader Colden was a physician, farmer, surveyor, botanist, and a lieutenant governor for the Province of New York.-Biography:...
instead.
The then hopeless Clinton attempted to surrender his Royal Governorship away, to resume his naval career elsewhere. However, through a deceiving political manoeuvre, De Lancey convinced Pelham-Holles and, so, De Lancey was appointed Lieutenant Governor (1747). Consequently, Clinton decided to stay further as the Royal Governor, to confront his political foe.
The Debt Issue
Although, against French Canada, an expedition of 1746 had been cancelled, George Clinton had recruited local troops, which had still to be sustained. Lacking monetary assistance of England, the Province had to pay those troops, forcibly. The assembly refused so Clinton borrowed a 93,000 poundNew York pound
The pound was the currency of New York until 1793. Initially, the British pound and some foreign currencies circulated, supplemented by local paper money from 1709...
debt
Debt
A debt is an obligation owed by one party to a second party, the creditor; usually this refers to assets granted by the creditor to the debtor, but the term can also be used metaphorically to cover moral obligations and other interactions not based on economic value.A debt is created when a...
.
Then, with his party, De Lancy began to smear that Clinton had defalcated much money through such financial manoeuvres. Clinton defended himself through his political ally. In 1749, Colden argued that, still, De Lancey's faction hadn't been able to prove such accusations. London cancelled the debt in 1751.
The Indian Affairs
George Clinton attended the Indian affairs through negotiations, which were amongst his few successful policies.In August 1746, with Colden and Sir William Johnson, Clinton conferred with the Iroquois
Iroquois
The Iroquois , also known as the Haudenosaunee or the "People of the Longhouse", are an association of several tribes of indigenous people of North America...
and the Indians granted their support for the northern battlefront, against French Canada. Then, in a brilliant manoeuvre, Clinton appointed Johnson, who was beloved by the Iroquoians, for the management of the subsequent Indian affairs.
Despite the provincial idleness, the Iroquoians attacked the northern enemy. Consequently, in 1748, Clinton promised protection to the tribes. In Clinton's words, "we may live and die together" (sic).
The Conflict of Provincial Power
During the difficult years of war, George Clinton had been avoiding to interfere into the assembly's activities. However, after the war, in August 1748, the governor of Massachusetts (William ShirleyWilliam Shirley
William Shirley was a British colonial administrator who served twice as Governor of the Province of Massachusetts Bay and as Governor of the Bahamas in the 1760s...
) urged Clinton so he may demand more to New York's assembly, in the King's behalf.
Consequently, in October, Clinton rejected his annual salary, demanding a different one of many years. In response, the assembly asserted that it held the ultimate power of the province so, directly, it cancelled the whole remuneration of the Royal Governor. Nonetheless, during the subsequent years, without a local salary, Clinton manoeuvred to harm the opposition. Thus, De Lancey's assemblyman Daniel Horsmanden
Daniel Horsmanden
Daniel Horsmanden was a chief justice of the supreme court in the Province of New York and member of the governor's executive council....
was suspended and Clinton introduced loyal politicians (like James Alexander
James Alexander (lawyer)
James Alexander was a lawyer and statesman in colonial New York. He served in the Colonial Assembly and as Attorney General of the colony in 1721-1723. His son William was later a Major General in the Continental Army during the American revolution...
and William Smith), for the assembly.
In 1750, the conflict of power concluded. George Clinton ended his salary claim, retrieving his regular annual pay, whereas the assembly agreed to share the provincial power with the Royal Governor more cooperatively, as before.
Border Disputes
As Royal Governor, George Clinton's first serious political drawback ensued unexpectedly, after some frontier riots, which were due to the border disputes of the New York-New Jersey Line War, against New JerseyProvince of New Jersey
The Province of New Jersey was one of the Middle Colonies of Colonial America and became the U.S. state of New Jersey in 1776. The province had originally been settled by Europeans as part of New Netherland, but came under English rule after the surrender of Fort Amsterdam in 1664, becoming a...
. After an investigation, to the Privy Council
Privy council
A privy council is a body that advises the head of state of a nation, typically, but not always, in the context of a monarchic government. The word "privy" means "private" or "secret"; thus, a privy council was originally a committee of the monarch's closest advisors to give confidential advice on...
, the Board of Trade
Board of Trade
The Board of Trade is a committee of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom, originating as a committee of inquiry in the 17th century and evolving gradually into a government department with a diverse range of functions...
concluded (1751) that less public problems would occur, without a Royal Governor, who is usually involved in the genesis of all public problems, like George Clinton.
Besides, Clinton was suffering other border disputes. In 1749, New Hampshire
Province of New Hampshire
The Province of New Hampshire is a name first given in 1629 to the territory between the Merrimack and Piscataqua rivers on the eastern coast of North America. It was formally organized as an English royal colony on October 7, 1691, during the period of English colonization...
distributed lands, which were westward with respect to the Connecticut River
Connecticut River
The Connecticut River is the largest and longest river in New England, and also an American Heritage River. It flows roughly south, starting from the Fourth Connecticut Lake in New Hampshire. After flowing through the remaining Connecticut Lakes and Lake Francis, it defines the border between the...
, although Clinton had already assigned such territories for New Yorkers. New Hampshire insisted that its Province should extend, westward, as far as Massachusetts' territory. The issue hadn't been settled after Clinton's final departure.
Also, Massachusetts claimed a manor, which was about Hudson River
Hudson River
The Hudson is a river that flows from north to south through eastern New York. The highest official source is at Lake Tear of the Clouds, on the slopes of Mount Marcy in the Adirondack Mountains. The river itself officially begins in Henderson Lake in Newcomb, New York...
. In 1753, supporting Massachusetts' claim some riots happened about that spot and Clinton repressed through his provincial constable
Constable
A constable is a person holding a particular office, most commonly in law enforcement. The office of constable can vary significantly in different jurisdictions.-Etymology:...
s.
The Deposition
In October 1753, George Clinton was replaced as Royal Governor, by Sir Danvers OsborneDanvers Osborn
Sir Danvers Osborne, 3rd Baronet was colonial governor of New York province briefly in 1753...
. However, Osborne committed suicide just five days after his arrival and De Lancey assumed the Royal Governor office. Clinton departed afterward, in early November. After so many conflicts, Clinton's deposition meant a debacle of the local royal power, which wouldn't recover ever after.
The Politician
Back in England, George Clinton encountered a Royal Navy's refusal so he couldn't get some naval command, then. Consequently, he paid a 500 pound bribe, for the parliamentary elections of 1754, to represent the SaltashSaltash (UK Parliament constituency)
Saltash, sometimes called Essa, was a "rotten borough" in Cornwall which returned two Members of Parliament to the House of Commons in the English and later British Parliament from 1552 to 1832, when it was abolished by the Great Reform Act.-History:...
borough, which was dominated by the influence of the Admiralty. In the parliament, Clinton used to comment, proudly, about Johnson's Indian management.
Besides, in 1757, George Clinton received the highest naval title of England, Admiral of the Fleet
Admiral of the Fleet (Royal Navy)
Admiral of the fleet is the highest rank of the British Royal Navy and other navies, which equates to the NATO rank code OF-10. The rank still exists in the Royal Navy but routine appointments ceased in 1996....
, bearing it until 1761.
Nonetheless, about the parliamentary role of Clinton, Pelham-Holles lost interest, quitting its original support. Consequently, Clinton renounced in 1760.
His Death
On 10 July 1761, George Clinton died although the location is unknown. At that time, his debts were of 1,500 pounds.A son-in-law was Admiral of the Red Robert Roddam (1720–1808) of Roddam Hall
Roddam Hall
Roddam Hall is a privately owned 18th century country house near Wooler, Northumberland. It is a Grade II listed building. The Roddams, an ancient Northumbrian family, held lands at Roddam in ancient times....
.
See also
- Governors of Newfoundland
- List of people of Newfoundland and Labrador
Sources
- Biography. Arizona State UniversityArizona State UniversityArizona State University is a public research university located in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area of the State of Arizona...
- Encyclopedia Entry. Questia.com
- Biographical Information. University of MichiganUniversity of MichiganThe University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
- New York Senate Timeline. New York State SenateNew York State SenateThe New York State Senate is one of two houses in the New York State Legislature and has members each elected to two-year terms. There are no limits on the number of terms one may serve...
- Naval Profile. 3 Decks
- Most ships of his naval career. Age of Nelson
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