George Clinton
New York, April 19, 1787
NY Governor George Clinton ALS on Mohawk Land Speculation
ALS

An autograph letter signed by New York Governor George Clinton regarding land speculation. 1p of a bifolium, measuring 7.75" x 12.5", New York, dated April 19, 1787. Signed "Geo Clinton" and addressed to Peter Tappen Esq. Clinton writes to Tappen, who was a member of his wife's family, about the purchase of a plot of land at auction. The land was purchased in Tappen's name, and Clinton goes on to outline a plan to resell the land for a greater value, but advises Tappen to keep his involvement a secret "for Reasons which will occur to you?" With flattened mail folds and small holes or separations at a few fold lines. Wear, tears, and loss to the address page where the seal was broken. Toning and minor staining scattered throughout. Mounting residue on verso. Boldly signed by Clinton.

In part:
"?A few days previous Kelly's Land in the Kayaderossera Patent was up for sale at the Coffee House and altho' it appeared to me that it would sell exceedingly low I concluded (not having an opportunity of consulting with you) not to be concerned in the Purchase of it. But the sale being postponed until yesterday and having in the interim received your Letter & being persuaded that a much more profitable Purchase might be made of these Lands than those you had in view, I determined to bid for them & they were accordingly struck off to your name at 4/1 pr Acre, as for Reasons which will occur to you I do not chuse that it should be known that I have any Interest in them. These lands?will readily sell on an average at 20/ pr Acre. They amount to near 10,000 Acres & of course cont nearly ?2,000 - you & your Brother - Christopher are welcome to one half or even a greater proportion if you cannot command the cash. In the first instance I will advance the whole purchase Money; but I cannot conveniently be without your proportions longer than the first of September?Mrs. Clinton desires you to bring Mr. Gammons some Eggs & fresh Butter & etc. with you?"

The Mohawk tribe of the Iroquois Five Nations used the associated valley as a summer hunting and fishing destination. They named the creek Kayaderosseras (which translates into "Valley of the Crooked Stream") due to its tortuous course and dramatic drop in elevation. An 1887 source says that the name was derived from French terms, a Mohawk corruption of either pays arros?, a watered country, or pays des ruisseaux, a country of streams, adapted by the Mohawk when they pushed out the previous inhabitants, the Mahican, in the 17th century.

George Clinton (1739-1812) served in a colonial militia during the French and Indian War, and later in the Continental Army while serving his first stint as 1st Governor of New York between 1777 and 1795. The New York-trained lawyer later reprised the governorship between 1801 and 1804. He also served as Vice-President of the United States under both the Jefferson and Madison administrations. Along with John C. Calhoun, he is the first of two vice presidents to hold office under two consecutive presidents.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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7.75" x 12.5"