Clinton, James. 1733-1812.

James Clinton was born in Ulster County, New York. Before the American Revolution, he served in the New York militia during the French and Indian War. Commissioned in March 1776, Clinton served as colonel of the Second New York Regiment. Five months later, he was promoted to brigadier general.

Clinton served most of the war in the Northern Department, along the New York frontier. During the Saratoga Campaign, he commanded Fort Montgomery in the Hudson Highlands. Clinton was able to escape from the fort when it fell to a British army led by another Clinton, Sir Henry Clinton (no relation). In 1780, he temporarily commanded the Northern Department. By October 1781, Clinton's brigade had joined Washington's army and fought at Yorktown.

Clinton retired to private life after he left the army. His only public service was limited to serving on a boundary commission that adjudicated land claims between New York and Pennsylvania.