GEORGE CLINTON
(1739 - 1812) Vice President of the United States (1805-12) and Continental Congressman who opposed ratification of the Constitution. Historical content and association A.L.S. "Geo. Clinton" as Governor of New York, 1p. 4to., New York, Feb. 21, 1793, to THOMAS JEFFERSON, when he was Secretary of State, who also dockets the letter on verso. Clinton writes to his friend, the man under whom he would later be elected Vice President, in part: "...I have the Honor to transmit you...an Exemplification of an Act of the Legislature of this State ceding the Jurisdiction of certain Lands on Montauk Point to the United States of America, for the Purposes in the said Act mentioned...". Docketed on verso by Jefferson: "Clinton Govr. N. York Feb. 21, 93 recd. Feb. 25". With Clinton authorizing this transfer of land, the Second Congress under President George Washington appropriated $20,000 on March 2, 1793 to build a lighthouse at Montauk, Long Island. Construction of the 100-foot tower located on Turtle Hill at the east end of Long Island began on June 7, 1796 and was completed on November 5, 1796. With New York "ceding the Jurisdiction of certain Lands on Montauk Point" to the infant United States, one of the earliest national historic monuments came into existence, the first identifiable landmark (like the Statue of Liberty) that for almost 100 years would greet many generations of immigrants landing on American soil. This letter has an extra bonus as it captures a future President and his Vice President on the same document. Usual folds, one small stain, overall very good condition.