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Revolutionary War-dated LS signed “Geo: Clinton,” one page, 7.75 x 12.5, March 11, 1780. Addressed from Albany, a letter from New York Governor George Clinton to Delaware Governor Caesar Rodney concerning financial provisions and relief for Continental soldiers and the families of those killed in service. In full: “The Legislature of this State have had under their Consideration the act of Congress recommending it to the several States to make proper Provision for their respective Troops serving in the army of the United States to take Place at the Expiration of the War but have deferred taking their final Measures upon the Subject till they are informed what Provision has been made in the other States of the Union being sollicitous that this Business may be conducted, particularly with Respect to the Allowances to be made to the Troops, as nearly as possible upon one uniform System throughout the whole.
I have therefore to request the Favor of your Excellency to inform me what Steps have been taken in the State over which you preside in Consequence of that Recommendation and whether any and what Provision has been made for the Widows and Children of such Officers and Soldiers as die while in the Service and I shall be much obliged if I may be favored with your answer on this Subject in Season to lay it before the Legislature on the 1st of June next to which Time they stand adjourned.” In very good to fine condition, with small repairs, a few stains, and three old tape remnants along the left edge.
George Clinton (1739–1812), Revolutionary War general, longtime governor of New York, and future vice president of the United States under both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, was among the most influential political leaders of the Revolutionary and Early Republic eras. Addressed to fellow Patriot leader Caesar Rodney, signer of the Declaration of Independence and wartime governor of Delaware, the letter reflects the immense administrative and humanitarian burdens confronting the states during the Revolution’s later years. By 1780, with the war entering its sixth year and Continental finances in crisis, state governments faced mounting pressure to coordinate military compensation, pensions, and relief measures for soldiers and their surviving families.
The letter concerns congressional recommendations urging the states to establish provisions for Continental troops following the war, including allowances and relief for widows and children of officers and soldiers who died in service. Clinton’s insistence that such measures be administered “as nearly as possible upon one uniform System throughout the whole” reflects the wider Confederation-era struggle to coordinate interstate wartime policy before the establishment of a stronger national government under the Constitution. Letters directly addressing compensation and welfare for Revolutionary War soldiers and their families are uncommon, especially examples exchanged between two sitting Patriot governors at the height of the conflict.
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