Autographs
1779 George Clinton Revolutionary War New York Militia Revolutionary War Officers Commission, Also Signed by Abraham Bancker, Known Secret Patriot Participant in the "Mersereau Spy Ring" on Staten Island, New York in 1776
GEORGE CLINTON (1739-1812). Founding Father who is only one of two Vice Presidents ever to serve under two different Presidents, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison; served as the Governor of New York Twice; served in a Colonial militia during the French and Indian War, and in the Continental Army while serving as Governor of New York (1777-1795). The New York and later (1801-1804); served as Vice-President of the United States under both the Jefferson and Madison administrations.
March 6, 1779-Dated Revolutionary War Period, Partially-Printed Military Commission Document Signed, "Geo. Clinton", 1 page, measuring 12" x 9.25", at Albany, New York, Fine. Also, Countersigned on March 10, 1779, by Abraham Bancker Signed, "Abram. B. Bancker", as Secretary. Folds and creases, with sealed areas of separation and minor loss where previously mounted on the blank reverse causing four holes repaired with paper affecting a few words and just touching above "G" in "Geo." of the signature. Moderate browning, to the very wide outer margins and a couple small areas of discoloration from prior repair as shown. Boldly made to the noted Patriot Samuel Allen, who was a prominent figure during the Revolutionary War in New York who served as a military officer with the rank of colonel; participated in several significant battles including the Battle of Saratoga in 1777; he held various positions of authority within the Colonial and State governments of New York both before and after the war.
Also Signed by Abraham Bancker as Secretary. In 1780, Bancker was an active intelligence agent and a spy who operated behind British lines in New York City and Staten Island, communicating timely and descriptive reports through multiple channels and to George Washington himself on several occasions. "Your Excellency I trust will recollect that you received Sundry Papers of that Nature, under the Signature of Amicus Reipublicae, and many other anonimous Productions penned by the same Hand, and likewise Plans of Fortifications, and other Communications of an interesting and important Nature," he reminded Washington. "My breast was fired with that Ardor for Liberty," Bancker wrote.
In 1780, Bancker was an active intelligence agent and a spy who operated behind British lines in New York City and Staten Island, communicating timely and descriptive reports through multiple channels and to Washington himself on several occasions. "Your Excellency I trust will recollect that you received Sundry Papers of that Nature, under the Signature of Amicus Reipublicae, and many other anonimous Productions penned by the same Hand, and likewise Plans of Fortifications, and other Communications of an interesting and important Nature," he reminded Washington. "My breast was fired with that Ardor for Liberty," Bancker wrote, "I was not permitted from Situation & Circumstances, to draw the Sword in her defence-and the voice of Reason, and the impulse of Duty pointed out to me this, as the only method, within my Power, of being at all serviceable."

The Mersereau (often spelled Mercereau) Ring was one of the two major American spy networks that operated in greater New York City during the revolution, the other being the Culper Ring. Though their methods and tradecraft were less intricate than the Culpers (they did not use codes or invisible ink), the Mersereaus were assets to the Continental army in that their reports came at times when the Culpers were inactive or unable to deliver.
Samuel Allen was born in 1742 in Connecticut. He later moved to New York and became involved in various aspects of public life. Allen served as a military officer during the Revolutionary War. He held the rank of colonel and was known for his leadership abilities and military prowess.
Allen participated in several significant battles and campaigns in New York during the Revolutionary War. One notable engagement was the Battle of Saratoga in 1777, a crucial turning point in the war where American forces achieved a decisive victory over the British.
New York was a strategic location during the Revolutionary War, and Allen played a role in its defense against British incursions. He may have been involved in efforts to fortify key positions and repel enemy attacks.
In addition to his military service, Samuel Allen was also involved in politics. He held various positions of authority within the colonial and state governments of New York both before and after the war.
After the Revolutionary War, Allen continued to be active in public life. He may have served in positions of leadership within the newly established state government of New York, contributing to its early development and governance.