Description:

Henry Clinton
New York, NY, March 9, 1781
Henry Clinton LS as Commander in Chief to G. Germain re: Imports & Exports in New York
LS

A secretarially dictated letter signed by Sir Henry Clinton (1730-1795) as Commander-in-Chief of British troops. 5pp, measuring 8" x 12.5", New York, March 9, 1781. Signed "H. Clinton" at the conclusion of page 5 and addressed to Colonial Secretary George Germain, he discusses the regulation of imports and exports from the port of New York and mentions General William Howe. Marked as "Duplicate" in the top left of front page. Exhibits expected toning and uneven soiling throughout, with light edge wear. Areas of flattened creasing and folds. Otherwise, very good.

Reading in part:

"In my separate letter of the 29th October last, I had the honor or informing your Lordship of my having appointed the same officers to perform the duties required by the last Act of Parliament for Regulating the Exports and Imports at this garrison, that were first appointed by Sir William Howe, and afterwards continued by the Commissioners Proclamations, and my authority as Commander in Chief to superintend… and grant the proper Permits for the necessary supply of Long Island and Staten Island.
…I cannot omit this opportunity of expressing to your Lordship how much I have been assisted by Mr. Elliot's opinions in the Civil Transactions of my Command. As he has been more engaged in every Civil Regulation than any other person in New York, and his attention to the public tranquility has been rewarded with success… his management of Mercantile affairs has been directed with so much Prudence, and he has shewn such care to procure ample supplies for their garrison and at the same time to promote the interests of the Trader that he has given compleat [sic] satisfaction to both.
If the Act of Parliament passed last sessions for Regulating the Exports and Imports of such Ports of America as are occupied by His Majesty's Troops is not renewed before its expiration on the first of next June… I must request that your Lordship will be pleased to furnish me in time with such Instructions as may prevent the bad consequence resulting from an interruption of them…."

Andrew Elliot (1728-1797) was appointed by General Howe as New York's superintendent of exports and imports on July 17, 1777. He was later assigned to be a representative of Henry Clinton in a meeting with Commander Washington's associates Henry Knox and Gouverneur Morris regarding the exchange of prisoners in December 1781. Later, Elliot would serve as the last Acting British Governor of New York, from April to November, 1783.

George Germain (1716-1785) was a British Army officer, politician, and government official who served as Secretary of State for the Colonies from 1775 to 1782. Serving in the North ministry during the American Revolution, his hardline approach as "Britain's chief architect of war" received significant blame for their defeat in the conflict.

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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  • Dimensions: 8" x 12.5"
  • Medium: LS

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