Home › C › Clinton (JAMES an American military)

Clinton (JAMES an American military)

JAMES, an American military officer; born in Little Britain, Ulster co., N. Y., Aug. 9, 1736. With his father he served at Frontenac, in 1758, as captain, and commanded in 1763 the forces raised to protect Ulster and Orange counties against the Indians. He accompanied Montgomery to Quebec in 1775, and was appointed brigadier-general the following year. While his brother George was governor of New York, he was overpowered at Fort Clinton by the superior force under Sir Henry Clinton, and being severely wounded narrowly escaped with his life.

He afterward served against the Indians under Sullivan, in 1779, and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis. After the peace he occupied many distinguished civil stations. He died Dec. 22, 1812.